Just moved to St. Louis (Pacific, Fenton: appointed, rent, new house)

[HuJass]

We just moved to St. Louis 3 weeks ago due to a job transfer.
We've began looking at houses but are very disappointed in what we're seeing.
Originally, we thought we'd like to live in South or West County or Jefferson County, but now we're not sure.
Some of our needs, among others, are a larger lot (1 acre or more), public sewer, public water, cable, natural gas, a good school district, a newer (preferrably new) home (around 1800-2000 square feet) with some nicer upgrades (hardwoods, ceramic tiles, nice trim work, upgraded faucets, etc), nicer styling, and under $220K.
I work in Fenton, so it should be relatively close to there (within a 30 minute drive).

We found a new house (on 4 acres) in DeSoto that we really like, except that it's so far from Fenton, it has a septic system, it's on a well, and it has propane. The price was right at $219K. But the distance, well, septic, & propane have me concerned.
I have heard horror stories of wells drying up or getting contaminated, septic systems backing up, etc. And what does propane cost?

Is there a chance of finding a home just like this but with public sewer & water, natural gas, cable hook-ups, in a nice neighborhood, closer to Fenton, at the same price?

Thanks for the input.

[Inoxkeeper]

Did you look down Hwy 30 in Jeff County? House Springs has some new developments.

You're going to have a tuff time finding 1 acre at that price point that is on city services. If you want land you will have to go out a ways like you have seen down in Desoto. If you want the services...you may find yourself in a subdivision.

[ShadowCaver]

Sorry, but first question I just gotta know - is there any special meaning to your name that you choose for this forum?

Anyhow, as to your questions:
1. Propane - will vary: by provider, if you own or rent tank, amount purchased, etc. Best is to contact a number of them in the area...
2. Septic system - for me, in all the houses I've owned [5], all have had septic or lagoon; like any system, properly maintained, will provide many years of trouble-free [free being relative in some cases] service.
3. Wells - only 1 of the properties was on city water; and that to me was worse... can not stand the Chlorine, Flouride, etc. additives/treatments. Like the septic, if properly installed [drilled & set], w/ a good bladder, you should have no troubles at all. Of course, as w/ any water system, good to have it checked before buying and then periodically.

Seriously - don't be 'scared' of such systems [well, septic, propane]; just have a [few] reputable inspectors go over them with diligence, and see what needs to be done [if anything] after their report. Then be scared if they recommend many changes, and their relative or friend Bubba Joe can fix 'er up just right for a very good non-advertised price...

As to where to look at, some areas that are at times overlooked could be in the Kimmswick and then south of there, towards Herculaneum. Your 30 minute region would include from Herky, to Cedar Hill, and then over to Pacific - all relatively 'rural' type areas in places.

[Sadie85]

We had a well for many, many years and everything was fine. We had a water filtering system installed which was very reasonable. Have you looked in the House Springs or Cedar Hill area? They aren't too far from Fenton and are a LOT nicer than DeSoto, in my opinion. HWY 30 is full of places. Or at least it was last year when I lived there. Good luck.