lifetime New Yorker seeks Refuge! (St. Louis, Rea: hotels, house, neighborhood) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Fishtacos · 03-17-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chitownwarrior

Have you ever spent time in the midwest? I would say chicago is pretty fast paced compared to St. Louis.

Also, it's not like people are walking slowly and dilly dallying all the time with a knapsack over their shoulders and straw hanging out their mouths!!! I mean, at school and work isn't going to be that different from NYC, where working hard and fast is the way...that's an american thing. I've met many new yorkers who were actually surprised by st. louis and how they liked it so much. It's not a manhattan, but a very historic cultured city. I think it fits in well with east coast cities, kind of like an east coast/southern city sitting in the midwest...(im sure ill get heat from st. louisans saying this) And it's probably not as slow as you'd imagine.

Chicago(they city) is faster paced than St. Louis(not Chicagoland though) but it's closer to pace to Stl than it is to NYC. There's a much bigger difference in pace from NYC to Chicago than Chicago to St. Louis.

Fishtacos · 03-17-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strawberrygirl

Thanks so much for the advice and suggestions.. I dont mind driving, i like the freedom of having my own transportation. Price range would depend on what kind of income I can make there, but without knowing I would have to stick to maybe the 250,000 range. Do you think that the slower pace would put me at an advantage in getting a job, since I am used to a more face paced work ethic? Washington U is private and I am sure very expensive, Im still paying off Columbia U and probably will be for half of the rest of my life, lol. Its good to know its an option though. Yes, Central West End is appealing to me as well as Lafayette and Soulard and Shaw, where do you think the best Real Estate as far as investment goes? Thanks

Those areas are all good choices. $250k will limit you in some of your choices but you can do ok. both Wash U. and SLU are very expensive and well regarded. SLU is easier to gain admission. And as I said previously, I'm sure you could land a position in a lot of cities, but a degree from SLU or Wash U. carries a lot of weight in St. Louis. If you took your SLU degree to another city, you'd do fine, but you wouldn't be as in demand as if you attended one of the strong local law schools in those areas due to relationships, etc.....

example: If you lived in say Milwaukee, top priority and relationships go to Marquette, Wisconsin, and top dozen or so National schools. You can get a position with a SLU or wherever law degree but it would be a lot easier with the 3 options mentioned. Wash U does have a national reputation, but at times can seem more regional in its law and business schools.

STLCardsBlues1989 · 03-17-2008, 05:43 PM

How many bedrooms do you want? I think most areas you could get a decent 3 BR for $250k.

Brickmama · 03-17-2008, 07:48 PM

You may also want to look into some of the lofts Downtown on or around Washington Ave. Its a trendy are that is on the rise and real estate is still reasonable.

ShadowCaver · 03-17-2008, 08:55 PM

StL is indeed a great city - and is experiencing some rebirth. She is getting some vision, some influx, and much deserved love and respect. It's a great place to live, and to live. Question though for you... why Saint Louis? Of all the places to 'escape' outta NYC and its confines, to discover yourself and breathe, why not Chicago, San Fran, Boston, Dallas, Denver, etc.? Just curious. In any case, best to you...

Strawberrygirl · 03-17-2008, 09:22 PM

Lol- well I think I'll leave the partying till 4 AM up to the twenty somethings! I don think that would hinder my enjoyment of St louis. Actually as a p/t bartender I would be happy to get to my dream house earlier. Thanks so much for all of the great advice, It is really very helpful and has made me feel like my idea of moving to St Louis is getting better and better. Well, now that I have had all this wonderful insight, I will plan a trip to come visit. Any suggestions for a nice hotel, unique and close to CWE/ Lafayette? If I rent a car, is there parking in the city? In Manhattan there is none, its brutal with the traffic too. Thnx

Strawberrygirl · 03-17-2008, 09:45 PM

Shadowcaver; Why St. Louis you ask? The truth is, I am a Realtor in NY and I am always checking out other areas. When I started to question my present place called "home" most tried directing me to NC. I must of looked a million times and just didn't feel anything about it. Sure, the weather is nice, I guess, but still I felt nothing. Kind of like the way I feel here in the burbs of Long Island. So, I frequent a web site called oldhomes.com because of my love for historic architecture and coincidentally saw a show on HGTV called what you get for the money and there was this man on who lived in Soulard. He talked about his historic home and how he restored it and how he didn't care how much it was worth, he would never sell. He also mentioned that Soulard was an artists up and coming area and it got me interested to find out more. I looked up the area and then learned of Lafayette Square and Shaw and CWE. The homes are exactly the kind I have always dreamed of and the rest is just something I can't explain. I have never thought of "Missouri" ever! Not in my whole life! I don't think many NY'ers do. Something is just drawing my attention there and it just feels right. Does that make any sense? I know they say most people live within a 5 mile radius of where they grew up but I have never been able to stay still. I must have move 10 times in the past 20 years. maybe more. Its time I find my home and so far St Louis is the only place that has me interested. I hope that doesn't sound too nuts, lol.

ShadowCaver · 03-18-2008, 04:32 AM

Lady of the strawberries - nuts? I think not. No, you sound sane, more, actually much more sane than most people.

Coupled with a desire to seek out that which you want, and a positive attitude, you will do just great, here in the Gateway City, or for that matter anywhere. StL is indeed filled with some great historic homes and areas - again, good luck on your search and move. And rest assured that the many other good people here with the particular knowledge you seek will help direct you on your queries. Cheers.

aragx6 · 03-18-2008, 08:43 AM

I'd probably stay in one of the downtown hotels as that would be a good jumping off point for the rest of the city. There's a thread on places downtown going on right now so check that out.

Parking won't be too difficult at all. Nothing like Manhattan!!

Anyway, good luck and keep us informed as to when you're coming!

chitownwarrior · 03-18-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishtacos

Chicago(they city) is faster paced than St. Louis(not Chicagoland though) but it's closer to pace to Stl than it is to NYC. There's a much bigger difference in pace from NYC to Chicago than Chicago to St. Louis.

I get what you're saying. I personally find the pace in North Chicago city and downtown is reminiscent of NYC, not exactly, but pretty similar. But CHicago land, yes, i agree its not too far off from stl.