Favorite Thing about St. Louis (Manchester: buy, restaurant, move)

[LancasterNative]

Another thing I love about St. Louis: older suburban neighborhoods that are still nice—and only seem to improve with age!

Clayton and Ladue are obvious in this regard ($$$)...but I'm talking about regular, middle-class suburbia from the 1950s-60s.

Areas that were newly developed back then—from parts of Kirkwood and Creve Coeur out to Ballwin and Manchester—you can drive thru today and admire how beautifully they've matured, been maintained, grown in value, and evolved into cozy residential neighborhoods with charm and character.

In many cities, developments built in that era have already started to crumble and get seedy, some even turning into scary ghetto! But not in St. Louis!

Maybe it's a certain nostalgia on my part, as I'm constantly seeing new McMansion-villes pop up everywhere with spartan sameness, no trees and no character. But somehow, even those 1950s ranch and split-level houses—when on a half-acre lot surrounded by towering birch, pine and sycamore—just seem so warm, attractive and full of variety! Am I crazy to think like this?

Yet another thing I marvel at whenever I'm hangin' out in dear old St. Louie...

[aragx6]

I don't know when "new construction" became the only way- I feel like it's gotten much worse in the last dozen or so years. I love old houses that are updated for modern living. I would much rather buy an older home and put my own sweat into it and have it exactly the way I want then to move into a new home 40 miles from the city filled with construction grade materials.

It's not for everyone, but I have seen the care that goes into those older neighborhoods in St. Louis and many of the inner ring suburbs so there must be others who feel the same way.

[therewego]

Originally Posted by RhondaHMo

Good answer! I didn't appreciate that as a kid, but moving back...I love all the historical sites and places to see.

I can't choose just ONE thing about the area (and I say that, because alot of my favorite, younger memories have to do with the Alton area where I lived until I was 10---the Piasa bird, great river road and several favorite places to eat over there (actually meeting a childhood friend at the Moonlight tonight...haven't been there in over 20 years!) but St. Louis was always magical to me. Crossing the bridge and seeing the Arch--it still gives me a happy feeling. Stayed a die-hard Cards fan no matter how many years we were away so I'm really enjoying trying to turn our son into one.

Love the 'family' atmosphere of the city. SO many things to do with kids. The Zoo, Science Place, City Museum, Grant's Farm. Can't name just one!

And we've been back such a short period of time, I can't think of much negative yet! I could say all the road construction, but even that isn't a drop in the bucket compared to driving in Dallas for 15 years. YUCK!!!!

-Rhonda
Olivette, MO

How did you find adjusting to the change in weather coming from Dallas, tx to St. Louis? Thanks!

[aragx6]

I'll say this: If you've been in Dallas the weather will be an adjustment. But unless you're a construction worker or a postal employee or someone else who is outside in inclement weather frequently you'll be fine. Buy nice warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves - I like LL Bean's - and I promise you'll survive. Plus St. Louis is much more pleasant in the summer (though it does get very hot here too)

[therewego]

Originally Posted by aragx6

I'll say this: If you've been in Dallas the weather will be an adjustment. But unless you're a construction worker or a postal employee or someone else who is outside in inclement weather frequently you'll be fine. Buy nice warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves - I like LL Bean's - and I promise you'll survive. Plus St. Louis is much more pleasant in the summer (though it does get very hot here too)

We'd definitely like to go somewhere that actually has seasons, not just HOT.
Thanks!

[aragx6]

I love the 4 seasons too- I don't think I'd ever want to live without them! The winter makes you appreciate summer and vice versa!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

St. Louis is beautiful in winter. I like having all 4 seasons as well.

[Northwoods Voyager]

The different seasons are appreciated by everyone in our family also. Grandkids missed the snow when they lived in southern states. One grandchild lives in Florida and it was fun to watch him this Christmas when his Dad brought him home for the holidays. Of course the humidity in the summer months can be a little unpleasant at times. But you get over it. Really cannot think of very much that I don't like about my hometown. I love it, the old and the new.

[anduarto]

My apologies for igniting the the "smoking" flame. I didn't mean to cause trouble. And just to clarify: smoking, as a habit, is very stupid. It was an adjustment getting used to non-smoking restaurants, but I have to say it's MUCH more pleasant without it. On the rare occasions I want a cigarette I have no trouble stepping outside for one.

Bars do seem like a different story. No body ever has to go into a bar. Perhaps a voluntary system is the way to go. I worked in a voluntarily "no-smoking" restaurant years before it illegal anywhere and it didn't hurt business a bit.

The "Nanny State" argument makes me a little uncomfortable because people extend it to all kinds of "rights" that are probably best controlled by the state (i.e. Buying assualt weapons at the local Wal-mart). I'm generally against "sin taxes" because who's to say what's a sin? I mean the sugar in your soft drink might be just as "sinful" as the occasional smoke. But I do think certain things need to be regulated by a central ruling body.

Back to St. Louis: LOVE toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and Imo's pizza (the secret is the provel cheese).

[Northwoods Voyager]

No apologies needed. And your LOVE for toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and Imo's pizza more than makes up for any 'igniting' that some may think occurred. Those things are some of the very best of St. Louis. Reps to you!!!