Parents moving from So. Illinois (St. Louis, St. Charles: houses, neighborhoods, taxes)

[act66]

My parents have been living in Carbondale, IL for nearly 40 years, and are both retired. They would like to move to the St. Louis area, mainly because of their frustration with the taxes in Illinois. Currently, they are looking in the St. Peters, O'Fallon, St. Charles area just because the realtor they found specializes in this area. Is this a location for two people to settle down for retirement?

They are looking for houses in the 300,000's.

Any other suggestions? All they've known is So. Illinois in regards to traffic, spacious neighborhoods, etc., but aren't necessarily ruling out suburban sprawl completely. Just wondering if there is a happy medium somewhere in the St. Louis area.

Thanks everyone for you advice.

[TGS]

Those are fine areas for retirement, but many people would be bored out of their minds. It is the far edge of the suburban sprawl.

Your parents might want to look in the South County area. Very safe, and lots of brick ranch homes. That will get them in a safe, affordable suburban area, but will also be much, much closer to the cultural amenities of the city. Try Grantwood Village or Sunset Hills. Kirkwood and Webster Groves are also nice, but are a little more expensive.

[jas131]

Have them check out Washington, MO. Beautiful town along the Missouri River. Small town feel with city amenities. Within 40 min of downtown STL. Just west of STL off I44.

[AJohnston_STL]

Yeah, don't understand why they would be looking that far out in the suburbs. Maybe being retirees they would be interested in some of the things the city has to offer?