Family moving to STL in June (St. Louis, Kirkwood: homes, transfer, schools)

[NettieNC]

Hi Kelly,

We are from the South Park area of Charlotte and are also relocating to STL. Being familiar with Charlotte, I know exactly what you are looking for but I'm not sure where the equivalent neighborhoods are in STL. We looked closer to the city of STL, at neighborhoods that remind me of Myers Park or Dilworth in Charlotte. Maybe what you are looking for is in west county? I'm sorry I can't be of more help but I wanted to say good luck with the move!

Nettie from NC

[aragx6]

If you like the established neighborhoods I would look at Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Rock Hill, Brentwood, Maplewood and Warson Woods. You're budget will go pretty far there, and the schools are very good.

For some ideas on entertaining the little ones, see this thread from a while back. It's full of great ideas. http://www.city-data.com/forum/st-lo...tractions.html

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Try Grant's Farm as well. And the Purina Dog show. The Purina Farm out there also has cats and farm animals.

[kellyt]

Hi Nettie - how do you feel about leaving Charlotte? We are really having a hard time even thinking of leaving. We love NC. The weather, beach and mountains near, friendly people, etc. I hope to find the same in MO.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Friendly people maybe.

St. Louis weather is seasonal, the closest beaches are Lake of the Ozarks (I think) and I see more water skiers than swimmers (only in summer). Missouri has some mountains and a lot of hills, but probably not as tall as the Appalachians.

You just find other ways to entertain yourself. And your kids will probably like playing in snow eventually.

[NettieNC]

Originally Posted by kellyt

Hi Nettie - how do you feel about leaving Charlotte? We are really having a hard time even thinking of leaving. We love NC. The weather, beach and mountains near, friendly people, etc. I hope to find the same in MO.

I don't want to leave! I am definitely going to miss the weather and the coast. On the positive side, I am very happy with the education choices in STL and the people seem just as friendly as Charlotte.

[CellarBelle]

Kelly - St. Louis is a fun city for kids. You have the Zoo (free), Grant's Farm (free), Science Center (free), Butterfly House (not free, but awesome), Forest Park, be sure to catch a Cards game (definitely not free, but so much fun), Botanical Garden (not free - but awesome Children's area), City Museum (not free, but crazy fun for kids - makes us adults a little crazy), Union Station (go watch them make fudge and check out the train), catch a show at Fabulous Fox Theater, the MUNY (awesome outdoor theater - my kids love this), Busch tour (free beer at the end, and even the kids like the tour - the stables are fun to see). Travel to Merramac Caverns for a nice, cool adventure. You can try some of the river floats. Six Flags isn't far away. Bring the bikes over to Madison County (Edwardsville/Glen Carbon), and tour the bike trails. You will fill your summer quickly. There are also lots of sporting camps in the area, along with music and art camps. Check the local universities for their kid programs. My kids have done programs via SIUE and Lewis and Clark, and they've really enjoyed it.

You will find St. Louis and Charlotte are two different cities. I LOVE North Carolina, but I have really become quite fond of the St. Louis area. I love the people here. I think the biggest thing is to come with the right attitude. They are two different cities, but they each have their own characteristics that make them unique. Don't let the naysayers get you down. Good Luck!

Originally Posted by kellyt

We'll also be moving to Saint Louis in June - living in a corporate apartment until we find a house. Any ideas on how to keep two active children busy during the summer months?

[DeBaliviere]

Originally Posted by aragx6

If you like the established neighborhoods I would look at Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Rock Hill, Brentwood, Maplewood and Warson Woods. You're budget will go pretty far there, and the schools are very good.

For some ideas on entertaining the little ones, see this thread from a while back. It's full of great ideas. http://www.city-data.com/forum/st-lo...tractions.html

This is a great list.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by STLCardsBlues1989

Cardinal games, the Zoo, City Museum

Those are the first things that come to mind.

The City Museum might depend on how old they are, though.

Magic House Children's Museum hasn't been mentioned yet to go along with the several other suggestions here. You really are doing something wrong if you cannot find enough for your kids to to do in St. Louis in June, a great weather month btw.

[RhondaHMo]

Oh, we just discovered a great Methodist church in University City....University United Methodist. It's right across from the city hall as you enter the Loop. The folks were SO friendly and not TOO big but a very diverse congregation.

-Rhonda
Olivette, MO