Affordable housing for senior (St. Louis, University City: new house, neighborhoods, university)

[Elsie234]

Hi -

I recently moved to St. Louis - I live in University City and I love it. My mother is considering relocating to be closer to me and her grandchildren. She currently lives in a small town in the south, so moving to a larger city will be somewhat of a shock to her.

Her budget is maximum $150,000 for a house. She would prefer a newer house on a small lot and low property taxes. She wants a yard because she has two dogs and gardening is a hobby of hers. She needs to have grocery, doctors, etc nearby because she does not drive on the interstate. It goes without saying that the neighborhood should also be safe for an older woman living alone.

Where should I start looking? I want her to be close to us in case she needs anything. I have tried to convince her to look at houses closer to the city, but she does not want to live in an older home. Are there any neighborhoods with new houses near U-City? She is afraid of the upkeep on an older home as she is on a fixed income.

Thanks!