A Friendly Neighborhood (St. Louis, Kirkwood, Webster Groves: safe neighborhood, buying, subdivision)

[tulips24]

Anyone know of a friendly neighborhood (I'm thinking of a subdivision or street) in West Country? I'd actually be up for moving to the city too. I am thinking of someplace neighbors actually get together socially. We moved 3 years ago and have yet to make any connections in our neighborhood despite trying. I've been told this is pretty typical of St. Louis but there must be an exception. Help! I am really fed up.

[Rockmanx]

Originally Posted by tulips24

Anyone know of a friendly neighborhood (I'm thinking of a subdivision or street) in West Country? I'd actually be up for moving to the city too. I am thinking of someplace neighbors actually get together socially. We moved 3 years ago and have yet to make any connections in our neighborhood despite trying. I've been told this is pretty typical of St. Louis but there must be an exception. Help! I am really fed up.

There are some good places I've seen during my search, housing market is pretty flooded right now in west county (there is also lack of inventory) and there seems to be low inventory. I'd advise waiting for the predicted 2016 crash to clear the market of the people who shouldn't be out buying (and some investors), so have a good chance at finding that winner neighborhood without any trouble.

[STL74]

I think my friends in Kirkwood have the most neighborhood cohesion. Id look for a place with smaller lots and a neighborhood pool or common area. I live in a neighborhood with huge lots and it does create less day to day connection. We like our big lot though, and not a big deal for us.

[billiken]

Things I focused on when looking: smaller lots, minimal attached garages, active neighborhood association, common public spaces that are actually used, strong Catholic parish (may not apply to everyone, obviously). Worked for us, we moved to Dogtown (STL city) about 2 years ago and we've made a ton of new friends with fairly minimal effort. Pretty much, we just introduced ourselves to our immediate neighbors, attend neighborhood association meetings/get togethers, and joined the young professional group at church, and boom, like 15 new friends within a year.

[oneslip]

Webster Groves

[FrankMiller]

I think the question is, what do you like to do and where do people live who would do that? That could mean neighborhood pool, church, park within walking distance, bar or whatever else. Aside from that, cross your fingers that you move next to people with common interests and that they don't move away anytime soon.

[gypsyjudy]

Maplewood is a great area, too.

[stl.123]

In my opinion, city neighborhoods are the best designed for making friends. South Hampton, St. Louis hills, Tower Grove, Shaw, The Hill, Dogtown, and Lafayette Square have great neighborhood amenities that not only make living there great, but also help build community. They all have active neighborhood associations and events also. Those markets can be expensive, I would recommend Tower Grove East and Bevo if you're looking for a safe neighborhood that's cheaper. A purchase in TGE or Bevo would payoff nicely in future resale.