affordable housing near clayton? (St. Louis, Kirkwood: big home, safe area, buying)

[chicagoerin]

Hello-what areas should I check out within a 20 minute drive of Clayton that are more affordable? I am looking to spend $275,00 on a single family home. Doesn't have to be big, but must be in safe area.
Thanks

[RickMG]

Without sounding sarcastic, truly it's not intended, but you can find what you're looking for anywhere within that 20 minute circle from Clayton. Even within the Clayton school district. Now, what size, age, style and amenities (such as how many bedrooms, baths, garage, etc.) could make a difference as to which way you might have to go. I hope this makes some sence. Be a little more specific and this might be a little easier to answer correctly.

[Petunia393]

Check out East Lake in Flowers Plantation, really beautiful area. Lots of walking trails too. But be prepared for a 30 minute commute to Raleigh. No major stores yet, but there coming. I can't wait to not to have to commute so far, I am from New York and really miss having any kind of shopping at my disposal.

[CellarBelle]

Originally Posted by Petunia393

Check out East Lake in Flowers Plantation, really beautiful area. Lots of walking trails too. But be prepared for a 30 minute commute to Raleigh. No major stores yet, but there coming. I can't wait to not to have to commute so far, I am from New York and really miss having any kind of shopping at my disposal.

Wrong Clayton, Petunia! OP means Clayton, Missouri.

[aragx6]

I'd look into Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Rock Hill
Affordable older post-war homes - some in good condition some not so much. But the area is super safe.

[jestmom]

I live in Rock Hill and it's an easy drive to Clayton. From my house I can get to Clayton without ever getting on the interstate. It's safe and we take our two kids out walking all the time. The neighbors are all great and friendly. There are some smaller homes but some big homes too. Great location with many things min. away. My husband works downtown and can get there in 15-20 min from our house.

We're actually selling our house right now because we are moving to Colorado for a job. Check it out and you may be interested. Great maintenance free house.

Single Family Home - 1133 Rockman Place, Rock Hill, MO, 63119 - Realtor.com

I love the area and location. Minutes from malls, restaurants, downtown and great schools. My kids are preschool age so we haven't started school but the Webster School district is highly rated and the many private schools near by make it centrally located.

[anr_black]

Have you considered the city? There are many safe, city neighborhoods that would be the same distance for you as Rock Hill/Webster that fit your budget.

[aragx6]

Couldn't agree more, unless the poster has kids. There are some good magnet schools, but other than that St. Louis schools (like most city schools) are not so great. If you can get them in a magnet or can afford private school then I think the city is an excellent option.

[anr_black]

I agree about the city schools. Keep in mind though, that you're going to get a lot more house for your money (within a 20-30 min. drive of Clayton), have cheaper property taxes, and will still be spending less in total even with private school tuition for one or two, vs. buying the same type of home in the county. What I mean by that is, my identical house in Brentwood or Richmond Heights would cost almost twice as much (well, maybe not now, but you know what I mean
I think, though, if you have more than two kids, and wouldn't choose private school anyway, you'd be better off financially moving to the burbs.

[jojojohnson76]

anr_black; don't discourage people from moving to the city. I don't want to live in a suburban sprawl hellhole!