Is Midtown St. Louis safe in 2020?

[scocar]

Originally Posted by STLCityMike

I stand by my comments from 2020. I am still in the area, just bought a condo a little further to the east of where I was then. Crime in the St Louis metro area is not that different than nay major American city; the city just happens to include a much smaller area than some, and is more of the urban core.

Currently, violent crime in down in the city (let's keep it trending that way!)

I visit the iCON area frequently for Snarf's Sandwiches or Chipotle (there is a Starbucks there, too). I don't know anyone who lives there, but I have never felt unsafe. There is a lot of traffic in the area with Grand, Forest Park Ave and then the University.

I welcome input from others who may have a different experience.

I concur. I live in Benton Park and teach in the city for SLPS. I have never felt unsafe in the area mentioned. I mean it is urban living, so there is going to be things that you don't find in the suburbs, but the proximity to great food and entertainment far outweighs the negatives in my mind.

[SciFiNerd1]

I personally never felt unsafe in St. Louis around touristy areas in the city like the Arch, Downtown, and professional sports while using the light rail. Other than games, I never really went into the city at night growing up so I don't know what it was like at a normal night. While I was growing up, we were always told to avoid North County but not the city though.

Please delete if this is off-topic. Midtown is still St. Louis.


I am very curious so forgive me with all the questions I have.

Can someone explain why the crime rate is so high in the City of St. Louis outside North County? What are the main reason for the crime in the city?

Is it related to gangs, urban decay, or the dwindling tax base and struggling schools due to many years of white flight to the suburbs since the city's split from St. Louis County?

[mjtinmemphis]

Originally Posted by SciFiNerd1

I personally never felt unsafe in St. Louis around touristy areas in the city like the Arch, Downtown, and professional sports while using the light rail. Other than games, I never really went into the city at night growing up so I don't know what it was like at a normal night. While I was growing up, we were always told to avoid North County but not the city though.

Please delete if this is off-topic. Midtown is still St. Louis.


I am very curious so forgive me with all the questions I have.

Can someone explain why the crime rate is so high in the City of St. Louis outside North County? What are the main reason for the crime in the city?

Is it related to gangs, urban decay, or the dwindling tax base and struggling schools due to many years of white flight to the suburbs since the city's split from St. Louis County?

Urban decay and white flight could be one way of looking at the issue.

In my view, the issue of concentrated poverty, coupled with a significant number of vulnerable young individuals susceptible to gang, gun, and drug culture, contributes to unique challenges in our community. This dynamic can be complex, impacting various aspects of urban life, including safety.

Comparisons with newer cities are interesting, as they often have different urban planning strategies that spread challenges across a larger area. This, in turn, can sometimes affect how statistics are reported, offering a different perspective on the same issues.

It's worth noting that some cities have successfully created wealthy enclaves within their limits, mitigating certain challenges. However, replicating such strategies might be context-dependent, given the unique socio-economic landscape of each city.