Riverview?? would you move there? (Florissant, Ferguson: credit, house, safe neighborhoods)

[escott1980]

I am not from the area ( I live about 2 hours south), but I am planning on moving to the St Louis area. I have been looking at a house that is located in Riverview. I haven't heard much about the neighborhood, but I heard the school is not accredited and is currently being investigated. I am curious about both the schools and the neighborhood. Please help, as I am scared of making a poor decision. I have 3 children ages 8, 4 and 1

[WalnutPark829]

as a resident of north county and one who defends the area tooth and nail, i am going to be perfectly honest with you. if you have children and are putting them in public school, Riverview Gardens is not the place for them right now. The district is working hard to turn their mess around, but they still have a long way to go.

There are plenty of decent neighborhoods and strong communities located in the RG school district, my aunt lives in a very well kept area of Bellefontaine Neighbors, full of beautiful well built brick homes and tree lined streets and great neighbors. But she sends her children to catholic school to avoid RG as do many others around her.

If you didnt have children I would have no problem recommending Riverview/Bellefontaine, there are some really neat well kept neighborhoods that many people do not know exist. But the public school system has been mismanaged so poorly in the last 5-7 years that it would be wise to look elsewhere. If you are looking for a district that might fit your finances and be much better for your children, may I suggest Ferguson-Florissant which is just a tad to the northwest of Riverview. Good luck with your move, I hope I didn't scare you too much. Give Ferg-Flor. a look. There are plenty of very affordable, well kept, and safe neighborhoods located in this district in cities such as Florissant, Ferguson, and Calverton Park among others.

[escott1980]

Thank you walnutpark829. Your information is very much appreciated

[aragx6]

I absolutely agree with Walnut Park here. I don't know as much about Riverview itself, but I've spent time in Bellfontaine (and my mom was born and raised until 4th grade in Moline Acres) and it's a nice enough little area. Older mostly well-kept homes, with an older population, not the best North County has to offer but far from the worst.

I would never ever ever send my kids to Riverview Gardens in the condition it's in now. Never ever... and that's one thing that keeps prices so low there.

Ferguson-Florrisant's schools are much more average, and with familial support and hard-working kids, should be fine.

[Kanick]

It's a shame. My husband and I used to play softball at Fountain Lakes and that area is just beautiful and very handy if you work downtown.

The schools really are a mess right now though.