St. Louis or Indy? (Union, Center: apartment, lofts, neighborhoods)

[macreek1]

I'm currently a college student at Southern Indiana and want to move to a big city after a graduate. I have lived in SW Indiana near Evansville my whole life. My two choices are St. Louis and Indianapolis. I would appreciate it if you could suggest some advantages you believe St. Louis has over Indy. How do the downtown areas compare? Other neighborhoods? How is residential market downtown?

I also want to point out that I am not interested in living in the suburbs, I mean the actual St. Louis neighborhoods. I am most interested in living in downtown and the central corridor.

I appreciate input even if you aren't familiar with Indy.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I'm not familiar with Indy, other than the Childrens museum.

But St. Louis is a great city. There's a big loft boom going on downtown, so finding a loft/apartment shouldn't be a problem. There are also museums, parks, the zoo, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and of course MLB, NHL, NFL.

St. Louis, MO: Visitor Information & Travel Planning Resources
A Complete Guide to St. Louis Attractions

Some attractions there. The city is pretty affordable, and there are 3 major universities, as well as some smaller colleges, so finding other people your age should be easy enough as well.

[macreek1]

Thanks, but that's not really the kind of answer I'm looking for. I'm mean I've been to St. Louis numerous times (like 7 last year). I'm looking for something more specific than it's a great city. I guess I was kind of vague too. What I really want to know is what you personally like and love about the city? What are some things only locals would know?

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I'm not a local, but I love baseball games the most. The City Museum was a lot of fun as well.

[Brickmama]

I have been to Indy many times (mostly during the 500) and it is a decent city. DT Indy is alive with a lot going on however it doesnt have the same big city feel as STL has. Both have great nightlife and restaurants located DT. My perception of Indy is they have a good DT but that is basically it. It doesnt have the ethnic neighoborhoods, nightlife, restaurants surrounding DT like STL does. DT STL is on the rise and I would say has more attractions than Indy. Although I am not very educated in regards to the housing in Indy but I would consider STL more diverse with a great amount of trendy lofts. DT STL has Metro link, sporting events, city museum, riverfront, Casinos, the landing, Union Station, etc. I always consider STL to be on a higher tier than Indy but that is just my opinion. Note...DT STL is nice and on a tremendous upswing but please do not rule out other neighborhoods in the city that surround DT. Soulard, Lafayette Sq, Central West End, The Hill, So Grand, Grand Center, The Loop, etc...They have a ton to offer and are the reason I consider STL on a higher pedestal. When comparing the Downtown portions of both cities I would call it a push.

[STL Aviator]

I went to college in Indiana and moved to St. Louis after I graduated, so I can relate to you somewhat. My move was driven by a job offer, but now that I am here I think I would have to be dragged away kicking and screaming. St. Louis has scores of charming, historic neighborhoods with gorgeous architecture and character that practically oozes out of the sidewalk. Many neighborhoods that were abandoned and left to decay have been rediscovered by loyal residents seeking to return them to their former glory. That is what excites me about being a resident of this city. Every neighborhood has a story and a strong historical connection and the residents of this city have a strong resolve to make this a fantastic place to live. Want to live next door to restaurants, shops, and some of the most beautiful 19th century mansions you'll ever see for a price that would make any East-coaster jealous? Then move to St. Louis. There are seemingly infinite opportunities to get involved in the community and St. Louis is a place where intelligent, hardworking people can make a difference.

[macreek1]

Yeah, that's one of the things I've noticed about St. Louis. For a big city, it seems to have a small town since of community. I've also noticed that there seems to be a feeling the the best days of the city are ahead.

Honestly, right now, St. Louis would be my first choice. The biggest thing I have against it is I wouldn't be able to follow IU basketball. Of course if I can get a better job in one city that would clearly put it over the top.

If you don't mind my asking, where in Indiana did you go to college?

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by macreek1

Yeah, that's one of the things I've noticed about St. Louis. For a big city, it seems to have a small town since of community. I've also noticed that there seems to be a feeling the the best days of the city are ahead.

Honestly, right now, St. Louis would be my first choice. The biggest thing I have against it is I wouldn't be able to follow IU basketball. Of course if I can get a better job in one city that would clearly put it over the top.

If you don't mind my asking, where in Indiana did you go to college?

Wouldn't be able to follow IU hoops???

Almost 100% of the IU schedule is on one of ESPN channels, CBS or Big Ten Network. Also, IU has plenty of alums living in St. Louis. There was even a sizeable IU crowd and tail gate party at the IU v SLU soccer game.

Get the Big Ten Network on satellite tv, or go to a sports bar to watch games. Also contact IU for info on their St. Louis alumni club and go to the events. And if that still isn't enough and you need to read or hear more, listen on the internet to programming and follow the media coverage there.

[Bobster]

I think Fish is right....with the various cable and satellite channels, I would think that you could follow them fairly well.

Regarding a comparison of the two cities, I've been to Indy once recently not counting driving through it on my way to Columbus Ohio, where my daughter went to college. It seemed nice enough and I'm sure that it has a lot going for it.

From what I can tell, St. Louis is to Indy what Chicago is to St. Louis. Bigger in sheer size with a bit more variety that comes with that size...I just wrote on the comparison between St. Louis and Chicago yesterday and today.....check it out if you get a chance..

Anyway, there is something to be said for size. More so when you're looking at the fringes. For example, I don't know that Indy has an Ethiopian restaurant (I did a search of their dining guide and it didn't). St. Louis has a few (yeah, I know Aragx6 Chicago probably has hundreds! ;-) Same thing for Brazilian restaurants.

How many times are you going to feel like banana encrusted tilapia? I don't know, but it's nice to have it available when you get the taste!~

Hope that helps!

[macreek1]

I didn't know you could get the BTN in St. Louis or if the bars carried it. I know the big games are on national TV but like 75% is BTN. That's awesome, thanks for the input.

Now that I think about it, you can't get the BTN in Indy or Bloomington (no joke). It's nice to live in Evansville where the cable providers actually care about their customers.

Of course a HUGE advantage St. Louis has it that instead of watching the Cardinals every night on TV during the summer I could actually go to the games!