Officially Moving: Chi-town to St. Louis (University City, Ballwin: best city, apartments, rentals)

[Chicago-Eman]

Done some research so far and definitely need additional ideas.

Love Central West End, University City, and I kind of like Clayton.

Looking for a gym near these areas THEN deciding on an apartment--priorities!! Want a gym with a pool and nice free weight area. Wellbridge fits the bill except for the monthly fee of $118. I can join Eastbank in Chicago which is considered one of the nicest gyms for less--what is that all about?!? I pay $75/month here in Chicago right now and that is considered expensive! Any suggestions, as I do like Wellbridge (negotiate it down $45+.

Most of the other gyms I have seen do not have pools (I need to swim for my disc herniation)--I checked out Sante, Fitness Factory (not impressed with Wash Ave), St. Louis Workout.

I am going to check out The Center of Clayton, Centennial Commons and Missouri Athletic Club. Any other suggestions??

In terms of the apartment: 1-bedroom, some outdoor space (i.e. deck or balcony), and outdoor pool to make up for the lack of the beaches around Lake Michigan.

Any suggestions appreciated!!

Thanks everyone!

[stlcitygirl]

I know University City has its own Rec Center for its residents, University City, MO - Official Website - Centennial Commons. Not sure about the Central West End. There is a new fitness center downtown, Fitness Factory. Welcome to St Louis!

[Chicago-Eman]

Will definitely be checking out Centennial Commons.

What is the best way to look for apts? Craigslist seems baron. Do I get an agent or what?

[stlcitygirl]

Most of my friends seem to have got their apartments on Craigslist. Are you looking for an apartment or a house? Would you like to live in the city or right outside of the city? The best city neighborhoods to look in: Central West End, Downtown, Soulard, Tower Grove South. If your looking right outside the city limits: University City, Clayton, Richmond Heights/Maplewood. All of the places named are close to the metrolink and have a lot of fun stuff going on.

I left out Lafayette Square-Neighborhood in the city, pretty awesome. Do you need to be close to a certain area for a job?

[ShadowCaver]

Just curious... what about the YMCA of Greater St. Louis | Spirit Mind Body ? Haven't done anything therein but play racquetball, but would that fit the bill, if one is in your desired areas? BTW - welcome to StL Ummmm,,, you aren't a Blackhawks fan are ya?

[Brickmama]

I am looking for a gym. What was it about the Fitness Factory that you didnt like?

[SouthCity09]

Originally Posted by Brickmama

I am looking for a gym.

if you want a basic gym that gets the job done and its cheap and open 24hours with a lot of metro area locations...go with Club Fitness, cant beat 19.99 a month

Club Fitness

[Marksman84]

Originally Posted by SouthCity09

if you want a basic gym that gets the job done and its cheap and open 24hours with a lot of metro area locations...go with Club Fitness, cant beat 19.99 a month

Originally Posted by SouthCity09

Club Fitness

Welcome to St. Louis. Except for good deep dish pizza and a decent NFL team, I think you'll find we have what you need!

I want to add to the excellent suggestion above - with any health club, offer to prepay ONE month first to see if it works out - that way, you are not contractually obligated to stay if you find that the club does not suit your needs. And negotiate your price - pretend you are buying an automobile. In this economy, the customer is always right.

My wife and I are Club Fitness members for "all club locations" and we are happy, AFTER pursuing a 30-day prepaid trial period. Ballwin and Creve Coeur are the best clubs, South County is the worst club (half of the equipment is always broken).

[zach_33]

You will not find anything like the Eastbank Club in STL that I am aware of. Centennial Commons is pretty good, and the price is great, especially for residents, but there won't be a lot of nice rentals within close walking distance. Some decent rentals about .75 miles away along Dartmouth, Tulane and points south between Pennslyvania and Jackson. The Center of Clayton is supposedly a very nice facility for residents, on Gay between Old Bonhomme and Maryland-- not many rentals thereabouts, but you could find a rental in the Moorlands over on the other side of downtown Clayton. There's also a Bally's right at the Metrolink station at Forsyth and Forest Park Pkwy in Clayton, but I have no idea what the facility is like. For the CWE, I think there is (was?) a gym in the Chase Plaza, but I hear it isn't very nice. Good luck on the move. I came down from Chicago in 02. It ended up being a good move I'd say.

[Chicago-Eman]

Definitely want to rent an apartment--I still own my place in Chicago and want to try to minimize expenses. Want to be near the city, walkable gym.

With my job I can be pretty much live anywhere as my home is my office, but will be on the road a bit. I want the outdoor space to be able to drag out my desk out on a deck and work on my laptop outdoors. Also an outdoor pool would be nice to get some sun in the summer-since lake michigan isn't down the street like it is at my condo in chicago.

In terms of gyms, I liked fitness factory (and the price is right), just wished it had a pool (for my rehab on my back) and I was not impressed with the Washington Ave area (a little too hoity-toity). But I can live around there if there are safe areas nearby Wash Ave, just not familiar with the areas to live around there or streets.

Again, I would like a gym with a pool (Wellbridge fits the bill--but way too expensive). I will try the other gyms I mentioned and maybe a couple of YMCAs.

Thanks for the responses everyone...ALL help is needed as I need to be moved there in a month!

and yes I do like the Blackhawks...