St.Louis public transportation/is my area safe? (St. Louis: buying a home, neighborhoods)

[Meoww3575]

Hi,
Recently moved to the southwest gardens neighborhood in St.Louis. Before the move I did a bit of research on the neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods and felt as though the area was pretty safe. I have always felt comfortable riding the metro link around St.Louis but am curious about the buses. To get to my work on arsenal it seems like I would possibly take the bus stop at the corner of Hampton and arsenal. I don't know much about that particular stretch so I am wondering if it safe to travel from that bus stop down arsenal getting off at either kingshighway or even taking it down to grand for the shopping etc. can anyone tell me if the bus is safe during the day and night on that stretch of arsenal (from Hampton to grand)? Also, any info on the southwest garden neighborhood or surrounding areas would be greatly appreciated (great shops, restaurants, areas to avoid etc.) Thank you!

[KarenElissa]

Sorry, I keep meaning to reply to you. I haven't taken that particular bus, but I ride the bus a lot, and have ridden the one down Hampton quite a bit and the one down Kingshighway a number of times and never had any problems. I think the buses are perfectly safe. For the most part is is just regular people trying to get to work or run errands. Occasionally there are some odd people, but for the most part they are harmless. The few times I've seen people trying to start trouble, the drivers are usually quick to put them off. So I would have no problem taking that bus.

[FrankMiller]

I can't speak to that bus, but generally speaking bus's safety reflects the neighborhoods they are driving through. In other words, if you find the neighborhood to be safe to walk around in, the bus will usually be similar.

[NewStLouisan]

I didn't realize Southwest Garden stretches all the way to Hampton. I always think of it as the neighborhood just west of the Botanical Gardens, so your question confused me for a bit. To answer your question, you'll be fine. Also, the stretch of Arsenal between Kingshighway and Grand is one of my favorite streets in the entire city. Like I would seriously consider buying a home there if I remain in St. Louis.

Also, any info on the southwest garden neighborhood or surrounding areas would be greatly appreciated (great shops, restaurants, areas to avoid etc.) Thank you!

I live in Shaw (just north of Tower Grove Park). I would recommend trying pretty much every restaurant on S. Grand. And you live close to The Hill, correct? Take advantage of all that Italian food.