Brits with the opportunity of relocating to STL (St. Louis, Chesterfield: apartment complexes, rentals)

[wustu87]

Crime is not much of an issue in the nicer inner suburbs like Webster, Brentwood, Clayton etc. Note that the yards in Webster may not be as big as you'd get further out, but they are still large enough (and more picturesque IMHO with all the big mature trees). I like the older, more established areas like Kirkwood and Webster too, but if I worked near the airport I would prefer to live just a little further north by I-170, so I would pick Olivette or eastern Ladue (you should be able to afford an older home there around $400K) . I would say Clayton too, but it is even harder to find a home there with much of a yard in your price range, and you get even less for your money.

[BoomBoxing]

No because of several reasons:

1) The only real dangerous part of the city is the north side, far away from Webster Groves.

2) The part of the city (southwest) near Webster Groves is plenty safe, pretty much just as safe as Webster Groves itself.

3) Most of the south part of the city is safe with the exception of a couple of neighborhoods.

I would highly, highly recommend Webster Groves, especially if you enjoy the things I mentioned above.

[UK Monkey]

I had a look on Realtor, not much for rent in that area on there, but promising...

[Old Trafford]

Greetings!

St. Louis native former UK resident here. I would take a look at Maplewood,
Costs are cheaper than WG (right next door though)
Nice housing stock that runs from economy to luxury
Easy trip up to the airport via 170 or metro
Nice small commercial district with shopping and dinning (High Street if you will)
Choice of public schools or parochial

While there are some paralles w/ B’ham you will find St. Louis to be more like Glasgow physically and a bit culturally

Good luck

[sixtwobaldguy]

I lived in Webster before and it's very safe and nice and centrally located. Mapplewood is probably fine, I never lived there but it is more for the lower class and maybe students I think. I would step up and get one of the bigger homes in Webster, yes it costs more but it's worth it imo and you'll get your money back when you move. I think you said you guys make 130+ each, so you could easily afford the payments on an OK house in most parts of St. Louis, so you have your pick. Obviously, some really exclusive neighborhoods and particular houses will not be affordable but I think you'll find housing costs in St. Louis are very reasonable even if you're not rich. Private school is the way to go.

[Marksman84]

Originally Posted by Old Trafford

Greetings!


While there are some paralles w/ B’ham you will find St. Louis to be more like Glasgow physically and a bit culturally

Good luck

Hmmm...I've been to Glasgow and I don't remember anyone being obsessed with high school....but there were a few dive bars, so I guess I could city the parallel with the City....

[UK Monkey]

I wish it was 130 each.....Thats the household income, she'll be on about 80k-90k, I'm likely to settle for 40K to get my 'foot in the door'

[UK Monkey]

OK, we've ruled out O'Fallon and Lake STL, the commute is too far. The strip of towns from Ellisville to Webster Groves.

There doesn't seem to be much in the rental market here, perhaps that is a good sign....

We are likely to keep the house on in the UK and rent it out, so this will limit our US house spend to about 280K.

[UK Monkey]

I've come back round to looking at Eureka as well, 30-40 minute commute, get straight on the 44 to the 270 almost seems faster than fighting through the smaller roads to get on the 270 from the Ballwin/Manchester area.

Thoughts?

[BoomBoxing]

Eureka is pretty far down 44 so it would not be quicker than Ballwin/Manchester. I know you are overwhelmed with choices but I would like to also mention Sunset Hills is a nice alternative.

I will break it down for you a little more:

Best area that meets all your criteria closest to the airport: Creve Coeur
Best area, in the county, in my personal opinion: Webster Groves/Kirkwood
Good alternatives that I think you would be happy with: Ballwin, Manchester, Sunset Hills.