Commuting to Arnold (St. Louis, Kirkwood, Clayton: apartment, home, safe neighborhood)

[slideman]

I just accepted an offer for a job in Arnold and my wife and I have begun our search for an apartment. We're looking for a nice, 2br place between $700-900.

I used to live in the St Louis area, but I never did stray south of I-44 much at all, so I know practically nothing about the area (except maybe the Tower Grove/South Grand area). I'd like to have a relatively easy commute to my job...but it doesn't seem like anything goes on in South County, which means I'd miss all the amenities I was used to having close by living in Mid-County (Forest Park, CWE, Loop, Galleria, etc). I'd also like a safe neighborhood, since the new job is shift work...which would occasionally require me leaving my wife at home at night alone by herself, and coming/going to work late at night.

So far, I've been targeting some of the nice areas along I-44 (which I am familiar with), such as Kirkwood, Webster and Shrewsbury. I'm also looking at maybe something in Boulevard Heights area, but I'm not too familiar with many of the city neighborhoods in this area. My wife would be looking for a job - likely some type of Executive Asst. position, of which I'm not sure there are too many in South County...so I'm trying to possibly strike a balance in case she finds something in Clayton or Downtown.

Anyone have any areas that I'm overlooking that might be good? Would the neighborhoods around Carondelet Park be safe for a suburban girl at home alone? Are Southampton and St Louis Hills too far of a commute?

[BoomBoxing]

Originally Posted by slideman

Anyone have any areas that I'm overlooking that might be good? Would the neighborhoods around Carondelet Park be safe for a suburban girl at home alone? Are Southampton and St Louis Hills too far of a commute?

Holly Hills, just north of Carondelet Park is a great place to look. Quiet, safe, charming, and close to everything. It is not any further than Southampton and St. Louis Hills, which are also great choices. Any of those neighborhoods would put you roughly 20-30 minutes out to Arnold. And you will be reverse commuting so you won't see many traffic jams at all.

I think that part of the city would be perfect for you guys.

[flynavyj]

I was also going to suggest South St. Louis City. To get to Arnold, you'll be commuting down I-55, and the commute should be relatively painless going that way in the morning (you'll be against traffic). If you're in the Carondelet park area, that should be a win win for close to amenities and quick access to work...probably not more than 15-20 minutes depending on where in Arnold you'll be.