Eureka vs. Chesterfield (St. Louis, Oakville, Wildwood: renting, buying a house, buying)

[Sadie85]

Ballwin is nice, but I'm partial to Fenton. Arnold is okay, too. Not too keen on Wildwood. It all just depends on what you are looking for. Jefferson County (Fenton/Arnold) is going to be a little backwooded compared to, say, Ballwin. But it's not a bad thing, it's just about preference. They all have pretty good schools, and the homes in Jeff County are probably a LOT cheaper with a LOT more land to be offered.

[aragx6]

Regardless of the reality of Jefferson County, as compared to the "prestige" of St. Louis County there's not a chance. Living in JeffCo is fine - I had some friends who lived there for many years - but you will always get a few noses turned up at you when you tell people where you live. You should also be aware of Jeff County's very real historical segregation. In all of the time I've spent down there I have never seen a black person -and most residents seem very happy (even outwardly proud) about that.They have a reputation of being pretty racist.

[aragx6]

Oh by the way I should mention I grew up in St. Charles county - which ranks pretty low in the "prestige" dept. too - just so everyone knows I'm not a West County snob who thinks nothing exists off of Manchester ). I have known a few of them in my day as well (I'm related to a few actually haha)

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Oh by the way I should mention I grew up in St. Charles county - which ranks pretty low in the "prestige" dept. too - just so everyone knows I'm not a West County snob who thinks nothing exists off of Manchester ). I have known a few of them in my day as well (I'm related to a few actually haha)

As a guy who grew up off Manchester Rd. There's some truth to that. Back in the day though, that used to be where all the commercial and retail businesses were. Nowadays Chesterfield has that in the valley and Eureka has the stores along the interstate.

[aragx6]

I should also note that Manchester is an awfully long road and it changes a lot depending where you are on it. My dad lived in Rock Hill and for the most part that's a much more working class and lower middle class neighborhood. Al ot of people have lived there for years and years.
Just don't want it to seem like I'm making overly broad generalizations!

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by aragx6

You should also be aware of Jeff County's very real historical segregation. In all of the time I've spent down there I have never seen a black person

So they have still have separate schools, drinking fountains, restrooms, etc? I had no idea...

[aragx6]

They don't need them because few blacks go down there where they'll often be harassed.

[RickMG]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Just don't want it to seem like I'm making overly broad generalizations!

Actually I've never seen anyone make broader generalizations. From snobs to racism. You've put entire cities into what you think they are. You should really think again.

Sorry, I don't mean to be this way, you have some great posts but I can't stand bigotry in anyway, and spreading rumors of it is just as bad.


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[aragx6]

Maybe you didn't see the dateline on racism in St. Louis. It's one of the most segregated cities in America. And they had a black guy go to Jeff Co and walk down the street and the following was shouted out a car windoow "Little far south aren't ya?" That's pretty ****ing racist, and anyone who is considering a move to that area should be made aware of that reality.

[kt12883]

If you can afford to live in Chesterfield or Ballwin, those are your best options. Arnold is more of a country town, alond with Fenton. I am from South County Mehlville / Oakville area and it is starting to get overrun by trash.

Everyone is moving to West county (Chesterfield / Ballwin / Manchester) Area. it is nice, low crime, good shopping, excellent schools.

Thats my recommendation