What's going on in Ballwin ? (St. Louis, Springfield: section 8, real estate, 2013)

[ll0OoO0ll]

I am a Ballwin resident who moved to New York City for a work related project back in 2009.
Visited Ballwin last month and noticed A LOT of changes in the population. Lots and lots of African Americans have moved in (from the hood I guess). Scores and scores of them. It was a rare sight a couple of years ago. I thought I was in North County or something when I visited the new Walmart off of 141 and Manchester Road. I am wondering what brought up this change?

I also see some data that indicates a rise in crime and decrease in property values. Seems like as if the apartment complexes in Ballwin area have been given to section 8 or what's the deal?

There are 7 or 8 payday loan stores along Manchester Road now. Is the city going down the crappers?

[sbapasto]

I live in Chesterfield bordering Ballwin. I have noticed a lot of issues on Manchester too in terms of payday loan sites and vacant strip malls. THe area was affected hard by the decline in real estate, just like everywhere else but IVe seen a lot of small businesses leave or go BK. As a real estate Broker, Ive watched it closely. I cant say I dont agree with your comments. MY kids are in their 20's and unless you are willing and able to pay over $900 per month for an apartment, it gets a bit sketchy and yes, several are QUIETLY accepting partial section 8 and or sliding scale housing according to income. Its disheartening but alot of areas were hit very hard.

[MUTGR]

The economy stinks. The official statistics really understate it in my opinion. Sure, unemployment is officially at 7 something percent, but the real unemployment rate is at least double that. Our population has grown yet 8.5 million people have left the workforce since January 2009. I've noticed the same thing about Olive west of the 170 and many parts of Lindbergh. Parts of Highway 94 in St. Charles looks pretty seedy. I speht several days in Springfield Mo last summer and never saw more pawn stores and tattoo parlors.

Many changes going on.

[Dawn10am]

Sprawling and struggling: Poverty hits America's suburbs - In Plain Sight

Sorry to burst all of your West County bubbles, but poverty has arrived there, too.

[flynavyj]

Originally Posted by ll0OoO0ll

...Lots and lots of African Americans have moved in (from the hood I guess). Scores and scores of them...I also see some data that indicates a rise in crime and decrease in property values...

Wow, didn't know that all African American that move must have come from the hood...that's an interesting tidbit of information, thanks for sharing!

I guess we'd have to look at crime statistics to see if Ballwin has suffered from increase crime rates, decreases in property values really isn't anything new...it's been going on since about 2007 throughout the whole country, so that doesn't surprise me much.

I can remember 10 years ago that the area immediately South of Manchester and West of 141 was seedy in spots...the homes were very affordable, small, with carports, 1950's vintage. The areas North of Manchester have seemed pretty nice, but room to build in Ballwin has brought a bit of stagnation to the area...this doesn't help bring in new residents, and new building, nor does it drastically increase your tax base to support services.

I wouldn't say that Ballwin and North County are particularly alike, however there are neighborhoods in each that would easily resemble each other.

[Amercity]

Ballwin is nothing like north county, different vibe and much more whiter and asian. The reason you see so many black people in ballwin is they tend to come to west county for shopping or they live here but regardless Ballwin is certainly not in the crappers right now

[JoeyChamp]

well this thread tells me all I need to know about race relations in St. Louis. Won't be moving there. Later folks.

[flynavyj]

Originally Posted by Amercity

Ballwin is nothing like north county, different vibe and much more whiter and asian. The reason you see so many black people in ballwin is they tend to come to west county for shopping or they live here but regardless Ballwin is certainly not in the crappers right now

Wow, that might be the statement of the century. When I typically go out in any neighborhood, a good majority of individuals I'll run across will typically be there for either commercial reasons, or they live there...The only other caveat I think of is people "work in the area" but that's about it...so typically, people live there, work there, or play there...pretty much covers the bases.

West county definitely tends to trend "whiter" than a few areas of the metro, but that doesn't mean that other races aren't present. Heck, I can think of numerous black families that purchased or built homes in Ballwin and the surrounding areas as far back as the late 60's...

[billiken]

Originally Posted by JoeyChamp

well this thread tells me all I need to know about race relations in St. Louis. Won't be moving there. Later folks.

Exactly. Embaressing.

[zach_33]

Yeah, the OP frames the question as if they are a racist, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ballwin is becoming poorer and more diverse. Economically speaking, people will seek out the best life they can attain for whatever amount of money they can afford. Ballwin is relatively inexpensive for southwest county. The schools are still good. You can conveniently get to Target or Wal*Mart or Home Depot to buy cheaply manufactured stuff made in China or get in your car to drive to your fast food restaurant of choice, all at an extremely low cost. If that's not the lifestyle for you, don't move there. I sort of see most of suburbia this way-- inevitably, 10, maybe 20 years down the road people of lower income strata will come moving in to all these areas. They will be mostly poor, non-white and non-Christian, so you better get used to it.