Recent grad moving to St. Louis, Need help deciding where to live (University City: crime)

[Minchi]

Hi everyone,

I am moving to STL and I've narrowed down my choices to: Eastgate Ave in University City and Southwood Ave in Clayton. I'm a recent grad, female, and in my early twenties. I'm still not too familiar with the area so I was wondering about the differences between University City and Clayton are. My main concern would be safety since I'm very new to the city. Thanks in advance!

[marigolds6]

Both neighborhoods are perfectly safe. I went through the U City records back two years, and there was not a single crime against persons on Eastgate. Two motor vehicle thefts and a handful of larcenies and nothing else. Southwood was almost identical. Three motor vehicle thefts, a handful of vandalisms (U City does not report vandalism on their crime report), and a single larceny. No crimes against persons at all.

Saint Louis County Missouri Crime Incident Map will give you the Clayton crime map (along with other cities).
U City does not participate in the county crime map, but has summary stats by street here:
University City, MO - Official Website - Crime Statistics by Region
(Eastgate is in the south east region of U City. Listings are by street in their stats)

[wustu87]

Note that right now Wash U is redeveloping a number of buildings on the block bordered by Eastgate, Westage, Delmar and Enright just North of the Loop. Once it is completed the redeveloped area should be pretty nice, but during the construction if you are living north of there and expecting to drive to Delmar to commute there may be some intermittent construction related travel issues. Wash U is pretty good about letting people know how the construction is progressing and what road closures to expect in advance:

Loop Living | Washington University in St. Louis

It is just something to keep in mind if you are planning to live in that area. Eastgate is still a fine area to live, as is Southwood Ave in the Demun area. Eastgate is a "livelier" place to live, especially as you get closer to Delmar, but both areas are pretty safe.

[Dawn10am]

They're both safe areas. Eastgate is definitely livelier and there's more fun stuff to do within walking distance (i.e. The Loop), while Southwood is definitely nicer but quieter and there's not as much to do within walking distance. Southwood is closer to Forest Park though. I have friends who live in both and I've hung out in both fairly often. I'd probably go with Eastgate because I like to be in the center of the action, but I wouldn't object to Southwood either. You just have to ask yourself whether you want lively vs. quiet, really.