Downtowns across the river from St. Louis (Columbia, Belle: restaurants, shops)

[pgrdr]

Which small towns and/or cities across the river from St. Louis have the nicest downtowns?

[FrankMiller]

Is Manhattan too far across?

[1greatcity]

Generally, the only municipality directly across the river from St Louis with a halfway nice downtown is Granite City. But to be honest, some city blocks of downtown Granite City are looking a bit sad these days.
Further away, most of the larger metro-east cities have fairly good downtowns. This includes Alton, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Belleville, and Columbia. Belleville in particular, as it’s the St Clair County seat.

[STL74]

Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville that I know. I hear good things about Columbia IL but don’t know if they have a decent downtown.

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by 1greatcity

Generally, the only municipality directly across the river from St Louis with a halfway nice downtown is Granite City. But to be honest, some city blocks of downtown Granite City are looking a bit sad these days.
Further away, most of the larger metro-east cities have fairly good downtowns. This includes Alton, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Belleville, and Columbia. Belleville in particular, as it’s the St Clair County seat.

Thank you for the info. I am interested in moving further, where those communities are.

[pgrdr]

Originally Posted by STL74

Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville that I know. I hear good things about Columbia IL but don’t know if they have a decent downtown.

Thank you. Columbia, IL isn't in an area I'm interested in, but the other places you listed are.

[PerseusVeil]

Originally Posted by STL74

Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville that I know. I hear good things about Columbia IL but don’t know if they have a decent downtown.

Columbia I wouldn't say actually has a downtown area. It does have a quaint small town main street with various restaurants, shops, and bars though. The other downtowns are all a lot bigger and lack the small town vibe.

[Soccernerd]

Some of the river towns such as Grafton and Alton have nice downtowns. Belleville and Edwardsville have decent ones also.

[Metal To The Core]

Alton and Edwardsville

[pgrdr]

Thanks to all for the tips.