Couple moving to St. Louis; how is downtown? (Florissant, University City: apartments, lofts)

[sazemek]

I've just accepted a job working in East St. Louis for a year and my wife and I will be moving there in January. I'd really appreciate any help on a couple questions I have.

We have been looking around at apartments and lofts and have generally been focusing on the downtown area. I will be working right across the river about 15 minutes away (according to google maps) and she will be attending community college at Florissant Valley about 25 minutes away. We've looked mostly at downtown because i will have to be on call sometimes, but we also enjoy going out, enjoying the culture, etc. Is there any reason to avoid downtown, or any other neighborhood that would be good for a young couple and not too far away? Is crime downtown realistically any worse than anywhere else in the city?

Do most cell carriers have good service in St. Louis? I like generally like Verizon and T-Mobile, any problems with them in particular?

Thanks!

[flynavyj]

Downtown, and the areas immediately surrounding it (particularly to the South) are pretty good locations. It really will depend on exactly what you want, and how much you are willing to pay. Washington Ave in downtown is pretty fantastic, Soulard to the immediate South of downtown is also very popular. Both areas have numerous bars, but most clubs are concentrated along Washington Ave. The housing along Washington Ave are typically Lofts, and recently renovated. You'll find plenty of affordable options a bit further South in the Soulard neighborhood, with tons of options for apartments, renovations from the 1980's through today. I'd suggest either of those locations if I wanted an easy commute to the other side of the river.

[Dreadnought]

As far as city living goes, your happiness level will largely depend on where you're coming from and what you're used to.

[moorlander]

I have lots of friends in the 25-45 age bracket that really love downtown. It doesn't come with some frustrations but overall the entertainment and convenience factors outway any negatives.

You could also look just south in soulard, L. Square, Benton Park Tower Grove

[aragx6]

Yup, if you're looking for a loft that's close to your work, then downtown, particularly the Washington Avenue Loft District, is exactly where you want to be.

[Brickmama]

I live downtown and you will not be let down if you in fact do choose to live downtown. It’s a great place to live for young couples want to meet friends, enjoy nightlife and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. Cell phone access is just fine. There isn’t much violent crime downtown but there are petty crimes such a car break ins, theft, vandalism, etc like other big city downtowns. I consider downtown one of the safer neighborhoods in the city.
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If you are looking for places to check out start with Ely Walker Lofts, Bogen, Ventana, Fashion Square, Lucas Lofts, 10th street lofts, 315 Lofts, Bell Lofts, Syndicate.
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Let me know if you have any other questions

[pianist1972]

Moved to Lafayette Square just a mile south and west of downtown. Great neighborhood and no problems. Quiet, historic, and lots of things are handy.

[Chicago76]

Late on this, but I agree with the poster who indicated your perspective on downtown STL will very much depend upon where you've lived before.

Compared to metros of similar size (2-3 million), downtown leaves a lot to be desired. Where it is good, it is really good (areas like Wash Ave), and where it isn't, it can be completely barren. This is due to the fact the DT isn't really the dominant center of commerce in the region. It shares the title with Clayton and to a lesser extent some of the commercial areas further west. You can find what you're looking for there as long as you pick your location carefully.

The upside is that there are a lot of fantastic neighborhoods with commercial vitality and activity because downtown doesn't dominate. Keeping your wife close to 70 to get to school and you close to IL, Soulard is lively and entertaining. Quieter neighborhoods with a lot of nice amenities close to Soulard would be Lafayette Square and Benton Park. Soulard a loft building or two, the other two neighborhoods (and most of Soulard) are vintage walkups

Another are further away for you, but closer to Flo Valley is the Delmar Loop area of University City, which is a very urban suburb with a lot of commercial activity.

[moorlander]

Originally Posted by Chicago76

Late on this, but I agree with the poster who indicated your perspective on downtown STL will very much depend upon where you've lived before.

Compared to metros of similar size (2-3 million), downtown leaves a lot to be desired. Where it is good, it is really good (areas like Wash Ave), and where it isn't, it can be completely barren. This is due to the fact the DT isn't really the dominant center of commerce in the region. It shares the title with Clayton and to a lesser extent some of the commercial areas further west. You can find what you're looking for there as long as you pick your location carefully.

The upside is that there are a lot of fantastic neighborhoods with commercial vitality and activity because downtown doesn't dominate. Keeping your wife close to 70 to get to school and you close to IL, Soulard is lively and entertaining. Quieter neighborhoods with a lot of nice amenities close to Soulard would be Lafayette Square and Benton Park. Soulard a loft building or two, the other two neighborhoods (and most of Soulard) are vintage walkups

Another are further away for you, but closer to Flo Valley is the Delmar Loop area of University City, which is a very urban suburb with a lot of commercial activity.

I don't really agree with this statement....."Compared to metros of similar size (2-3 million), downtown (StL) leaves a lot to be esired." Really, Memphis, KC, Indy, Cleveland, Baltimore, Tampa, Milwaukee, Tulsa, and OKC don't feel like better superior downtowns over STL. San Diego, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Denver sure but our Downtown will be there, one day.
What's been invested downtown in the Last decade? $6 Billion? probably more. And there's lot being done. (Library, Arch Grounds, MX, SLU Law School, Arcade?, Chemical?

To the OP. I think downtown would be a perfect location for a young out of town couple give your current work situation. Living in the large apartment rehabs provides ample opportunities to make friends, especially once it warms up and the roof top pool parties begin.

[Dawn10am]

Downtown STL is WAY better than downtown Memphis, but Memphis' metro population is only 1.3 million, so that's to be expected. I really think our downtown is going to be the next Pittsburgh in a few years. We're doing just fine, but there's still certainly room for improvement.