I am thinking of moving to St Louis and would like some experienced opinions about neighborhoods. I lived in downtown Baltimore for 20 years so I know what to expect from city living. I will be retiring so I don't have to worry about being close to work. I will be renting an apartment and would like to be able to walk to grocery, stores, entertainment, etc. I would like to ditch my car if public transit is good. Prefer historical old buildings, not open concept things. Central West End seems to be my target now; can you suggest others?
I relocated from Colorado and have lived downtown, CWE, and Clayton. CWE was by far my favorite. A great mix of transplants and locals. People of all ages. There is any kind of food you could want. Two great grocery stores. Forest Park is your backyard. Great transit access. Always felt safe, even when walking home from working at a nearby bar at 3 am. I cannot recommend it enough, and it is the place I recommend all newcomers to start. Downtown was fine. Not as dangerous in my opinion as some people claim. Not perfect, though. Clayton was fine too. Not as dead as people say, but fewer options within walking distance than I had hoped. Seems to be improving, though. The biggest benefit was proximity to work for me.
Been living in the CWE for 4 years after 22 in Soulard.
CWE is a vibrantly urban as you'll get in STL. (Not downtown STL. not downtown Clayton.)
I'll always have Soulard in my blood - it's much more of a traditional neighborhood than the CWE. Soulard is as "St. Louis" as one can get here.
Most of the CWE could be anywhere in the US.
Compared to Soulard, CWE has a bigger variety of cuisines and entertainment options but Soulard probably has the biggest density of bars/restaurants.
CWE is a vibrantly urban as you'll get in STL. (Not downtown STL. not downtown Clayton.)
I'll always have Soulard in my blood - it's much more of a traditional neighborhood than the CWE. Soulard is as "St. Louis" as one can get here.
Most of the CWE could be anywhere in the US.
Compared to Soulard, CWE has a bigger variety of cuisines and entertainment options but Soulard probably has the biggest density of bars/restaurants.
- 37
The CWE does offer the most diversity hands down. I have lived in (and loved Soulard) and live in Lafayette Square. They are both great neighborhoods! I can and do walk to the park, and the restaurants around Park / Mississippi. There is a bus route on Jefferson and Chouteau and the metro train is not too far. I have learned the things are much closer (on foot) than many St. Louisan's believe.