urbanSTL

ThreeOneFour wrote:I'm really starting to dig Mid-Century architecture, and Creve Coeur has many great examples. I just wish there was a greater appreciation for it, because too many homes and other structures from this era have already vanished.

Same here. My current home is a mid-century ranch, although it's not as daring in its design as some of the others in my neighborhood.



I'd love to live in a Bernoudy-designed home (someday). The only problems are:



1) They're too expensive

2) They're generally built in places I don't want to live (Town & Country, etc.)

expatinva wrote:


Cobblestone, what is your opinion on special education services in the city?

I don't really know much about them. What little I do know, I've heard from people who have left their employment to work for the Special School District. And one of them showed me a picture of her old office in the city, which seemed to be in great need of repair. But for all I know, she had an axe to grind and was showing me a picture of her basement



When I worked in Riverview Gardens, I had families who fought like Hell to move far enough north to be out of the city and into the RG district. I even had one who told me they were using a fake address to stay in RG. It was a rough area (though I've worked in rougher), but I imagine the city must have been worse.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I have taken good notes. We will be in StL next weekend for a speedskating meet at Queeny Park and we'll hit some of the areas mentioned.



We were pleased to see the comments from the members, especially Cobblestone and DNA, regarding autism support in the area. Nebraska is not progessive in its autism support and we are having a few challenges with our local district. Some of our research indicates that Missouri is making good strides in this area. We would like to stop at the Judevine Center next weekend.



I am curious about the property tax burden on the Missouri side of the metro area. Nebraska has very high property taxes ($4000/year on a $185,000 house in our school district). Our schools are good but probably no better or worse than most of the districts mentioned in previous posts. We don't mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as we receive good value.



Thanks again.

Move to STL wrote:...I am curious about the property tax burden on the Missouri side of the metro area. Nebraska has very high property taxes ($4000/year on a $185,000 house in our school district). Our schools are good but probably no better or worse than most of the districts mentioned in previous posts. We don't mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as we receive good value.

Now here, you're in for luck in St. Louis -- at least if you move into a historic district and improve a house (or buy one that a contractor has just improved). It's very easy to get a tax abatement on the improvements. It's complicated and byzantine, but worth it if it's an area you would like to live in.



Other folks here can probably describe their perceptions of property taxes better. I'm a new homeowner (just a little over a year), and bought a property with a 10-year abatement. Because the property was abandoned before the flipper I bought it from improved it, I'm basically only paying taxes on the land.



Just be sure to ask your realtor about it and get an abatement statement from the city before you sign, if this is something you're interested in.

Move to STL wrote:
I am curious about the property tax burden on the Missouri side of the metro area. Nebraska has very high property taxes ($4000/year on a $185,000 house in our school district). Our schools are good but probably no better or worse than most of the districts mentioned in previous posts. We don't mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as we receive good value.

Thanks again.

In the Kirkwood School District, total property tax is about half what you quoted for Nebraska.

I'm so glad that my comments were helpful. The Miriam school is very close to the Judevine Center and definitely worth your time for a tour or visit. I know they encourage families to check out the school.



My boyfriend’s son has just made incredible progress in the kindergarten class. Before the school year started he spent a week at the summer day camp (I believe it’s open to anyone). He was so disappointed that he had to wait for September for school to start before he could go back.



What is really nice about Miriam is that they specialize in working with children for one or two years so that they can return to a mainstream school. Do not be put off by the tuition expense, they have excellent financial assistance programs including grants.

Move to STL wrote:$4000/year on a $185,000 house in our school district

That's obscene. We're in the Webster School District and our taxes are less on a more expensive house.

That's obscene.

Nebraska spends $9930 per public school pupil (versus $8276 in Missouri) and NE students out achieve Missouri students at most levels in reading and math; and graduate in higher percentages.

Yeah, but our kids are better with a hand-gun; I also hear that kids in St. Louis are better parents than kids in Nebraska.

DeBaliviere wrote:

Move to STL wrote:$4000/year on a $185,000 house in our school district

That's obscene. We're in the Webster School District and our taxes are less on a more expensive house.

I talked to a guy last week that was looking at houses in MO and IL (he works downtown she works in O'Fallon IL) A new house...around 250,000 in Edwardsville has taxes near 8K.

O.P,

i did not read all responses, but your post hit close to home with me. My godson is severely autitic. I know for certain that Kirkwood has a fantastic special school district...especailly for the autistic. My godson is 5 and he attends Litzsinger.

Hi everyone,



I know this topic has been discussed before, but my application is a bit more specific. So here goes...



A friend of mine and I LOVE St. Louis, everything about it. Right now we're living in Southern Illinois, and very interested in moving in about a year or so, when she's ready for college, and once that I've had a year to do some work here (I'm a HS senior, she's still a junior). Anyway, we're looking into the possibility of college up in STL, and very interested in finding a loft, most preferably, downtown.



I remember reading through a list of lofts which offered the "affordable housing" plans for those who have lower income, and I'd say we'll probably qualify for that, being part-time working college students. A friend of ours mentioned an interest in staying with us too, however I explained to the friend I'm planning on coming with that it's better to have less people in the same place, as it gives us both opportunity to earn more for the each of us without facing going over the gross income limits.



