Moving to Saint Louis-need help!

[sixtwobaldguy]

For a childless couple, living in many of the city apartments would have appeal I imagine. However, with kids, you do have to consider the amount of space you will need as a family and please consider the school they will attend *very* carefully. Many st. louis area schools are not up to the standards one might expect and some are great, but so you need to consider this issue carefully imo.

To give a rough breakdown of the metro area:
West County == upper middle class people, nice neighborhoods, generally well educated people (of course consider the specific neighbors and streets, there's always a bad apple in every bunch). This is where I'd feel most comfortable investing if you decide to stay. Predominately a white area but I have neighbors from various races, cultures, and nations, so it's not as homogeneous as some people make it sound. The higher price of homes keeps the lower class out.

South County == slightly lower class than West county, more "redneck/rural" and some lower class mixed in but generally a pretty good area to live. Might have some domestic violence or diu issues on occasion but no major problems. This area appears to be predominately white. The lower home values do allow some questionable characters to move in. I know, sounds a little classist but it's the sad truth of the situation. I would live here with no concerns if I couldn't afford west co.

North County == Criminals and low socioeconomic class persons. There are of course exceptions, some well educated people who want to reform the heathens, some people on their way up in the world, some people who can't afford to move and are stuck there, and some neighborhoods that are isolated OK areas (or you could go way up until you are in the middle of nowhere and get some cheap land). In general you want to avoid this area as it is where the crime occurs. There are some liberal types who like to claim this is all a myth and such, but I suggest you visit and see for yourself. I think if you do that you can draw your own conclusion very easily.

Metro East == runs the full monty from terrible crime ridden hell holes to very good deals. Edwardsville is a haven for people who want good schools, low crime, and reasonable prices. It's a bit of a drive up there, but it might be worth it. Belleville has some OK spots, but I am suspect of the school system and is close to some of the poor areas you won't want to have anything to do with.

Although I've lived in the city, I don't know much about many of the neighborhoods so I will let someone else explain them. Webster is very close to the city and I enjoyed living there, I would definitely consider living in webster if being close to the city was important (although I can get into the city very easy from west co so it's actually not as big of deal as people make it sound.)

[stlcitygirl]

I recommend checking out Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Richmond Heights, Brentwood and Maplewood. These are inner-burbs, close to the city and I have heard the schools are good.

[AJohnston_STL]

Originally Posted by sixtwobaldguy

North County == Criminals and low socioeconomic class persons. There are of course exceptions, some well educated people who want to reform the heathens, some people on their way up in the world, some people who can't afford to move and are stuck there, and some neighborhoods that are isolated OK areas (or you could go way up until you are in the middle of nowhere and get some cheap land). In general you want to avoid this area as it is where the crime occurs. There are some liberal types who like to claim this is all a myth and such, but I suggest you visit and see for yourself. I think if you do that you can draw your own conclusion very easily.

I don't think I agree with this - Florissant and Hazelwood are 2 of the larger burbs in no co, and those are fairly decent.

[jfpieron]

If you end up going with him check out Edwardsville, IL. Best schools you will find and a great place to live. Very community oriented and not a bad commute in, maybe 25 minutes.

You can also get a lot more home for your money. Taxes are high but with the school system being way above state average, low crime, and beautiful homes for less, it pays for itself.

Good Luck!