What does everybody think about St. Ann? (St. Louis, St. Charles: for sale, real estate)

[mytjo95]

We're looking at this area, we are certainly in love with the location of it, nice and central, close to everything. we are concerned about the neighborhoods. I'm very open minded and so far in my opinion, they seem fine, so i can't figure out why this area has such a bad wrap? maybe from NW plaza, but i've seen on St. Ann website that they are planning to totally redevelop that area, and revive it. so i dunno i just wanted to get a few opinions from other people that live in the area, or have lived in the area. Thanks!

[RickMG]

I agree, St. Ann seems to get a bad rap that they really don't deserve. I think it started years ago when Northwest Plaza sort of had a gang problem, but to St. Ann's credit, they did whatever was needed to pretty much keep it safe. The city is kept very clean and the neighborhoods are well kept. Nice selection of stores, businesses and restaurants as well as a great recreation center. Like you said, the location is terrific as well. Close to the airport, major highways and anything else you might need.

[aragx6]

St. Ann gets a bad rap because it's in North County and everything in North County, deservedly or not, gets a bad rap on these forums.

I honestly don't know much about St. Ann, as I've only had occasion to drive through it, but it's certainly no Jennings (and I've spent a good amount of time there)

[RhondaHMo]

I live in Olivette and drive through St. Ann often to get to the Rock Rd. for shopping. I really like the feel of the 'working-class' neighborhood. Everything looks clean and taken care of--just nice. I tend to stay on Ashby, but there are quite a few houses for sale along there, so I'm sure there are more farther into the neighborhoods.

-Rhonda
Olivette, MO

[Northwoods Voyager]

Having lived in the area many years ago, I have 'went back' for various reasons. Sad to see some changes that did not appear favorable. However, having said that, I do find most of the neighborhoods in clean, well kept condition. NWP used to be a great place to shop. Had negative experiences in the past because of 'gang' related incidents.

My young son and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I understand that this situation has changed for the better. i still like the neighborhoods, though. I think St. Ann is worth checking out. Good Luck.

[Danilo-11]

Don't know much about it,
but I find it interesting that there's a sex shop and I believe there's also a liquor store right across from Wal-mart & McDonalds and about 1 block from what I believe is Pattonville middle school

[RhondaHMo]

Originally Posted by Danilo-11

but I find it interesting that there's a sex shop and I believe there's also a liquor store right across from Wal-mart & McDonalds and about 1 block from what I believe is Pattonville middle school

It's a BIT farther than one block. LOL. But I've never seen any 'questionables' hanging around when I've visited the Wal-Mart (which is quite a bit!), but then again, I have no trouble with either of the establishments you mentioned as long as there's not trouble outside of them. <shrug> After living in Texas so long, where you had to REALLY look for a place to buy a 6 pack because of all of the 'dry areas', I was thrilled to get back to the area where one could get a beer ANYWHERE. My adopted dad was a bartender and I literally grew up in one. The nicest people owned it you'd ever want to meet and I have a pretty liberal view on about everything. In Dallas, the 'sex shops' were all congregated in one area that any respecable folk wouldn't want to venture to. It was interesting to see around here, they're scattered eveywhere......which I think cuts down on the crime and other elements that might hang out around them. But just a theory of mine, of course. They look pretty harmless from the outside.....displaying nighties and such---but why there are so many of them in business remains a mystery to me---as anyone knows it's easier to buy that stuff online in the privacy of your own home!

-Rhonda

[WhyteWing]

We are house-hunting and recently checked out a couple of addresses in the area. It seems to be a block-to-block thing. Unfortunately, the homes on the "okay" blocks often back onto alleys which are shared by homes on the "NOT okay" blocks.

In fairness, some home rehab/improvements have begun in the area, but I wouldn't say that real estate in that area is a good first investment at this time.

WW

[mytjo95]

Well said rhondaHmo! I was going to say the exact samething, that liquour stores and sex shops are found in all communities, and just as you, i've percieved a very liberal view recently, i've opened my mind!!

We've pretty much decided to buy here, as it will be more permanent, so were not extremely concerned with the market because it will be a while before we move again. I'm excited to be closer to downtown, and back into to St. Louis county; however I did love St. Charles, but i'm just ready for a change, and some diversity! Thanks everybody for your honesty!

[kwsimon]

St. Ann is a lower-middle class neighborhood that is decently safe. It's not a place that I would feel 100% comfortable in walking down the road at night by myself, but maybe if I had a group of guys with me. St. Ann is kind of on the verge of either falling apart completely or getting redone and becoming nicer. It's not a new area by any means, so a lot of the buildings are old, but it's not dirty at all. It's an interesting place.