Commute suggestions and general opinions. (St. Louis, Ballwin: for rent, student loans, house)

[rowan82]

Hello,
I just relocated to the area and am looking to rent a little house. I love the location of the one on The Hill (Nagel) but the house was pretty rough (my budget is the big culprit! Lol). On the other hand, I found a lovely little cottage in Overland near Endicot Park. I am told Overland can be both good or bad depending on where you are, but that is the house I think that I’ll be taking. I’ll be driving to Town and Country for work. What do you folks think? What is the best route to take? I am used to the wide open spaces of NM so everything is pretty daunting to me but I really want to enjoy the city (zoos, museums and such)

Thanks!

[zach_33]

sounds like you'll be right next to I-170, so you'd take that south to I-64 west to destination. Pretty easy ride. I think you'll be okay there in terms of easy access to the city, museums, zoo, etc. If you like shooting pool, it doesn't get much better than the Cue and Cushion on Woodson.

[flynavyj]

As far as commutes go, you'll be perfectly fine in Overland. Whether or not it's the location you want to be in will really depend on what you're looking for. I wouldn't worry to much about access to the Zoo or the Museums, as they're a short drive away, and since most of us don't visit the museums or zoo on a daily basis, taking the short drive to the Western edge of the city on occasion really isn't a major concern for county residents.

I'm two towns over (depending on where you're located in Overland) in St. Ann. If you're close to Midland I think Overland is pretty good...South of Midland always seems better, but just slightly north isn't bad either. Overland runs into Breckenridge Hills on the Northern part along Woodson, and I'm not a fan of the Breckenridge Hills neighborhood in general, leave something to be desired. St. Ann also has some very affordable 2 Bd Rm homes for rent, and all the areas have lots of parks in close proximity to the homes. Overland has a better downtown district than St. Ann, although it's relatively small and doesn't have a lot going on...it's still a nice start.

[Brickmama]

Look for other options on the Hill.

[flynavyj]

Rowan,

Was there anything that initially drew you to the Hill? Just curious if there's something that you're looking for in addition to an easy commute to Town & Country.

BTW - The area you're looking (if actually next to the park you mentioned) isn't actually Overland, but St. John. I've had several friends who've owned homes around Brown Road in St. John and absolutely loved the location and their neighbors.

Did a quick street view search around the park, and it appears hit and miss...some nice looking homes clustered together, then some homes that look a bit rundown (sheets hanging in front of windows, or doors). Drive the area at all hours, stop by at night, see what the vibe is. If you see roving bands of teenagers on a Friday night (when the weather is nice) you might want to keep looking. Not sure what your budget is, but you can typically find something safe, and at a price point somewhere in the St. Louis metro, and we're here to help

[rowan82]

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Not having much knowledge of the city I have just been looking at whatever was in my budget near work. Not looking for anything just barely over the bridge as that seems to be the worst traffic. Obviously, I cant live in Town and Country, but I did find a nice little house in Ballwin just today that he may let me rent for a little under the asking price. I know this may sound dumb to non-dog lovers, but I would love to be able to just run home on lunch to break up my pups long day. Aside from that, I just want an area that feels right. It looks like you can get a lovely house anywhere for about $750 but I want to stay lower as the student loans just hit and I don't want to be house poor when there are such great things in the city to do! So, yeah, I guess I want it all! lol

[rowan82]

Another Question!!! Until I move in a month I have to drive from Town and Country to the IL side. At 5:30pm, is it better to take 270 or 55? I don't care which is faster. Which is safer/easier!!!? I just tried it on 270 and had to pry my fingers off the wheel when I got home.