Recent College Grad Moving to St. Louis (Hazelwood, Manchester: apartment complex, rent)

[BubbaFB78]

Hi guys,

I just accepted a job offer from a organization based in downtown St. Louis and I'm looking for any advice that could be given to a recent college graduate on what areas to look for apartments in and what areas to avoid.

To be honest, I'm from out of state and I have zero inkling on where to even begin my apartment search. Knowing that I'll be working in downtown, I've been trying to look for apartments that are no further away than a 15-minute drive from downtown because I'd rather not deal with a lot of traffic on my daily commute. While I've been looking at apartments in the city and some of the suburbs surrounding it, it seems that each time I find a place that looks good I look at reviews and my stomach turns in anguish.

The two biggest factors that will play into my decision are: #1. Safety; #2. Price. Ideally I'd prefer to stay below $700 combined for an apartment and utilities, but will up the price a little bit if necessary.

Some of the apartments I've been looking in the city are: The Brewery Apartments, Gentry's Landing... does anyone have an opinion on these apartments?

I'm looking for a nice safe place for Young Professionals, but that is reasonably priced as well. Can anyone please help me out?

Thanks so much!

[flynavyj]

Welcome to the forum, and St. Louis. You might want to throw craigslist in your basic scan as well for some privately owned apartments. I've had a few friends rent in Soulard, Benton Park, and Downtown (Washington Ave) and all have loved each location. I think Washington Ave might have cost about $800, give or take a little, might have been high 7's...One place in Soulard (The Smile soda company bldg) was significantly higher (awesome apartment, but forget it unless you've got tons of cash or roommates). A couple others were private apartments, one was below the $700/month range, and the other was a tad above I think.

Take apartment reviews with a grain of salt too...lots of people will write complaints, and very few will write positive experiences. My wife and I have had good experiences in an apartment complex in the past, only to see terrible reviews online. Good luck in your search, and once again try craigslist!

[billiken]

I'd look in Soulard. Just south of downtown, cheaper than Washington Ave. and still a lot going on.

[aragx6]

I agree with flynavy that looking at Craigslist is likely to be your best bet. Most of the larger "complex-style" places will be out of your price range, but there are tons of vintage apartments in fun, walkable neighborhoods available at that price point. I highly recommend Tower Grove South for its combination of walkability, price and proximity to downtown.

A couple examples from a quick CL search:
Tower Grove South - South Grand (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2723723214.html - broken link)
3851 Juniata - St. Louis, MO 63116 (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2717846691.html - broken link)
Overlooking Tower Grove Park (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2724208647.html - broken link)
Large Freshly Painted Unit in Tower Grove Area (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2721198896.html - broken link)
All the amenities in Tower Grove South!!!! (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2699897253.html - broken link)

Feel free to ask more follow-up questions as you have them -- and welcome to St. Louis!

[aragx6]

Additionally, if you don't mind something small, you can't go wrong in the Central West End, one of St. Louis' best and most vibrant neighborhoods -- your budget won't go far, but it's certainly worth considering:

Beautiful, extra large Studio in Heart of CWE! (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2713417087.html - broken link)
Cozy 1 bd rm in Central West End (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2720176142.html - broken link)
Available! Newly rehabbed w/ utilities included!!! (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2717310996.html - broken link)

[STLCityMike]

Soulard is a great place to start. You can check out Red Brick Management that has tons of apartments in Soulard / Benton Park, and other areas too. Aslo, Front Door St. Louis has a lot of neat places.

Red Brick Management - St. Louis Apartments, Lofts, Office, Retail Spaces
http://www.frontdoorstl.com/

[marigolds6]

You might be amazed at how far you can get with a 15-minute commute too. I do part of my work week in Clayton, and I was able to commute from Hazelwood to there in 10 minutes.

If your workplace is anywhere near metrolink, an apartment along the metrolink line could be a big plus. Slightly longer commute timewise, but a lot less aggravating (and a lot of employers will pay for all or part of your pass).

[BubbaFB78]

Thanks everyone!! I've analyzed everything you've said on here and I can definitely say that it helped me! I finally discovered a place this afternoon in the Central West End and I'm hoping to put a deposit down on it tomorrow.

Now having said that, are there any particular streets that I should be aware of for places to eat or shop at? Also, are there any good bar districts for the weekends that I should be familiar with?

Thanks again for all of your help, it was greatly appreciated!

[aragx6]

The "heart" of the Central West End as far as shopping/dining runs along Euclid from Forest Park Parkway to McPherson, with quite a bit of stuff down east of Euclid on Maryland. CWE itself can keep you busy for a while; I love Coffee Cartel (which is 24 hours btw). Once you're ready to explore you can take the metro downtown and hang out on Washington Ave (the nexus of which is Washington and Tucker) or walk, bike or drive south of Central West End over the highway to the Grove (on Manchester), another great bar neighborhood.

[Brickmama]

Try to look downtown. May be able to find some places that come close to 700. Look at Gentrys, Mansion House, Bell Lofts, 10th street lofts.

I would also check out Soulard. BSB is a good retal company in Soulard.