St Louis or CHicago?? WHich one is better? (St. Louis, Springfield: relocating, real estate)

[melindagrooms]

We are looking to relocating to ST Louis or Chicago...we have 2 small children, and I am a stay at home mom, so we do live on a budget, my husband would work downtown either place, so he would have to commute...I want somewhere thats pretty, quaint but with character, and thats nice to raise a family, so schools and safety are huge for me....Our price range for a house is $200,000. Random thoughts on either place or if you have lived in both places you could give me your input.Thanks!!

[ShadowCaver]

You are soooooo silly! Well, of course, usins here are [or, well, should] say that St Louis is better Even tho' I was born/raised in StL, I must confess that Chitown is an awesome, wonderful city - one of my top 4. Great rivalry between these two midwestern towns. However, all kidding aside, both are great cities - w/ much in common, yet even more in difference... I will be killed or worse by admitting the following, but, I may be deranged, but I am honest

IMHO, Chicago is "superior", in various amounts, in the following over my beloved Gateway City:
Nightlife
Culture [museums, festivals, ethnic 'towns', etc.]
Travel [airports]
Overall size
Diversity
Infrastructure

Where StL is "better" would be:
Cost of living
Traffic - much more easier/faster to boogie from downtown to outer limits
Weather [slightly better winters, yet slightly more humid summers]

A question back for you and yours - would the location of either make much difference? For example, closer to other attractions, recreational sights, family/friends, etc.?

Note that above I put superior and better in quotes... this is done as what is superior/better to one person's eyes may not be to another - its all highly subjective. And, based on your post, I would recommend St Louis - as you mentioned a budget, a family, and commuting to downtown from a nice quaint area; all these are feasible in Chicago, but in St Louis, much more readily accessible and less costly.

Anyhow, there be some quick random thoughts on a Sunday evening...

[melindagrooms]

I love the insight...thank you...to answer your question...St.Louis is familiar to my husband and he has alot of friends there...Chicago is closer to South Bend (Notre Dame)...which makes my hubby happy...Thus far I have been persuaded more on CHIcago...although, I do not know if my budget can survive there, property taxes are very high there! Hubby, is more for ST Louis! I know very little about your beloved city & I guess I (sorry to say) I had a dirty city image...but I am told I am wrong!

[ShadowCaver]

Maybe the links to the photos in this thread might help alleviate some of your concerns, or at least show ya some additional side(s) of StL that might note be aware of...

Pictures Anyone?


Just to add - I love Chicago, it is a great place. However, have only visited the area [be it from a week to a day], never lived there. In thinking more about this, while I would find it so cool to live there, what w/ all the diversity and fests and such,,, I dunno, but StL, maybe just cause it is 'home', would at the end of the day get my vote. It has much of what Chicago offers, but just not in the amount, and w/ a slightly different feel - most likely cause of its size and aura. Biggest complaint I have w/ StL is its inept politicians who fail to get a remedy or any long-term vision for the riverfront, IMHO. I love how Chicago, Boston, San Antonio, Cleveland, etc. have done so much to their waterfronts. StL has this great river there, but the city either ignores her, or at best seems to give it just token appreciation. Same way for many of its great older/historic buildings. I love architect, and StL has some of the neatest places, but alas many are either suffering or already lost. True, there is a revitalization afoot - just hope it can continue and keep its momentum. And besides, another vote for StL would be that the bestest hockey team is there... Go Blues!!!

[melindagrooms]

Thanks for the websites, I have been looking at some of the photos and , I am liking what I see! I think we will have to plan a trip, anytime of the year you suggest? My husband grew up in Mascoutah, IL ...so he is thinking of going back to the metro -east...some friends say its more for your money....he has not lived there in like 17yrs and...so as a adult has to revisit. He has a friend that lives in Mehlville, MO....that likes it there...He has talked about a Imos Pizza for 13 yrs....that will be one of our 1st stops!

[ARJ]

I live in the Springfield, IL area which is 100 miles north of St. Louis and 200 south of Chicago give or take a few miles. While I have seen more of St. Louis due to proximity I think both cities are amazing and have much to offer anyone.

However this past spring I visited a friend who lived in Chesterfield, MO and it is gorgeous! Lots of rolling hills/trees with newly built franchised businesses along with nice looking schools. Have no idea of their quality as I was just passing by them.

I ran a check from central Chesterfield to Market St. St. Louis and it was under 20 miles, though that may be a long 20 miles in rush hour traffic on 64/40. However it maybe worth a check with a mls search or a quality agent who may be able to give you more specific details.

I know this does not answer your exact question, but I was impressed with the area and surroundings & thinking that with children the "suburbia" setting may be nice for school/activities and visit what the city has to offer on the weekends.

[CellarBelle]

Hi Melinda! My vote is for St. Louis. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Chicago, but commute times can be long and cost of living can be expensive. Don't let negative press about St. Louis sway you. I go over regularly for sporting events, shopping and dining, and I find it to be safe. Of course, there are areas that tend to be unsafe, but that is not where you would be spending your time. With all that said, I don't think you can go wrong with Chicago or St. Louis.

If your husband likes the Metro-east, do look at Edwardsville and Glen Carbon. I was a stay-at-home mom when we moved here 5 years ago, and I found it to be affordable and very "stay-at-home-mom" friendly. The schools are excellent, the town is growing (will be much more different than what your husband may remember), the hike and bike trails are all over the place, SIUE is great not just for college students but their camps for kids are fun, and the new YMCA is a great facility.

I hope that helps and good luck!
-jen

Originally Posted by melindagrooms

Thanks for the websites, I have been looking at some of the photos and , I am liking what I see! I think we will have to plan a trip, anytime of the year you suggest? My husband grew up in Mascoutah, IL ...so he is thinking of going back to the metro -east...some friends say its more for your money....he has not lived there in like 17yrs and...so as a adult has to revisit. He has a friend that lives in Mehlville, MO....that likes it there...He has talked about a Imos Pizza for 13 yrs....that will be one of our 1st stops!

[anr_black]

I live in St. Louis now and lived in Chicago for two years about seven years ago. We lived in the city (Old Town) one year and in Evanston one year. I think both can be a great place to raise your family. Some things to consider: Your money will go a lot further here. You'll have a hard time finding a house in your budget within a decent commute of downtown in Chicago. Everything will be more expensive~gas, food, dinners out. Chicago is a huge city, in terms of both population and area. It's very fast paced and may take some getting used to (I'm not sure where you're from?). There's also the weather~St. Louis summers are very hot, but Chicago winters can be brutal. Everyone hibernates for 6-8 months of the year!
That being said, Chicago is an awesome city and has TONS of culture and fun things to do. Having the lake and beaches is nice. Living in the Chicago metro area is living on a larger scale. If you want a slower pace, I'd choose St. Louis.

[bls5555]

I would choose St. Louis if only for home prices (plus I live on the IL side right now and it is great, other than the property taxes). Choose the missouri side of St. Louis and you will love it. I used to live in Chesterfield also. Great place with great schools.

[melindagrooms]

Everyones information is so helpful, and its nice to hear everyones opinions!! I think both places must be wonderful cities..but not sure we can afford Chicago...THe MO side seems to be a tad more expensive than the IL side as far as real estate, now I just need to check the taxes....Chesterfield MO, and O'Fallon, IL seem to be the most recommended oh and Edwardsville, IL..my husband seems to think that seemed more industrial though...