Flooding in U City? (St. Louis, University City: insurance, crime, loan)

[bissit]

I was under the impression that U City had some serious flooding this past fall. If so, what areas were hit? My R.E. agent says she didn't think ucity had damage.

And the whole "North of Olive" issue, ie: Stay Away - is this for crime or crime and flood?

Thx -

Bissit

[aragx6]

I'm not an expert, but my understanding is that the River Des Peres tends to flash flood, but I don't know exactly what areas to stay away from.

Here's an article in the post from last fall: University City Looks to Fix Flooding Issues | ksdk.com | St. Louis, MO

The north of Olive distinction is about crime/quality of neighborhood.

[zach_33]

If you look at a map of U City, look closely at the street named Mona, just west of Hanley. Also Wilson just east of Hanley. These streets and some around them in the same River Des Peres basin got flooded last year, severely enough to get FEMA funding-- your RE should know this if they are at all familiar with U City. It was pretty sad, some elderly person was killed in the flood actually. I would probably try to stay away from anything that isn't 20 feet higher than the altitudes of those blocks, then you should be okay. You can also have your agent run a flood plain check on anything that is highly interesting to you. If it's in a 100 yr flood plain, stay away, you'll pay exorbitant insurance and you may well get flooded. If its in a 500 yr plain (or whatever), then its a more reasonable risk, though I'm not sure of the insurance implication.

[bissit]

Great info, Zach. I am so surprised at how much I had to educate this r.e. and I'm 2000 miles away. I have much better idea now of this area. Thanks!

[aragx6]

You're right Bissit, that is surprising -- and ridiculous. U City didn't have the kind of flooding seen in places like Valley Park and others when the Meramec was a mess last spring, but still probably something a realtor ought to know. Does he/she specialize in that area?

[bissit]

Aragx6 - It was a R.E. recommended by the loan officer. I'm sticking w/the L.O. just b/c I'm protected using FHA and working with MHDC. However, I would dump him too just for suggesting this person. The RE stated she was familiar with the area but now I know better. So I'll just continue to shop for another. Tempted to do this myself. At least if I mess it up I have no one to blame

[aragx6]

I think a good agent is a great asset and that you should really try to find one whose expertise aligns better with your needs, though I totally understand your frustration.

[DurrKathy]

I live in University City and we were hit pretty hard by the flood. University isn't a bad place to live been here 28 years. You have to check to see where the flood zone are. I been flooded three time here. But the last one was the worst. Just stay away from the creek area. The water got so high it covered the cars in the street cover the busch in front of my house , flooded my bastment half way up my stairs. Broke my bastment door in. Had to throw away a lot of stuff . But thank God my husband and I got throught it. We don't live over my Wilson street. University City said they didn't even know that we got flood until someone went over there and told them. Kathy