Live in Downtown St. Louis? (St. Peters, Washington: condo, home, neighborhood)

[Blazin65]

Is downtown St. Louis a good place for someone just wanting to live in a major metropolitan area where there's sports and other things to do? This is for someone generally retired, or not in need of a job. I'm talking about 2-5 years from now.

I lived in St. Peters for several years and in general I liked "St. Louis". But I would never move back to St. Peters, but maybe St. Louis, more downtown.

I'm getting to the point of thinking about my next stop, and downtown St. Louis is on my list. Other places I've considered are New Orleans, Chicago, Ft Lauderdale, Jacksonville.

As you can see, my choices vary greatly.

Beach is not that big a deal to me. What is a big deal to me is sports, public transportation, good restaurants, bars, nightlife, plenty to do, reasonable rent. Probably the number one thing important to me is to be ability to walk out of my home and go to a decent place to eat in walking distance to my home. Or likewise, go to places for fun and entertainment on pubic transportation, or just a short cab ride away. Of course I know about the Cardinals (and Rams). But I'm thinking I shouldn't move there just because of the Cardinals.

I would be interested in seeing any responses I can get, especially from anyone in similar situations.

[jo_mama]

i'm not sure downtown st louis will meet your needs. downtown is hot for young professionals, many of whom work there. on the weekends it gets pretty empty, unless there is a 5k or other event. it sounds like you're wanting to do it car-free, too. while public transportation around downtown is better than most parts of st. louis it is not like we have taxis running around waiting for you to hail them. and that public transportation tends to also disappear on weekends, or is otherwise very limited. walking is always an option - we have a smaller downtown than most cities and a couple blocks walk can get to many things - as long as you are okay walking in any weather. we get temps from 0-110 with every combination of precipitation mixed in. bicycling is becoming more common, if that's an option for you.
BUT, what downtown does have is good food and nightlife, and sports. football, baseball, and hockey are in downtown and have metrolink stops. plenty of bars in downtown or on the nearby landing. this year the arch grounds are getting a makeover, but we have lots of summertime events down that way (fair st louis on the 4th of july, then a free concert series going for several weeks). we have a lovely new city garden. washington is always hopping at night. there's a casino that is pretty nice.
rent might be higher for our area, but most likely cheaper than the other cities you listed.

[FrankMiller]

I know several young professionals who have enjoyed living along Washington Ave roughly between 8th and 16th. Personally I would prefer to live somewhere like CWE and just take the rail to downtown for sporting events, but there's definitely plenty to enjoy about living downtown.

[mufilm]

I know a few retirees who live in Downtown STL. They enjoy it mainly for the reasons you listed: Sports, dining and entertainment. And if those are big for you then downtown has them in spades. Cardinals, Rams and Blues are all within several blocks of each other, and the SLU Billikens aren't far if you want some college hoops. Plenty of bars and restaurants, and the Fox Theater and Powell Symphony hall are just a few light rail stops away. There is also a free trolley that travels around the busier streets of downtown during the daytime.

That said, downtown is predominantly a younger crowd. The Central West End is a great urban neighborhood and has access to light rail to take you downtown for sports (each stadium has it's own stop). It would also have more varied options for housing. My dad moved to a condo in the CWE after all the kids graduated and he loves it. He takes the metro to games all the time.

[billiken]

CWE seems to have more of a retirement crowd.

[Blazin65]

This is all great information, thanks for the responses. I do remember the CWE and thought it was nice. Thanks for reminding me.

And for the person that mentioned how quiet it was on the weekend, that is actually appealing to me. And as far as taxis running around to "hail", that's not needed. I'm definitely not interested in a New York City environment.

Just good places to eat, sports, public transportation, and friendly people.

[Brickmama]

Downtown sounds like a perfect place for you. All types of people living in my building. Young adults and empty nesters.

[Blazin65]

Thanks again! I keep meaning to get back to St. Louis for a weekend of Cardinals games. But keep putting it off. 500 Miles is a long haul sometimes. I don't even like driving 100 miles, much less 500.