Looking to move to Carondelet area, any input? (St. Louis, Lemay: short sale, foreclosure)

[cardinalnation]

I'm looking to move in South St. Louis and have researched Holly Hills, Princeton Heights etc. However, outside of incident reports (which don't look promising) and historical websites, there is very little information about the area. Does anyone recommend (or discourage) Carondelet?

[TGS]

If you are looking for the polish of Holly Hills or the safety of Princeton Heights, then Carondelet isn't for you. If you are looking for a Soulard circa 1970, or Benton Park circa 1980, then Carondelet is for you.

Basically is it a working-class neighborhood that hasn't gentrified or turned into a ghetto. It is a walkable neighborhood with a business area (bars, restaurants), but those places aren't hip. There are some great houses down there for the money. I fell in love with a great house there a few years ago, but it was right across the street from a fire station.

The area has a lot of potential, and if the new casino gets built in Lemay, then it may see a lot of investment in the next few years. I wouldn't mind living down there at all.

[cardinalnation]

Thanks for your input! Regarding the safety factor of Carondelet vs. Holly Hills, there were two murders in May within a half mile radius from the address I was looking at in Carondelet and yet just a few disturbing the peace calls in Holly Hills. The only reason I am even still considering the Carondelet/Patch area is because the price is right for the space and upgrades in the properties.

[BoomBoxing]

I wouldn't consider Carondelet/Patch dangerous, but as previously stated it isn't the nicest south side neighborhood. It really is street to street because there are some great little areas in that neighborhood. As far as getting a good property for the price, I think you may be pleasantly surprised what you can find. Of course you will probably have to put in some TLC and it will take a long time if you are doing a short sale or foreclosure, but it is worth it.

I would recommend driving around the south side and find what you like and dislike about each neighborhood and find a couple that you like the most and focus strongly on that area. You clearly aren't that comfortable with Carondelet/Patch so go find a few that you know you will love. If you take your time and look at as many houses as you can, you will find one you like and can afford in almost every neighborhood. Remember, you can change your house all you want after you buy it, but you can't change the neighborhood.

[AJohnston_STL]

I know an urbanist who lives in Carondelet and he said he wishes he would have considered other neighborhoods because he doesn't care for it much.

[TGS]

Originally Posted by AJohnston_STL

I know an urbanist who lives in Carondelet and he said he wishes he would have considered other neighborhoods because he doesn't care for it much.

Just out of curiosity, what doesn't he like?

Carondelet is one of the few working-class neighborhoods in the city that hasn't seen too much change over the years. I like to think of it almost as a time capsule. The built environment is really intact down there.

[AJohnston_STL]

Originally Posted by TGS

Just out of curiosity, what doesn't he like?

Carondelet is one of the few working-class neighborhoods in the city that hasn't seen too much change over the years. I like to think of it almost as a time capsule. The built environment is really intact down there.

The crime/sketchy characters.