Moving to St. Louis- CWE vs Downtown (Washington, Craig: apartment, rentals)

[jack981]

I recently moved back to the St. Louis area for a job and need advice on where to live, currently staying in St Charles County. The two areas I am interested in are downtown and the central west end. Which of these areas would better suit a single 27 year old guy? I am leaning towards downtown, but not sure I can do it on my budget ($1100/month for a 2br). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[BoomBoxing]

They're both great areas, but you're right, that budget is kind of tough. You won't have any trouble with a 1 bedroom if you can make do with that. As for DT vs CWE, it really is just personal preference. We had a thread on it recently that I can't find, but I recall most people preferring the CWE.

I think I'd lean towards the CWE as well due to the proximity to Forest Park as well as a better food and nightlife scene. I do like Washington Ave a lot too though...and those renovated loft units can be pretty sweet. Honestly, you can't go wrong.

[billiken]

My best advice is to check it out for yourself, you live in the area I prefer the Central West End, I think it feels more neighborhood-y, and I really like Forest Park as an added nearby amenity. However, downtown nearly every apartment is newly renovated, which might be a big plus to you.

[jencarroll01]

Hi. We are relocating to STL this August from Florida. From our internet searches, we thought we would really like the downtown loft district and were really surprised at how much we did not love it in person. We thought the CWE had a much better vibe, and downtown (post office square area I think it's called) did not have a residential feel to us at all. Hope this is helpful.

[Brickmama]

You cant go wrong however I have lived in both and like downtown better. The areas lived in the CWE wasn't as walkable to as many places and my surroundings downtown. I am also within walking distance to the grocery store, metro link, and all sporting events. Basically the same amount of nightlife if not more downtown plus it's a short distance to Midtown and Soulard. I am sure its a tough decision for you.

Give the Ely Walker Lofts, the Ventana, Vanguard, and 10th street lofts a look.

[aragx6]

I don't think you'll have a major problem finding a 2BR rental in either of those neighborhoods, though you might not end up in the heart of either 'hood at that price. It's really just a matter of which neighborhood's vibe you prefer. An example or two from Craigslist:

HUGE 2 Bedroom at a GREAT PRICE!!! Faces Washington Ave~ (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2821750241.html - broken link)
11th Floor View of Downtown- High Rise Apartment Building********** (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2807983063.html - broken link)
CWE apt. near SLU has 2 BR, new kitchen, new bath, much more (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2831046884.html - broken link)
Spacious 2BR/2BA-W&D in Unit-Large Deck (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2825987775.html - broken link)

[aragx6]

And for what it's worth, you might also check out Tower Grove South, Soulard and the Loop for slightly lower priced rentals that still have a walkable vibe.

[jack981]

Thank you for all the responses!

Going to look at some CWE places this weekend. What are the more desirable areas(e.g. east of a certain street)?

@aragx6 thanks for the links. I also noticed that 2br in Bee Hat when searching craigslist.It is a great location, but the price seems tgtbt. Can anyone familiar with Bee Hat provide some insight?

[aragx6]

^That is a great price, but you'll notice it's for a 13-month lease and I suspect this is a tough time of year for renting properties so it's probably possible to find some good specials right now.

It should be noted though (I just looked) that Charrette property management has an F with the BBB. Doesn't mean it's a scam per se, but worth being careful about.

[Matthew Hall]

What is a "walkable vibe"?