Young family looking for place in the city (St. Louis, University City: apartment, employment)

[hollywollyd]

So, my husband and I and our three small kids are looking to get out of Phoenix and move to St. Louis, sight unseen. We live smack dab in the city and can walk just about everywhere and would like it to stay that way when we move. Since we have small kids we don't want to live in an apartment (we'd drive our neighbors nuts) Obviously we want the best possible safety for ourselves but we don't mind putting up with a little, if it means that we get to live somewhere with a lot going on and we're able to walk places. In other words, the last place we want to be is the suburbs. We can afford up to $1100 per month for rent. And I should also mention that my two boys will start school next August and I'd prefer that they go to public school that's good and safe, though culturally diverse is always a plus for me. Any areas I should avoid? Any areas coming to mind that may suit us? Thanks!

[aragx6]

If you want to send your kids to public school in the city (which I totally applaud by the way) I'd start looking into charter and magnet schools now. Like most major cities, the city schools aren't the best.

As far as neighborhoods, I would look into areas in south city such as Southhampton, Carondelet Park, Tower Grove Park, Dogtown. Check out Craigslist, they have a lot of options there.

[Northwoods Voyager]

Shrewsbury, Webster Groves, University City. Area southwest of Forest Park...Hampton Avenue. also, Sunset Hills area. Affordable, family oriented and near just about everything. Good luck and wish you well. Is this move due to employment changes? Are you looking for something close to 'work'?