Right now, we're very impressed with Cupples (infact she is set on it) and I've also looked at Merchandise Mart and been very interested. It's a dummies question, but Cupples makes no mention of utilities; they are included in rent, right? What is the usual policy on utilities, when places fail to make mention?



I am open to any and all suggestions anyone has for someone in our situation. I'm also interested to hear reviews of the places that downtown and downtown west have to offer and what places are best value for the money.



Thanks in advance!



Alexander

Usually only water sewer and trash are included in rent. And I think that is the case with all of the downtown properties. Also don't forget parking, it might not be included, a second spot is not included.



I would also consider the Tudor Lofts nearing completion at 19th and Washington. Also some affordable units at Paul Brown and the Syndicate.

i work for the Special School District. I am not involved with autistic children but i do know they do a great job in their teaching methods

MattonArsenal wrote:Usually only water sewer and trash are included in rent. And I think that is the case with all of the downtown properties. Also don't forget parking, it might not be included, a second spot is not included.



I would also consider the Tudor Lofts nearing completion at 19th and Washington. Also some affordable units at Paul Brown and the Syndicate.

I don't really know about lofts, but most high-rise apartments in the city will include heat, and if it's centralized, A/C. The downside with this situation is that you can only control the temperature with whatever system is on (heat or a/c) -- you can't decide to switch from one to the other on your own. But it's still a significant savings compared to paying for the gas and electricity.



Parking is probably not included unless you look further out. Parking garage space in the CWE was running about $100/space/month a few years ago -- not sure what it is now and DT is probably higher. But if the building has a secured lot with a secure entrance that's probably fine.



Also keep in mind if you're living downtown and going to college a car may not even be necessary -- SLU, Wash U, and UMSL all have metro access.

Chicago it is then, because for us, a near 10 hour 2-way commute each day between school and home is definitely preferable to walking, or riding the metro. Plenty of time to read the newspaper on the train each day.



Kidding aside, the reason for St. Louis versus Chicago, NYC, LA, or anywhere else is because of the character, ease of navigation, and the unique nature of the city. It's indescribable, we just love it!



I've seen the Tudor building, it looks nice, though it's a bit too far out of the downtown for us. I gave Paul Brown a second look, and it's very nice. The selection for floor plans is a bit low right now, but the price is excellent, as well as the location.



shadrach, I agree! There are a lot of interesting things, and beautiful geography. I'll always have to come back to visit the parks.



Interesting to read about the differences in utilities between lofts and apartments. So most lofts include everything except electricity (and phone and internet obviously) but the apartments do all of that, plus AC / heat, but not the rest of the electricity?



Parking space will not be an issue, as we're planning on having to pay for that anyway.



Thanks so much! Looking forward to hearing more!

great to hear. I am not an STL native and LOVE it too!



If you hav any additional information to provide to organophile

PLEASE email them directly by PM.



Thanks!

matguy70 wrote:great to hear. I am not an STL native and LOVE it too!



If you hav any additional information to provide to organophile

PLEASE email them directly by PM.



Thanks!

As long as it's not going against the forum rules, or the wishes of a moderator, I'd prefer people post more information here publicly instead of privately to me via PM.



ONLY BECAUSE, I think there might be other people in my same position, or in the future possibly, who could benefit from opinions and info regarding budget downtown living that's not too obvious to someone new to the city. I haven't seen this same subject in focus before, so I hope this will be useful.



If I'm misunderstanding something, do excuse me.

Members can use your PM mail on our forums. You can check those messages by going to your "mail" option when logged in... they DO NOT email you on your privte email accounts... not to be worried. This is a FREE service for our members and is outlined when signing up on the forums/system.

Thanks.

We have no problem with publicly posting information here if you feel it will be useful to others.

^ That's pretty convenient, especially considering this is a public discussion forum with thousands of threads.

organophile wrote:Interesting to read about the differences in utilities between lofts and apartments. So most lofts include everything except electricity (and phone and internet obviously) but the apartments do all of that, plus AC / heat, but not the rest of the electricity?

I have lived in two high-rise apartment buildings, and in both cases my electric bill was only for the "plug-in" electric. In other words, they paid the ceiling lights and the a/c, but anything you plug in you pay for.



The heat/ac issue mostly has to do with the fact that high rise buildings typically have one large roof condenser for ac (and a boiler for heat), and then convectors in each room. It is more efficient than everyone having their own system -- although a side effect is that the AC doesn't suck humidity out of the air the way a 'direct' system does.

ThreeOneFour wrote:

I love many of the mid-century homes in Creve Couer.





I'm really starting to dig Mid-Century architecture, and Creve Coeur has many great examples. I just wish there was a greater appreciation for it, because too many homes and other structures from this era have already vanished.

Sorry I am late in getting back into this discussion, but I remember great mid century houses around Tille's park in Brentwood/Ladue border area. Also Sunset Hills and General Grant Village, and what about St. Louis Hills? Just some ideas.



I like the discussion board. It's very interesting.[/quote]