MattnSTL wrote:I would generally agree with you on the overall building stock. It is really built denser than South St. Louis. Interesting that you bring up Baden. For my first service project at SLU during welcome week this year, I was actually cleaning up an alley in Baden. If you know where the Baden Branch Linbrary is, that's where we were. The reactions of the suburbanites and out of towners was what was expected, but I really enjoyed it. I got to go to an area I really don't get to that often, and do something useful for the community. You guys should have seen this alley. I've seen dumping before, but this was amazing. I also noticed some signs of a rebirth. Some streetscaping has been done, and I did notice some rehabs. There is also a strong community center/association up there, which I think is helping out. The area already had some life, but with some more nudging, I think it can eventually be another one of the neighborhoods we talk about. I actually want to get up there some time to see if the alley is still clean. Hopefully this post makes sense, it is rather late/early.

With Baden Estates now beginning construction, I'm interested in what your take is on the revitalization efforts in this neighborhood? My daughter and her husband want to buy a newly constructed single family home in the Baden area but I'm a bit skeptical but not completely opposed. My concern is safety and schools. I've pulled pictures of the new construction from the net and I am impressed. Good value & amenities for the price! I will be coming to STL in a couple of weeks to give my thumbs up(or down) before they sign the purchase agreement. Has anyone seen these homes or know of the builder, First Contact LLC?[/quote]

I would never run off to the county regardless of size, price, etc., but yes, I would buy a new or used home in Baden, just like basically the rest of the city.

I'm a north side resident, Old North St Louis to be exact. Yes, crime does exist in the City as it does in any major city. The perceived view of most St. Louisans(and the suburbs) is that North St Louis is high crime, it is even reinforced on the news day in and day out. Crime is not anonymous(i.e. the victim usually knows the assailant) so I don't worry about my own personal safety. If you are not doing illegal things chances are you won't be a victim, but you should be vigilant(which is the case anywhere). The fact is it's not a bad place to live. If you want to look for yourself go to Safe City to see crime stats mapped in St. Louis City, keep in mind this is based on several months of data and notice how there are few 'hot spots'



I like it here because I'm close to where I work, some of the best destinations in the region, and the Tap Room(well that's my personal choice). I'll admit I haven't seen the new homes in Baden, though the area it is quite nice as shown here



As far as schools, I'm no expert, but I know there are some good magnet schools here. I don't have any children, but my friends that do have no major problems with the schools. Of course there is always the option for private schools.



By the way, my parents come and visit me quite a bit and they like the free room for the night(although it costs them a dinner ) and welcome to the board!

Are those the only choices?

ohhhhh please take pictures if it's not too much trouble!!!