Chicago's impression of Saint Louis

[Chicago76]

A lot of people have touched on the differences. Having lived in both, a key difference to me is how each is laid out. Chicago has a better "narrative" for your run of the mill visitor. A very dense CBD, a more lively evening area immediately adjacent just north of the river, and several contiguous neighborhoods with the majority of the attractions that blend pretty seamlessly. I'm thinking downtown stretching north along the lake, also south a bit, plus northwest out to Logan, sw to Pilsen, etc. Stl is very fragmented...even along the central corridor. Downtown is pretty dead for a metro of STL's size, then there is a deader zone until Midtown, then another drop off before CWE and Forest Park. Go north of the central corridor and in many areas you're asking yourself why the hell you made the decision to go there. A lot if north city makes the worst parts of the south or west sides look nice by comparison. Like Chicago, STL is really a city of neighborhoods. Unfortunately, many of its best examples run south of 40, which means they are separated from the central corridor by a huge rail viaduct.

These neighborhoods change pretty dramatically as well too. Take drive west from Broadway to Kingshighway around arsenal to see what I mean.

[ChiTownWonder]

I love the historic big house tree shaded areas in the outer hoods and inner suburbs. the parks and plazas are great and i love the vibe of the city the day of a baseball game. i was there during a cubs vs cardinals game, and the city had such a great vibe. and of course the arch is a sight to see.