What is the area called dogtown like for young professionals and students (University City: to rent) - St. Louis - Missouri (MO) - City-Data Forum

sherryj58 · 03-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Hi, My son and his two roommates have just graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri and are planning on moving to STL to go to grad school at UM at STL. They will be looking for a three bedroom apt or house to rent. I am trying to find a good and SAFE neighborhood for them to rent in. They are going to be going to school and working. One of them had heard the area called Dogtown was nice. They had also heard about University city area. They would like to be close to night life but also be able to go out and run, disk golf, gyms, restaurants and parks. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. Thank you.

AJohnston_STL · 03-01-2009, 12:11 PM

I turned 24 today, have a 22 year old wife, and a 1 and 1/2 yr old son. I say this as a precursor to telling you that I am a worry wart and very protective of my family. After doing my research, we moved to Dogtown. A couple of young guys would be fine in most any area of U-City. The Loop in U City is a popular night spot but is mostly club free with a couple of restaurants to drink in there. It is not a hopping night spot for someone who wants to go out and get wasted.

Dogtown is in a great location with great proximity to Forest Park, so jogging and golf is within a mile. It is about 2-3 miles from the Central West End, which is a happening night spot for twenty somethings. So that takes care of your parks, as Forest Park is bigger than Central Park in NY (so plenty of space to run (complete with running/jogging/biking paths), the zoo, fountains, theaters (the Muny for stage shows, Hi-Pointe theater, Tivoli Theater, and Esquire (all 1-2 or perhaps even 4 screen theaters within 2 miles), science center, museums).

Dogtown has a little area in the neighborhood that has a barber shop, liquor store, Italian restaurant, 2 Irish Pubs, an artsy-restaurant/bar (its not expensive), bakery, etc.

However, after saying all this, I would say that Dogtown is a great area for all ages. Another area he may consider but will be more expensive is the Central West End. There are a lot of Washington University students there and it is full of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Another happening area to consider is Soulard. Every year the Mardi Gras celebration is in soulard, and it too is full of restaurants and bars. Most of the bars and restaurants there are walkable from just about anywhere in Soulard.

Soulard, Central West End, or Dogtown, most of University City, you really can't go wrong.

aragx6 · 03-02-2009, 08:04 AM

Definitely safe, great prices, cute little houses, not very "hopping"

They'd be close to other, more vibrant popular areas of the city, but there's no light rail nearby so public transit options are limited to the bus.

AJohnston_STL · 03-02-2009, 11:10 AM

^ I can vouch for that. It really isn't hopping, it's more a family neighborhood because there isn't a lot of crime, bars, etc.

jules32 · 03-02-2009, 04:29 PM

Definitely, Dogtown is ideal for young professionals/students. It's a safe neighborhood, and there are plenty of things to do there. Plus, it's walking distance to Forest Park. I've known quite a few friends who have lived in Dogtown, and everyone has liked it.

anr_black · 03-03-2009, 02:10 AM

Your son and his friends will be safe in dogtown. Quiet area, close to the interstate and park, like the previous posters said. There are also a couple restaurants and bars in the neighborhoood. If they want to get a real feel for the neighbors, have them come down for the St. Pat's parade! The best parade in the city (in my opinion) runs through Dogtown, down Tamm, on March 17.