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Old 11-23-2008, 08:54 AM
 
22 posts, read 42,528 times
Reputation: 15

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I'm posting this to several cities, looking for the best place to relocate. I'm a newly divorced mother of an eight-year-old, and will be working at home. I'm looking for a lively, eclectic urban scene but one where there are other families, where I can get my son into a decent public school, still drive a car without losing my mind, and perhaps even keep the family dog. Can't afford much right now, but expect my income to improve. I love the Central West End, but thinking my $250k wouldn't go far. Also wondering: we're coming from a very liberal college town with a very tolerant, advance-degreed population. Should St. Louis stay on my short list? Thanks in advance to anyone who has time to respond.
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Old 11-23-2008, 06:16 PM
epr
 
3 posts, read 6,851 times
Reputation: 11
Clayton. MO seems like an alternative!
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Old 11-24-2008, 09:18 AM
 
Location: Tower Grove East, St. Louis, MO
12,063 posts, read 31,467,731 times
Reputation: 3798
why? And you can't get anything for 250k in Clayton.

Anyway, OP! Here's the deal:

250K can get you a beautiful old home in Tower Grove Heights like this one: Coldwell Banker Gundaker -- Your site for St. Louis Real Estate

It's a great neighborhood (plenty liberal fear not), with great ethnic restaurants, a BEAUTIFUL park just a couple of blocks away and you'll have a yard!

St. Louis public schools are awful, but there are some solid magnets that your son may be able to get into -- you'll definitely need to do your homework there.

Also, look in University City. 250 should get you a nice little house near Washington University (fabulous school, liberal oasis). Coldwell Banker Gundaker -- Your site for St. Louis Real Estate - That place is less than a mile to the loop area which is full of shops, restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife.

It's technically the 'burbs, but it doesn't feel like the cookie cutter burbs farther on the outskirts. The schools are still pretty iffy though.

To get a good public (non magnet) school you'll have to get a bit farther out -- Look at Kirkwood and Webster Groves. they both have great walkable downtown areas with indie coffee shops and restaurants, the houses are old and have loads of charm, and the schools are fabulous. Like this place: Coldwell Banker Gundaker -- Your site for St. Louis Real Estate

In short, come check out St. Louis, I think you'll love it! It really seems to have everything you said you wanted!!
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Old 11-24-2008, 10:00 AM
 
Location: St Louis County (63117)
321 posts, read 998,179 times
Reputation: 150
Actually, if it is just you and your son, you can easily find a 2 bedroom condo in Clayton for under $250K, although the dog may limit the options (depending on the management rules each place). But that would be a great location following your criteria.

The U. City area aragx6 suggested is also very nice where your dog would be quite happy, and U City elementary schools are not as bad as many people think (especially not Jackson Park and Flynn Park). Another option there may be renting or buying a condo near the Loop if you want to be closer to the "lively, eclectic urban scene" you mentioned. And the Wash U/U City area is without a doubt the "liberal oasis" of the metro region.

Webster and Kirkwood are great places too, but again the dog may limit more affordable condos and townhouses closer to the "downtown" areas. If you don't mind being several blocks away, a smaller, older home like aragx6 found should keep everybody happy.

The bottom line is you still have many options in the St. Louis area, and you should definitely keep us on your "short list".
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Old 11-24-2008, 10:25 AM
 
Location: Tower Grove East, St. Louis, MO
12,063 posts, read 31,467,731 times
Reputation: 3798
Well if you don't mind a condo, there should be options in the Central West End too under 250.
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Old 11-24-2008, 06:55 PM
 
200 posts, read 629,884 times
Reputation: 83
Quote:
Originally Posted by aragx6 View Post
Well if you don't mind a condo, there should be options in the Central West End too under 250.
Agreed
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Old 11-30-2008, 08:27 PM
 
21 posts, read 57,398 times
Reputation: 13
I am a Teacher and a Part-time Realtor. I would consider looking in to the Rockwood School District. It is in St. Louis County very centrally located. The prices in the housing market is very reasonable now. There are many great deals available. Good Luck!!!
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Old 12-01-2008, 09:44 AM
 
Location: Tower Grove East, St. Louis, MO
12,063 posts, read 31,467,731 times
Reputation: 3798
I can't think of many areas in St. Louis more suburban than the Rockwood SD. Someone have some houses to sell there eh?
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Old 12-03-2008, 04:25 PM
 
Location: St. Louis, MO
147 posts, read 381,419 times
Reputation: 69
The Rockwood School District is exactly the opposite of what the original poster is looking for.

I'll echo the CWE/Tower Grove/U. City/Clayton suggestions other posters have made. I think Tower Grove/Shaw is where your money will go the farthest. Maybe Lafayette Square too. Check out 63116, 63104, 63108 zip codes, and you should be able to get a great house.

St. Louis should definitely stay on your short list - there are plenty of progressive-thinking, open-minded people here, especially in the city itself.
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