Just wanted to say 'Goodbye' to St. Louis. (Pacific, Mount Vernon: how much, new home)

[B33nThere]

We moved to St. Louis, due to my job, over 4 years ago, and made our little mark as best as we could. Within a year, we bought an old 2.5 story house in Dutchtown, built in 1896, and brought it back to life, and made one little city block look a little nicer. I worked hard, trying to keep trash and broken glass off the sidewalk and alley, around our house. I reported broken holes in streets (that fill-in at Osage & Broadway was my call), illegal trash dumping, and things like that. I really tried to leave St. Louis a better place than when we first arrived, and hope I made a difference.

We never could make St. Louis "home", because our hearts were rooted in the Pacific Northwest, so it seemed inevitable that we would eventually return. And, as such, things worked out this year, to open up a way for us to return, and return we did.

I'm proud to say, though, that we lived on a State Street in St. Louis City, and survived. However, we were running out of steam, there. No matter how much I did, there was a consistent arrival of fresh broken glass and empty bottles on the sidewalks and street, and that gets to you after awhile. I really hope that that area grows and gets cleaned up, because it has potential to be a hip neighborhood, but it takes more pioneers, like us, to get in there and invest time, money, and sweat.

I wish St. Louis the best, and hope it continues to renovate, and see things on a grander scale.

~John

[aragx6]

Best of luck in your new adventure! I definitely know what it's like to have your heart be in another city.

[return to STL!]

B33NThere, I understand, go hoome to where home is, we are returning from CLeveland to St. Louis and though we tried to make it "home" our hearts are in St. Louis. PacNW is a beautiful place enjoy!

[mike0421]

I find this more than ever, as I become older, that it becomes more difficult to put down stakes for so many, and pretend to call the place 'home'. I personally don't have a problem with it, as I see it, ultimately it comes down to people over places. However, to many, their own 'micro-culture' matters, be it in the form of differences in cuisine, architecture, weather, and the like, not to mention the comfort of family draping those familarities like a well worn pair of shoes.

[B33nThere]

Originally Posted by mike0421

I find this more than ever, as I become older, that it becomes more difficult to put down stakes for so many, and pretend to call the place 'home'. I personally don't have a problem with it, as I see it, ultimately it comes down to people over places. However, to many, their own 'micro-culture' matters, be it in the form of differences in cuisine, architecture, weather, and the like, not to mention the comfort of family draping those familarities like a well worn pair of shoes.

It was actually both, in our case, as we have family and friends here in WA, and also prefer the climate, cuisine(coffee), and outdoor attractions. Although we built some long-lasting friendships in St. Louis, it wasn't a place we could stay, long-term. I'm not a Seattle native. I moved here, on my own, when I was in my mid-20's, and stayed for nearly 12 yrs, though I had first arrived here, via the US Navy, several years before that. I knew, even then, that it was a better match for my persona. I do like adventure and travel, and living in St. Louis was a significant growth experience, but I think I'm done with moving far away. This is where I plan to stay, God-willing.

[mike0421]

^Whidbey Island Naval Station? I remember being smitten with this area 13 years go when I visited. Mount Vernon, and especially La Conner, what a beautiful area.

Once you start headed west of the Rocky Mountain front range, from a standpoint of terrain and majesty, the eastern part of the country just can't keep up, and I say that as someone who very much appreciates dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains.

[BoomBoxing]

You did a great thing by trying to improve an area that has seen better days. No doubt you made a difference and I hope whoever moves in after you keeps it up. Enjoy your new home!

[B33nThere]

Originally Posted by mike0421

^Whidbey Island Naval Station? I remember being smitten with this area 13 years go when I visited. Mount Vernon, and especially La Conner, what a beautiful area.

Once you start headed west of the Rocky Mountain front range, from a standpoint of terrain and majesty, the eastern part of the country just can't keep up, and I say that as someone who very much appreciates dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains.

No, it was on the other side of the Puget Sound...Bangor Sub Base, near Silverdale, WA. Let me tell you, that was the best naval base I had ever stayed at. Shrouded in evergreen trees, and really close to the Olympic Mtns. La Conner is a nice little harbor village. Yes, there are wonderful views as you leave the Great Plains and enter the Great West. I've made a few road trips between Seattle and Kentucky, traveling different routes, and I always enjoyed the Western segment the most.

[charles1169]

I grew up and lived off and on in NC for a large amount of time. I have moved several times - LA, NYC, Athens, Ga, Europe - and I was able to feel somewhat at home but I usually returned to NC. Now that i live in Dallas I have never felt more like I don't live anywhere, if that makes sense. Home is where the heart is I guess. We are looking to move - maybe to StL - depending on where the job is for my wife . But you cannot discount what works for you - for me being near the coast and mountains, near bigger cities but not necessarily in them. We all have our own comfort levels and life is too short to fight something that isn't working for you. Of course you ahve to deal with reality but if you gotta go - go!

[RonnieRedd]

You're so lucky!