Moving from Chicago to St. Louis (University City, Ballwin: affordable apartments, lease, safe area)

[chicagorozez]

My husband has been offered a job in Clayton, MO. We are currently living in Chicago and have two small (4 months and 2 year old) kids. We are looking to rent a 3 Bedroom Apartment in an area that is very safe, and has good schools. We don't mind being about a 20 minute drive away from Clayton. What are some areas in which we can look for affordable apartments to rent? Looking not to spend more than 1000/month on rent if possible. Any help or advice anyone can provide here would be very beneficial to us, considering we would likely make just one trip prior to actually moving there, to look at places and potentially sign a lease in that same trip.

Thanks in Advance.

[billiken]

There are a few (not plentiful) options at this price point in Webster Groves and Kirkwood. There should be more in Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Ballwin although you're pushing more than 20 mins during rush hour at that point, in most cases.

[zach_33]

You do have some options, which actually makes your decision harder. Agree with Billiken and I would say the closer to Clayton the better- not sure there will be much out there, but I would try to find something in Brentwood, Webster Groves, or Richmond Heights (Richmond Heights spans 3 school districts-- the parts in Clayton and Ladue schools being in higher demand than Maplewood Richmond Heights schools). Glendale and Rock Hill would be runner up communities to target next, imo. What do you guys like to do in your spare time? People will give you better advice if they have a sense for the kind of lifestyle you are after. Parks, recreation? Night life (probably limited with two kiddos under 3)? Sports? Arts? Preference for urban vs suburban amenities?

[glamatomic]

I would start my search in Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights where there are an abundance of apartment complexes and family friendly amenities. For a 3 bedroom though, you may still have to up your price by about $100. The unincorporated county area surrounding these areas is also worth taking a look at.

I doubt it would take you more than 20 minutes from either Maryland Heights or Creve Coeur. I used to work downtown and commuted from Maryland Heights and it took me 25 minutes or so, as long as I left early enough to beat the major rush, and downtown is further than Clayton.

You would have to up your price point a bit to be able to find something in Clayton itself, same with Webster Groves and Kirkwood.

Good luck!

P.S. If you do look at apartments in Maryland Heights, stay away from Cedar Trace and Wood Hollow on Dorsett Rd just off the exit from I-270. They're probably the least desirable complexes in the area, although they're often the cheapest.

[glamatomic]

P.P.S Since school districts aren't an issue right now due to the young age of your children, parts of University City and surrounds may also be a consideration, if you prefer a more urban type environment.

[chicagorozez]

Thanks all for the tips so far, I'll start researching these areas.
Yes, with two little ones, night life is certainly not a requirement at this point. Right now we want a quiet neighborhood, where we can take the kids out for walks, parks, good pre-schools. In our spare time, we usually go out to eat, visit malls, or any other kid friendly places. We are willing to spend slightly more, just want a shorter commute for my husband and a safe area.