City Neighborhoods with kids (St. Louis, Rea: townhouses, subdivisions, income)

[sadiepie]

I am relocating to STL in July from Chicago (Oak Park exactly). We have a 3 year old and plan on having another child soon. We'd like to live in or very close to the city (not real fond of subdivisions and malls).

I am interested in U city, Tower Grove, CWE, compton Heights. I'd like an area that has some sense of neighborhood, is close to a park/playground and safe enough to walk around in, and housing that can provide a small yard big enough to do a bit of gardening.

What about Compton Heights? Boundaries for the Tower Grove area? We are in our 30s and have lived all over the country. We are open minded, love food/restaurants, and prefer older homes or homes with character. Any candid info would be helpful.. Thanks.

[Bobster]

Compton Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of St. Louis! The Central West End is also right up there. I honestly can't tell you what the kid situation is in either, but the homes are very cool in both!

[aragx6]

I think you'd be really happy in any of those areas. And for what you pay in Oak Park, it'll be a steal!!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Would Central West End be too noisy for their kid, though?

I think Lafayette Park is fairly family-oriented as well, but more expensive.

But I think any of those areas would be workable.

Welcome to the city!

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Bobster

Compton Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of St. Louis! The Central West End is also right up there. I honestly can't tell you what the kid situation is in either, but the homes are very cool in both!

I'd have to agree with these. And nearby Lafayette Square, etc...

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by sadiepie

I am relocating to STL in July from Chicago (Oak Park exactly). We have a 3 year old and plan on having another child soon. We'd like to live in or very close to the city (not real fond of subdivisions and malls).

I am interested in U city, Tower Grove, CWE, compton Heights. I'd like an area that has some sense of neighborhood, is close to a park/playground and safe enough to walk around in, and housing that can provide a small yard big enough to do a bit of gardening.

What about Compton Heights? Boundaries for the Tower Grove area? We are in our 30s and have lived all over the country. We are open minded, love food/restaurants, and prefer older homes or homes with character. Any candid info would be helpful.. Thanks.

You will do just fine in the mentioned urban neighborhoods. A few inner ring burbs are comparable to Oak Park as well.(I am friends with staff at Fenwick and elsewhere)

[aragx6]

The main streets of the CWE can be loud, but the side residential streets can be surprisingly serene.

[sadiepie]

thanks to all that replied-good to hear I'm on the right track. I think the main thing is that I want my daughter to have some place close to ride her bike (side street or nearby park) and do the regular kid type stuff. I love Oak Park because it's the best of both worlds...green space and city life with loads of diversity and good food, events etc.

The houses are not only MUCH more affordable, but our income is increasing (thus the move) so I feel like I"ve hit the jackpot Really looking forward to exploring the city and finding out what makes STL unique. BTW the homes remind me so much of my native Maine/New England.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Lafayette Square has some nice townhouses, but can be more pricey. Tower Grove Park is nice, and there are Compton Hill Park and Lafayette Park nearby.

Lots of parks in St. Louis.

[STL Aviator]

Originally Posted by aragx6

The main streets of the CWE can be loud, but the side residential streets can be surprisingly serene.

I'll second that. My street is extremely quiet. My parent's house in the exurbs of Chicago is noisier.