Moving from San Antonio (St. Louis, St. Charles: house, to buy, new construction)

[moving from NE]

Hi! My wife, 22 month old daughter, and I are possibly moving to St. Louis. We are looking to buy in the $165-200k range and don't mind the suburbs but want to be within 30 minutes of downtown if possible. I have relatives in O'fallon, IL but want to know your opinion on good areas to live. St. Charles, Fenton, Creve Cour, or the Illinois side??? Not sure what we can get in our price range. Also, the obvious perks (shopping, restaurants, good schools, etc.). Any help would be much appreciated!!

[CarrieNeno]

Note: a friend of mine recently moved here from the San Antonio area and apparently your housing is extremely affordable (and new construction is more prevalent) there compared to St Louis. Hence, you may be shocked by what 200K and below will get you within 30 min of downtown.

On the Missouri side, I would focus on the following school district searches: Webster, Kirkwood (will be smaller home), Lindbergh, Parkway North, Pattonville, Mehlville (very far South, but easy to get to downtown if being IN St Louis isn't a priority). Those areas you will be likely to find a 3+bedroom in your price range and decent district to accommodate you family.

As the market is WAY down, you MAY also find something in Parkway West, Parkway Central, Marquette, or Rockwood. But that's touch and go. Be careful about the location.

This may help:http://www.stlouiscountywebsite.com/images/school_images/Saint-Louis-School-District.jpg

[moving from NE]

Yes, housing prices are extremely affordable in San Antonio! From what I have researched it looks like we will probably have to settle for less house, but that's ok. Thank you for the recommendations! What about the St. Charles area? Could you get a 3-4 BR house (1500-2000 sf) in that area? Or how about the Illinois side?

[stlcitygirl]

Brentwood is a pretty great area, not too far from downtown, lots of shopping close.

[STLMetro]

St. Charles is a great area, but depending on the day, you will not be able to get downtown in a half hour, especially if it's during rush hour.

[moving from NE]

I know that St. Charles is a fairly large area in itself, but what is a typical drivetime from St. Charles to downtown St. Louis? During rush hour and not during rush hour?

[stlcitygirl]

Originally Posted by moving from NE

I know that St. Charles is a fairly large area in itself, but what is a typical drivetime from St. Charles to downtown St. Louis? During rush hour and not during rush hour?

I drive from the city to St Charles (mid rivers mall drive) for work. It takes me about 45 minutes, I am going against traffic and I tend to have somewhat of a lead foot (I'm working on it!)

[moving from NE]

Thanks for the help! Any other info on good areas to live would be helpful!

[zach_33]

You might look at Fairview Heights on the Illinois side. It borders O'Fallon IL and is a popular destination for young families, lots of new construction and strip malls, and a breeze commute into the city, maybe 20 minutes. On the MO side I would recommend (for all the same reasons), Fenton in south county, Ballwin in west county although its slightly more than 30 min probably, and then maybe Maryland Heights in the northwest county. Webster Groves and Kirkwood are going to be hard to find a 3+ beds and 2+ baths for under 200, but I guess depending on your tolerance for deferred maintenance you might find something. Other areas to consider that are more central with mostly older housing stock-- Olivette and Brentwood, both served by excellent school districts and in very convenient locations.

[moving from NE]

Great information! Is it true that the housing costs are cheaper on the Illinois side but the taxes are higher on the Illinois side?