Moving to St. Louis (St. Charles, Clayton: real estate, attorney, home)

[jfsinger]

Originally Posted by Fishtacos

Without the Hwy construction, the commute shouldn't be more than 30 minutes or you are seriously doing something wrong. Of course the Hwy construction will be complete in a year's time. And, remember, the Hwy project purpose is expanding the Hwy to help ease traffic.

To the original poster, out of curiosity, where in Atlanta were you looking? Buckhead? Midtown?

We've been looking in the Morningside and Virginia Highland neighborhoods, close to midtown and Piedmont Park. We currently live in a condo (renting) in midtown. We sold a house in the burbs last year, and rented to check out the condo lifestyle (my wife doesn't like it!). We love living intown and the access to everything. She just doesn't like sharing walls with others.

[santos]

You will love living in the CWE, I did.

[zach_33]

I would like to also throw out there the suggestion of U City. I have always argued that the CWE and certain parts of U City (namely Parkview and Ames Place) represent the best of city living in St. Louis. From Parkview or Ames Place, one can walk to the Loop which is a full service, non-chain dominated entertainment district-- a rare amenity in this city. Houses are slightly less expensive in those U City enclaves than their CWE counterparts 1.5 miles away, but very comparable in terms of quality and architectural beauty. For 500 you could pick up a well maintained place in Ames, and something maybe a bit more run-down (and larger) in Parkview. These neighborhoods are also within 1/2 mile of metrolink stations which could get you downtown or to the Galleria shopping center. I have studied the CWE and U City carefully as a potential $400k buyer, and for my money I would go with U City. U City also just a little closer to Westport. You could take Page avenue all the way out, no need to fret over I-40 construction.

[jfsinger]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[desperad0stl]

clayton is for you...
I live in chesterfield and being completely honest it is painfully boring.
My family owns a business in the CWE and driving back and forth everyday is a pain, but due to clayton's absolute central location and access to the major highways and major suburban roads it is in my opinion awesome...& it is a little bubble of culture.

[desperad0stl]

also check out U City near WASHU...check the neighborhoods between forsyth and big bend, E-W and between Forest Park Parkway and Delmar N-S...there are giant beautiful homes in that area that are inexpensive for their size...mostly gated communities...anything along Waterman.

[jfsinger]

Thanks, desperad0stl! I think we're focused on CWE, Clayton and U City. Does anyone have a realtor recommendation, someone who specializes in those areas?

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by jfsinger

Thanks! I'll check it out.

U.City is a good suggestion and less expensive than Clayton. The Loop is great. There are some good possibilities East near Wash U. and on the Southern edges of U.City as well.

[iowa86]

both of them for different reasons. Kansas City is more folksey. I think the people are very nice there. Definitely better, more considerate drivers. Slower pace there, for sure. You can get more house for the money there in my opinion. One of my favorite places I've ever lived was on the Country Club Plaza in KC. Absolutely gorgeous and such a fun place to live. You can walk to excellent restaurants and entertainment. Short drive to Arrowhead stadium or Royals stadium. It's so enchanting at Christmas time. Especially for your age bracket I think the Plaza area would be perfect for you.

St Louis is more metropolitan. You might like St Louis Hills if you want to have some yard. People there are very nice and neighborly and love to work on their yards.

Good luck!

[breer23]

You should also check areas just west of Wash U. (Big Bend) heading towards downtown Clayton, which will be called UCity or Clayton, depending on the block you're looking at.The Wydown area is especially nice.