Wash. U. Job offer / commuting (St. Louis, O'Fallon: houses, safe area, YMCA) - Missouri (MO) - City-Data Forum

maybemove123 · 07-08-2007, 11:31 AM

Hi,

My husband has a job offer from Wash. U. We are trying to decide whether or not we can happily live within a 40 minute commute or less to the University. We have a limited budget... can only spend up to $170K..... we also have a toddler that will soon require a good elementary school and needs a safe neighborhood to play in. We would really like to live in a single family home. Last week we looked at the area around Belleville and were a bit unsatisfied with the area, just not that nice, not much sense of community. To add to the difficult decision, we are currently living in a university town in Illinois that is very nice and have a nice home. We wouldn't be looking to move, except my husband's current position will no longer exist in a few months.

Any wisdom you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!

CellarBelle · 07-08-2007, 08:02 PM

Consider Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville and Troy. Nice area, and convenient to downtown St. Louis. Mapquest it to see your commute. Troy has a lot of nice areas with affordable housing, as does Maryville. Ed and GC tend to be a little pricier, but right now you can get some good bargains. Schools are good in all areas. I've got kids in elem in the Edwardsville School District (which includes Glen Carbon). Love the schools. Troy (Triad District) has great "numbers" when you check them out on the school report website. Also, the Maryville elementary school compares nicely with the Troy, Ed and GC schools. We also have a new YMCA that is great for the kids. Rock climbing wall, state-of-the-art gymnastics room, indoor tennis court, skating rink, pool, childcare facilities, great gym and indoor track. All that for around $40 a month! It is truly a great asset to the community (Edwardsville). Hope that helps!

maybemove123 · 07-09-2007, 09:25 AM

Thanks so much for your info. We'll look into those areas.
Thanks again!

Fishtacos · 07-09-2007, 10:22 AM

Plenty of options on the St. Louis side as well.

bls5555 · 07-09-2007, 05:42 PM

You can get a nice house in South County for 170k. Watch out on the Illinois side though in the Glen Carbon, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights areas. Your property taxes on a 170k house are probably going to be in the $3500 range.

maybemove123 · 07-09-2007, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the property tax info.... my other worry about the Illinois side are the bottlenecks getting over the river and general traffic problems.

We're now concentrating on the Brentwood area... and looking closer to the $190K area. Any insight about Brentwood would be greatly appreciated. It looks like the schools are good. Is it a safe area? The houses we see on-line in our price range are in the south east area of Brentwood. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Fishtacos · 07-10-2007, 12:09 AM

I like Brentwood. Brentwood is a very central location as far as getting anywhere else in St. Louis, county or city. It is safe. Short commute. It is very close to many areas for day to day pursuits and needs.(minutes) You would be happy there and do fine. Some of its neighbors, Webster, Clayton etc...are very nice family areas but more expensive. Mapelwood has seen a lot of revitalization in recent years. Richmond Heights and U.City might also have some possibilities for you and be close for your commute. Webster and Kirkwood have that community feel you are looking for probably more than most. You could also try the "Hill" area as well. But Brentwood is a good place for your situation.

I believe you will be very happy in and near these areas in comparison to your earliery pursuits. St. Louis is a a very family friendly and kid friendly place.

Fishtacos · 07-10-2007, 12:12 AM

I like Brentwood. Brentwood is a very central location as far as getting anywhere else in St. Louis, county or city. It is safe. Short commute. It is very close to many areas for day to day pursuits and needs.(minutes) You would be happy there and do fine. Some of its neighbors, Webster, Clayton etc...are very nice family areas but more expensive. Mapelwood has seen a lot of revitalization in recent years. Richmond Heights and U.City might also have some possibilities for you and be close for your commute. Webster and Kirkwood have that community feel you are looking for probably more than most. You could also try the "Hill" area as well. But Brentwood is a good place for your situation.

I believe you will be very happy in and near these areas in comparison to your earlier pursuits. St. Louis is a a very family friendly and kid friendly place.

maybemove123 · 07-10-2007, 11:25 AM

I really appreciate your info. We'll be going to Brentwood later this week to take a look at houses.

maybemove123 · 04-12-2012, 08:53 AM

Ended up living in Millstadt IL and taking the train in to work from the Fairview Heights station. It wasn't the best commute, but it worked. The elementary school was great and the small community was nice. The problem would be once our child reached high school age. We've already moved away for another job, so not an issue.