looking for good suburb of St. Louis (St. Charles, Wildwood: low crime, new home)

[therewego]

We may be relocating to St. Louis but of course, it is all speculative right now. Still, I am wondering if our criteria is possible:
*a good public elementary
*low crime rate
*nice shopping/restaurant areas
*activities for kids 3-6 to do
*would love a master planned community w/gym, pool, parent get togethers, etc.--are those offered anywhere up there?
*Our house budget is under $250k-hubby will be traveling plenty so I don't need a fixer upper I may have issues with when he is gone; new home or no more than 5 yrs old.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[CellarBelle]

Check out Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. Great family community - read all my posts for more info!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

There are a lot of great suburbs in the St. Louis area, I just can't tell you anything about the schools (I really don't know anything about them).

Ballwin/Wildwood's a nice area, but it may be a bit more pricey.

The Illinois side is nice as well. I read recently that Edwardsville has seen a 12% population increase since 2000. Illinois side does tend to have higher taxes, but houses are typically cheaper.

And it sounds from your question that you're a little nervous about St. Louis. Don't be. It's a wonderful city.

I'd suggest typing your specifics into stltoday.com or coldwell-Banker and then pick a place, ask about potential suburbs here or check roughly how far from the city they are on Google, so you can elminate the suburbs that are too far.

Good luck!

[aragx6]

Look at outer ring suburbs if you want newer construction in that price range. Places in St. Charles county as well as areas like the Illinois side as Cellerbelle suggested as well as Fenton and areas surrounding it.

[Bobster]

There are a lot of different places in St. Louis that could meet your criteria. Any idea where your husband is going to be working?

As aragx6 says, newer construction in your price range is probably going to be a bit further out, but there are still a lot of different choices there....feel free to drop me a line with more specifics...if you know them...and I'll see what I can find for you..

[Manders378]

If you want a newer house $250,000 or below look into the Jefferson County area! When my Husband and I were looking for a house just a few months ago we found some Beautiful Houses under contruction in Jefferson County! High Ridge-House Springs area! You will find a LOT in Jefferson County for Under $250,000 and its just outside of St Louis! Best of Luck to you in finding your home!!!

[therewego]

Just to let everyone who has responded know, this economy has had its toll on my hubby's company. They have put a lot of expenses including relocations on hold so we may not be able to move after all. Still, I will keep this information should we need it in the near future. Thanks to all of you!

[aragx6]

Thanks for the update. I am sorry you might not be moving, but I definitely understand what you mean about the economy! If anything changes keep us updated and best of luck to you!