Commute central to Scott AFB & STL (Columbia, O'Fallon: home, to buy)

[question009]

Hi everyone, we just moved to the IL side in O'fallon / Shiloh and really like the area so far compared to where we moved from(Colorado Springs). We're looking to purchase a home within the next 3 months and I'm looking for a location within 30 minutes of where I'll be working(Scott) but also within a 30-40 minute commute of STL if I decide on later taking a position in STL. The issue is I don't know what part of STL I'd work in(IT industry) so it probably wouldn't be good to buy a home in say Highland, IL(a bit north) and then years later have to commute to South STL, for example.

I'm thinking it probably best to stay central in the Metro east for this reason, around O'fallon. However I'm not familiar with STL commute times or where the larger companies that would like have tech roles reside(I know express scripts is north). Any info/recommendations is definitely appreciated!

[billiken]

I agree with your thought process. Most of the big companies that would have IT type roles are downtown, in Clayton, or somewhere along 270 (either north county or more central) or 40 in West County. There's some stuff out towards O'Fallon (always think of Citigroup out that way, I know there's more). South St Louis County is more residential, and I always think of the Fenton/44 corridor going west as more manufacturing/contractors. In terms of startup work in IT, there's a lot of growth in Cortex, which is basically between downtown and Clayton.

[1grin_g0]

I am very familiar with Scott AFB and O'Fallon, IL. I commuted to various sites throughout the STL metro for several years. Boeing is a major employer and is located mainly on the north side of the airport. UPS and Wells Fargo are big employers as well and both have offices near Jefferson and 64. If I were you, I'd take a hard look at Columbia, IL and Waterloo, IL. That is where I'd buy if I were in your shoes. The public schools there are some of the best, if not the best in the metro east. From Rt 3 you can hit the 255 loop quickly, or head downtown a couple different ways. Scott would be roughly a 30 min drive from that area. O'Fallon is not really trending in the right direction in my opinion, and I would have long term concerns about that area. It has changed so much over the last 20 years. The downside to O'Fallon is that it is in St. Clair County. Anywhere in Monroe or Madison counties would be much better than anything in St. Clair. Property taxes are lower in Monroe and Madison.

[RisingAurvandil]

O'Fallon is a great area. I'd also consider Shiloh, Millstadt, and Columbia. Collinsville is decent, more of a working-class area, but still a good town.

Maryville, Glen Carbon, and Troy are also an easy drive from Scott. They're a bit more bucolic and leafy.

You have a lot of options. Any more preferences to share? It might help narrow down the recommendations.

[question009]

I appreciate all of the input. We took a closer look at Waterloo, actually spent the past 2 days there we liked it so much, and just submitted and offer on a home outside of town on some land. Thanks again!