Downtown: Washington Ave. vs. Lafayette Square vs. Soulard (St. Louis, St. Charles: apartments, rentals)

[53x12]

I just heard about this site through a friend of mine. I am moving to St. Louis and had the chance to visit this past weekend. I was very impressed by the city and think I will enjoy living in STL. I narrowed my search to living in the down-town "area" and have focused my search to Washington Ave area, Lafayette Square, and Soulard area. All three of these areas seem very nice, interesting, and places that I could see myself living in. I was only able to spend a little over a day in STL, so obviously I couldn't fully experience the city. I will be renting and I'm single with no children. Those of you more familiar with STL and these areas, any chance you could give me a bit more info on these areas? Washington Ave. seemed like the most "happening" part of downtown with all the lofts, restaurants, and bars. Lafayette and Soulard area seemed almost residential with some interesting restaurants and coffee shops/bars close by. They are also very close to I64, I44, I55 which will make getting around a bit easier (not that it is a big difference from Washington Ave area). Any thoughts guys?

[oscottscotto]

All of the above?

If I had to choose, Soulard. But that is like choosing between 3 hot girls when one is blonde, the other a brunette, and the other a reddie.

[Brickmama]

I have lived in Soulard and currently live downtown on Wash ave and they are both great options. Wash ave is your 20-30 year old professionals along with some empty nesters. Lots of nightlife, restaurant, everyday amenities, and other entertainment options. Soulard fairly simular with a few more college type. I would say Lafayette Sq resident are slightly older married and some with kids but atill a solid choice. It all depends on what fits what you are looking for. Soulard and Lafayette Sq has more of a neighborhood feel while Downtown is more of a full blown urban environment. Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Here's a list of Downtown rentals (in case you need it):

Bee Hat Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 36 Price $875.00 - $1,285.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Bee Hat Lofts
Bell Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 24 Price $785.00 - $1,395.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Bell Lofts
The Bogen Call regarding availability Total Units 90
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Bogen, The
Cupples Station Loft Apartments Call regarding availability Total Units 131
Price $567.00 - $830.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Cupples Station Loft Apartments
East Bank Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 10 Price $1,805.00 - $2,900.00 Downtown St. Louis Partnership - East Bank Lofts
Edge Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 65 Price $795.00 - $1,650.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Edge Lofts
The Ely Walker Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 86 Price $975.00 - $1,395.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Ely Walker Lofts, The
Fashion Square Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 96 Price $1,100.00 - $1,600.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Fashion Square Lofts
Fulton Bag Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 15 Price not listed
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Fulton Bag Lofts
Gentry's Landing Call regarding availability Total Units 413 Price $429.00 - $2,200.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Gentry's Landing
Grace Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 24 Price $1,080.00 - $1,945.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Grace Lofts
Locust Street Loft Apartments Call regarding availability Total Units 94
Price $677.00 - $1,165.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Locust Street Loft Apartments
Lofts@315 Call regarding availability Total Units 20 Price $915.00 - $1,545.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Lofts@315
Ludwig Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 14 Price $815.00 - $1,295.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Ludwig Lofts
Majestic Stove Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 120 Price $538.00 - $1,320.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Majestic Stove Lofts
Mansion House Call regarding availability Total Units 412 Price $509.00 - $1,939.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Mansion House
The Marquette Call regarding availability Total Units 36 Price $700.00 - $2,100.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Marquette, The
Merchandise Mart Apartments Call regarding availability Total Units 213 Price $670.00 - $2,300.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Merchandise Mart Apartments
Motor Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 55 Price not listed
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Motor Lofts
Paul Brown Loft Apartments Units Available Total Units 222 Price $615.00 - $1,625.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Paul Brown Loft Apartments
Plaza Square Apartments Call regarding availability Total Units 911 Price $410.00 - $1,000.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Plaza Square Apartments
Pointe 400 Call regarding availability Total Units 118 Price $1,235.00 - $4,930.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Pointe 400
Roberts Lofts on the Plaza Call regarding availability Total Units 47 Price $750.00 - $3,300.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Roberts Lofts on the Plaza
Rudman on the Park Call regarding availability Total Units 48 Price $850.00 - $1,350.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Rudman on the Park
The Syndicate Call regarding availability Total Units 70 Price $649.00 - $1,450.00
http://www.downtownstl.org/Home.aspx?ContentID=1430
T.M. Sayman Building Call regarding availability Total Units 6 Price $700.00 - $1,400.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - T.M. Sayman Building
Terrace Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 48 Price $735.00 - $1,260.00
http://www.downtownstl.org/Home.aspx?ContentID=1431
Tudor Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 64 Price $677.00 - $811.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Tudor Lofts
University Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 26 Price $412.00 - $1,500.00
http://www.downtownstl.org/Home.aspx?ContentID=1433
Vangard Lofts Call regarding availability Total Units 82 Price $725.00 - $1,300.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Vangard Lofts
Washington Ave Apartments Call regarding availability Total Units 95 Price $500.00 - $1,100.00
Downtown St. Louis Partnership - Washington Ave Apartments

[Todd.LA]

Originally Posted by STLCardsBlues1989

Here's a list of Downtown rentals (in case you need it):

Thanks for that list. It's very helpful for those of us relocating to St. Louis.

Regarding downtown, which sections of Washington Ave. do people on here think are the best / most lively parts to live in? How do buildings on nearby streets (i.e., Olive, Locust, St. Charles, Lucas) compare to those on Washington Ave. itself? Many thanks!

[OSU_FAN]

I would say the stretch of Wash Ave. where most people live is between 9th and 14th-15th. Now, please, no one throw stones at me as I know there are some outside of that which are just as nice!! I'm just saying as far as where the majority of the bars/restaurants/amenities are. Also, there are some really nice lofts on Olive around where the City Grocers is. I looked at the lofts that are actually above City Grocers and they are quite nice but no amenities like some places on Wash Ave. that have rooftop decks, pools, gyms etc.

[OSU_FAN]

I meant to throw in that I was recently a "newbie" to STL and moved here just about 5 months ago. I was in the same position trying to decide where to live and I chose a loft on Wash Ave..couldn't be happier!

[aragx6]

Did you spend any time in the Central West End? IMO, you just can't beet the vibrant urban neighborhood with the great access to what is easily St. Louis' single best feature: Forest Park.

[zach_33]

Of the three hoods you have targeted, I would probably choose Lafayette Square. It could just be that way because I have children and there isn't as much green space around the other two areas, but it is hard to beat those big painted lady victorians overlooking the square for sheer visual (architecturally speaking) beauty. Also, having that picturesque park down the block or across the street would be really cool. There are some nice restaurants and bars on Park Ave between Mississippi and 18th. The Chocolate bar (whatever the place is called) is a great after dinner spot with some good people watching.

[53x12]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Did you spend any time in the Central West End? IMO, you just can't beet the vibrant urban neighborhood with the great access to what is easily St. Louis' single best feature: Forest Park.

Yeah actually I did. The CWE is really nice with all the restaurants. But to be perfectly honest, the apartments really aren't up to par with the ones I have looked at in the downtown area. The CWE is pricer, and the apartments are older and not as well kept. Sure being close to CWE is nice, but I would still be a 5-10 min drive away. I agree that Forest Park is amazing, just not sure I would like to pay a premium to live in an older apartment just to be within walking distance of it.