St. Louis review (St. Charles, University City, Clayton: loft, condos, home)

[mjtinmemphis]

I had the pleasure of visiting St. Louis last week after relocating 10 years ago to North Carolina. It was quite interesting how the area has changed. Some have changed for the better. Some has changed for the worse. Others have not changed.

The city of St. Louis has finally realized that it has tremendous potential. That potential can only be achieved when people work together. The city is now one of the top 5 most intergrate urban areas in the country. I was totally blown away by the progress on wash-ave. It didn't feel like what I had believed it was 10 years ago. The vibe was totally amazing. It didn’t feel like Chicago, Baltimore or Atlanta. It felt like St. Louis. The type of city one would want to come to on vacation and leave saying they felt like they been to SAINT LOUIS. Or better yet it seems like a city where people would want to live. People where actually walking up and down the street with shopping bags. That wasn't the seen 10 years ago. Not to mention the idea that Central west end has high-rise condos going up. North St. Louis and South Side has new housing.

Moving further west into St. Louis County. It was unreal to see metro link has expanded into “Sophisticated Clayton” Wow!!! 10 years ago people feared the idea thinking that mass transit will bring about crime. University City Loop has always been a center piece of entertainment in the region. It’s good to see that it has expanded into the city. On the other hand, it is sad to see parts of St. Louis County are still loosing population to St. Charles and Jefferson County. At the same time its opening opportunity to rebuild and reestablish itself as a diverse community that embraces change and different cultures.

The growth in St. Charles County was about what I expected. New companies are moving in from North and West St. Louis County. There is a steady influx of people from St. Louis County. The disappointment lies in the fact that the area is still 90% one race. Given that it’s now 2007 is out right despicable.

The Idea that corporate mergers and layoffs in the auto industry without a doubt have taken its toll on the economy. St. Louis is far from being down and out. Most comparable metros could not withstand the hits that St. Louis has taken.

These are my observations on the area after being gone for 10 years. I am planning to relocate to the area to expand my business this summer and I am very excited to not only return home but to live in a city that offers an affordable urban lifestyle. After considering Atlanta, Dallas, DC and New York, I find St. Louis to be an excellent choice.

[RickMG]

Thanks for the great review of our great city. You seemed to really take it all in and seem very up to date on what's going on. I think you made a great choice to relocate here and feel that you are going to make a great addition to our already great area. Good luck on your move.

[riptoman]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

I had the pleasure of visiting St. Louis last week after relocating 10 years ago to North Carolina. It was quite interesting how the area has changed. Some have changed for the better. Some has changed for the worse. Others have not changed.

The city of St. Louis has finally realized that it has tremendous potential. That potential can only be achieved when people work together. The city is now one of the top 5 most intergrate urban areas in the country. I was totally blown away by the progress on wash-ave. It didn't feel like what I had believed it was 10 years ago. The vibe was totally amazing. It didn’t feel like Chicago, Baltimore or Atlanta. It felt like St. Louis. The type of city one would want to come to on vacation and leave saying they felt like they been to SAINT LOUIS. Or better yet it seems like a city where people would want to live. People where actually walking up and down the street with shopping bags. That wasn't the seen 10 years ago. Not to mention the idea that Central west end has high-rise condos going up. North St. Louis and South Side has new housing.

Moving further west into St. Louis County. It was unreal to see metro link has expanded into “Sophisticated Clayton” Wow!!! 10 years ago people feared the idea thinking that mass transit will bring about crime. University City Loop has always been a center piece of entertainment in the region. It’s good to see that it has expanded into the city. On the other hand, it is sad to see parts of St. Louis County are still loosing population to St. Charles and Jefferson County. At the same time its opening opportunity to rebuild and reestablish itself as a diverse community that embraces change and different cultures.

The growth in St. Charles County was about what I expected. New companies are moving in from North and West St. Louis County. There is a steady influx of people from St. Louis County. The disappointment lies in the fact that the area is still 90% one race. Given that it’s now 2007 is out right despicable.

The Idea that corporate mergers and layoffs in the auto industry without a doubt have taken its toll on the economy. St. Louis is far from being down and out. Most comparable metros could not withstand the hits that St. Louis has taken.

These are my observations on the area after being gone for 10 years. I am planning to relocate to the area to expand my business this summer and I am very excited to not only return home but to live in a city that offers an affordable urban lifestyle. After considering Atlanta, Dallas, DC and New York, I find St. Louis to be an excellent choice.

the metro goes much further west than clayton. i live out in webster groves and there's a metrolink station right up the road in shrewsbury.

[stltova]

Welcome back!
Good luck with everything!

[metroplex2003]

St. Louis is a very nice city. Lived there for 4 years. Central West End, Clayton, the Loop, Olive Blvd. Chinese district, the Hill, Wash Ave Loft District, Lafayette Sq. These are all areas that are unique and give this city character.