Back to STL (St. Charles, Washington, Craig: rentals, lofts, headhunters)

[klynn1283]

Hi!
I was born and raised in the St. Charles area and have been in NYC for the last 6 years.

I've been thinking of relocating back to the area but I want to be downtown and unfortunately, I don't know much about it.

I'd like to be in an area that is active, 20-30-somethings, dining, coffee shops, safe, etc. I was thinking Central West End perhaps? Feel free to suggest. While I know STL is not NYC, I'd like more "city" less suburbs.

Also, in terms of employment....I'm having a hard time finding legit staffing agencies in STL. Maybe they're not a popular way to find a job in STL because the ones I've found offer envelope staffing, selling knives, etc. Any ideas? I'm an NYU grad who has been working in the NYC private schools (K-12 & college). I'd be fine taking an admin job to start but I need 35-40K at least. The few jobs I find in STL via Craigslist are $8-9. Am I expecting too much?

[ucfjtm]

I'm also looking for an active area for 20-30 singles.. and I'll probably end up in CWE when I make the move from Florida a year from now. For jobs, I've actually had a couple headhunters give me a call after putting a resume up on monster/careerbuilder/ladders - try those out and see what happens..

[aragx6]

Don't know much about the job market, sorry, but I suspect $8-9/hour is very low (I made $7.50 as a hostess in St. Charles almost 7 years ago!) but I also suspect you're more likely to get 30-35k/year in a secretarial type position than 35-40 just going off of what some post-college friends of mine are making.

Central West End isn't downtown. It's a suburbanite thing to call the whole city downtown (OK I'm off my soap box now)

But yes, I think it'd be a good fit for you. You'd also like the Washington Ave loft district (which is actually downtown) or maybe the U City loop (actually the suburbs, but certainly doesn't feel like it) or even Soulard.

[Brickmama]

Youe bets bets in order are the Wasington Ave Loft district, CEW, Soulard. and the Loop. All are very urban ares with a ton to do. All also have alot to offer as far as housing is concerned.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Some of the Washington Ave. lofts are turning rental, if that's what you want. There are a lot of choices downtown.

[Mr. Answers]

If you've got a degree from NYU, you should NOT be working for 8 or 9 bucks an hour. If you can roll in 40 Gs you should be able to do pretty well in the CWE. It's the most New York-y part of town and you'd prolly have a good time there.

[klynn1283]

Thanks all for the replies.

I'm heading to STL next week for a few days. I have one job interview lined up which sounds promising *fingers crossed*

How's the area around Washington Avenue? The job is located in the 1200 block. From what I can see on google maps, it looks safe, maybe some loft-style living in the area, some construction. Is it a business-oriented area?

[STLCardsBlues1989]

The Avenida Lofts are right there. As well as the Bogen. The Meridian is also there. And Fashion Square. Rudman on the Park also. All have been renovated. I don't know about their residency status. The Bodega is there, but it only has 3 lofts.

You've got a few choices, there.

Rudman on the Park I think is also rentals.
Rudman on the Park
http://www.thebogen.com/floorplans.php
http://www.theavenida.com/
http://www.stlouislofts.com/1136washington.html
http://www.stlouislofts.com/1216washington.html
http://www.fashionsquarelofts.com/

Also:
http://www.stlouislofts.com/507north13th.html
http://www.gracelofts.com/gracelofts.html

[aragx6]

Great area. Safe, newly vibrant lost of new lofts, very walkable. Hell you could live there and walk to work. Pricey area though...

[Brickmama]

Its a great are and since you are working in ther area I wouldnt choose another place to live but right in the Wash Ave loft district. There are plenty of affordible options. Try Wash Ave Apts, Ely Walker, or Merchandise Mart just to name a few. You cant beat walking to work.