I am planning a move to Saint Louis, but am completely unfamiliar with the city. I am a single white female, mid twenties, and a bit of an artsy-hippie type. In which neighborhoods should I concentrate my search, and which neighborhoods should I be sure to avoid?
Avoid north city and north county. Depends on where you are working as to where you might want to live for an easy commute. City areas such as Soulard, Lafayette Park, Benton Park, Central West End and even the down town lofts are relatively safe and areas with interesting architecture. Mainly young professionals. The Dogtown and St. Louis Hills areas are safer but not as interesting. South Grand area if you are careful about your streets is also a consideration. The University City loop is definitely fun but be careful not to go north of Delmar or east of Skinker. Clayton and Ladue are very safe and classy but not artsy and hippie. Maplewood is getting to be a new area that you should look into. If you want to go to the county I d suggest west or south county. West is a little more upscale and higher priced and the commute can be a bit longer into the downtown area. South county is very down to earth and a bit more reasonable for apartments. Both county areas are extremely safe
AVOID THE AREIN SOUTH ST. LOUIS THAT ALL STREETS START WITH THE NAMES OF THE STATES!!!! AND INDIAN TRIBES!!! (ie: California, Idaho, Cherokee.... But Chippewa is ok!) The area is so scattered as far as the good parts and bad parts..... Not worth the gamble!Avoid north county.Afton, South county, West county, Shrewsbury, Clayton, Brentwood, Maplewood, and Richmond Heights, Sunset hills, Ballwin, The Central West End. This area has a fine balance of homeowners, renters, and businesses. The architecture of CWE is reflective of the rich architectural heritage found in St. Louis. Located just east of Forest Park, you can walk to the St. Louis Art Museum, Zoo, Washington University Medical School, and more.See available apartments in The Central West End.Clayton (pricey!) is recognized for it��s outstanding quality of life. This suburban community provides the best of all worlds. Stately single-family homes, condominiums, apartments, and a vibrant business district offer a variety of living styles. See available apartments in Clayton.
If I were in your situation, I d look into Soulard, Lafayette Park, Central West End, Benton Park, the Dogtown area, Clayton (pricier and many families but still cool), and the U City Loop area. As a single, artsy-hippie type mid-20 s person, you probably wouldn t enjoy living far out in West or South St. Louis County as those areas are generally more conservative and boring. Many parts North County and north St. Louis city should be avoided as well.
I vote Central West End also because of all the Medical folks living and working in and around that area. Night life is more in tune with twenties+ age group. But, if you fall in love with a Doctor, my heart go out to you !!! You ll live a very rich lifestyle but, you ll see very little of your husband because St. Louis city, county and surrounding area s are about 800 sq. miles in the Medical field !!!
U City Loop and the Central West End