where to live? (St. Louis, Springfield, Chesterfield: apartment, rent, condo)

[linebacker04]

I need some help on where to live me and my friend just came to st louis we both are in college at meremac community college. We came from a small town by Springfield with about 1500 people so this is quite a change for us. We want to live near downtown I've been checking out places on craigslist. Seems like Tower grove park area and university city are in our price range. Any insight on these 2?? crime? neighborhoods? anything else I need to know about living in the city? like i said im from a small town so this is a huge change for me. Were currently staying out in Chesterfield at our friends apartment, seems like a nice place for snobby rich people.

[razzy]

Depends on what part of U City. The closer you are to Delmar Ave that you are, the better. The northern part of U City is more ghetto.

Tower Grove park is another dicey area. There are some nice streets around there, and some bad ones. Be very careful and selective about living in either area.

If you want to live near downtown, I recommend Soulard. Its an old charming neighborhood just south of downtown, where a lot of singles live. Though most of them are probably out of school and have jobs. But you'll find a bar or restaurant on just about every block down there and they have the biggest or second biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the entire US in that neighborhood. It is relatively safe, too. But kind of a long drive to Meramec, but at least you would be commuting in the opposite direction that most people do - from the city to the suburbs, when 90% of people do the opposite.

The Central West End is also highly recommended. There I think you'll find more college students, since it is closer to SLU and Washington University. You'll find a lot of nightlife in that area also, and while not as close to downtown as Soulard it is still close enough - about a 5 or 10 minute drive.

Just remember that it is worth paying an extra $100 to $200 a month to live in an area that you like and feel safe in.

[linebacker04]

Thanks Razzy.
Where exactly is the central west end area? any places that are better than others?? I've read theres spots that are more prone to crime than others.

[razzy]

Originally Posted by linebacker04

Thanks Razzy.
Where exactly is the central west end area? any places that are better than others?? I've read theres spots that are more prone to crime than others.

Central West end is bounded roughly by Delmar on the north, Highway 40 on the south, Kingshighway (and Forest Park) on the west, and Vandeventure on the east.

Pretty much anywhere within those blocks are okay. Note that there are a lot of high rise apartment buildings in that area. I think most are okay, but I would still scrutinize them a bit, especially if you are looking for the cheapest rent possible. But you dont have to live in a high rise, as there are flats and apartment buildings in that area too. Just DO NOT live north of Delmar anywhere in the city. The further south you are from Delmar, the better. But even just two or three blocks south of Delmar is okay in the CWE.

Another area that you might consider is the Richmond Heights area. It borders St Louis on the west as you travel down Highway 40 and is closer to your school while downtown is just 10-15 minutes away. Lots of old apartment buildings and flats there, and it is safe. Try to stay north of Highway 40 if you look at Richmond Heights.

We'll see if this works or not, but this is the Central West End...

st louis - Google Maps

[UnHappyNSTL]

I would definitely recommend the CWE, which is probably the lesser of evils when it comes to in town. I moved here about a year ago and haven't had any major issues. It can be noisey at times with the hospital nearby and the occasional faint thumps of gunfire in the distance. As you have probably already figured out, St. Louis isn't a safe place even in comparison to other major cities, but the CWE manages to create a wonderful "sense" of safety. Everything to the north of here is pretty much desolate, but the government in its infinite wisdom placed roadblocks on most of the roads through those undesirable areas leading to the CWE. So I feel totally safe on this side of Delmar.

As a note of caution, if at all possible you should try and find a building that has a parking garage or at least some type of gated entry. You'll thank yourself later!

[Fishtacos]

CWE was a good recommendation, area is vibrant with bars, restuarants, shops, the large medical center, Forest Park and so on...it is located in between Wash U and SLU. It can be pricey depending on your find. Be careful of overpriced older buildings...look around.

U.City will definitely be cheaper. The Southern End of U City is where the action of the loop....again bars, restuarants, commercial, retail....and is where you should stick to for your living options. It borders Clayton which is a wealthy STL suburb, but also may have some older affordable apts, very safe suburban area...but a close in burb and better for your commute. Richmond Heights, Brentwood also possibilities....There is a large older affordable condo community in Brentwood with tons and tons of single young professional women in and post college.

Kirkwood, the location of Meramec CC is a nice family suburban area, some young people buying homes in their 20's mixed with familes and older people. Definintely suburban, older, nice character.

Do a search on this board for past discussions....

Also in play for you are downtown, and the several different neighborhoods South of downtown....The Grove, Soulard, South City, Lafayette Square and so on...depending on what you are seeking.

Your school is in a nice suburban area just East of hwy 270...I'd look for anything East of 270 for your interests, all the way including downtown.

Young areas are parts of Brentwood&Clayton....but more young professional than college.

U.City loop is more college and mixed, also Central West End is younger, Downtown is a social scene near Washington Ave....Soulard is vibrant. etc...

[skipcromer]

I would definitely recommend Soulard if you are looking to live close to downtown. Pricing is reasonable and it is a very safe area. If the loop is in your price range than soulard should be as well.