Hi, I've been reading this forum for a while and I must say that I think it's great. I do have a question about moving downtown.



I'm 23 and have recently moved back to St. Louis and am considering renting at one of two places, the Vangard Lofts and the Soulard Market Apartments. My question for anyone here would be which do you recommend? Would Soulard be a better option for someone my age over Washington Avenue? I'm essentially looking to meet new people and of course want to make a decision that allows for that to happen. Both lofts are about the same cost to rent so that isn't an issue.



Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Go for Wash Ave. There are a lot of big things happening up and down that place and on the surrounding streets.



With that said, you can't go wrong with either choice but living in DT is more exciting, IMO.

I agree that you can't go wrong between your two choices. I lived in Vangard for a couple months before moving into my loft and I thought it was great. However, I would definitely say DT instead of Soulard.

I don't think you'll make a wrong decision, but I would vote Soulard. I feel it's a bit more well rounded and walkable than downtown. You really cannot go wrong, so enjoy whatever you decide.

They're really two very differant neighborhoods. You should probably spend some time walking around each, and decide which "vibe" is right for you. And when you're on Washington, keep in mind that the area is still a work in progress. A year from now there will be twice as many people out and about.

Considering your age, I would suggest downtown. My niece, who's 23, lived in Soulard last year and she liked the neighborhood but she didn't find that it was very walkable (she was on 12th St., very close to the brewery). She liked being close to work, but I know that she would have preferred to be somewhere a little more lively with more foot traffic.



Good luck! Both areas are a lot of fun, it just depends on what you're looking for.

When I visited Soulard Market Apartments earlier today, I thought it seemed much more convenient for simple things, like filling up on gas.

Downtown does seem more exciting, but as an employee at the huge Famous Barr downtown said "Downtown is nice...but where do you go when you want a soda or a toothbrush?" I know there are places scattered about, but when first moving in to the city, I can see it being a real pain finding your way around to get the small things. And I know this sounds stupid, but when in Chicago, you couldn't turn a corner without running in to a McDonald's. I've never even seen a McDonald's in downtown. I'm sure they are probably around, but I dont think these things are as easily accessible as the places in Soulard.

The Soulard Market Apts are located on 8th street and are about a 3 minute drive/15 minute walk to downtown. Also, the SMAs are very nice!

Since parking a car for each driver, filling up on gas, buying toothbrushes, and fast food all seem to be important enough to mention, but clearly you're interested in an urban lifestyle, you might consider South Grand or the CWE.



As a counterpoint, though, I've lived Downtown for 4 years: have space for two cars but sold one when I got a job down here, there's a gas station 100 feet away, I don't mind the occasional trip to the southtown Target for sundries, and visit McDonald's only slightly more frequently than Wal-Mart (still less than annually). I do wish we had more affordable food choices open on weekends (several are opening soon, though) and a traditional supermarket (or even a White Hen) in comfortable walking distance, but that's a luxury few in STL are blessed with.



I haven't lived in Soulard, but have in the CWE and South Grand. If I wanted to "settle down" and raise a large family I'd probably relocate to South Grand, but otherwise there's no way I'd prefer living anywhere but Downtown. I can walk to work, dinners of all sorts, posh martinis, sushi, gelato, and many other things more important than toothbrushes and soda.

Well said, phobia!

Don't rule out the Demun area either, it's an awesome neighborhood!!!

Other neighborhoods not yet mentioned:



U-City Loop - more or less the intersection of Delmar and Skinker west to U-City City Hall and surrounding areas.



Forest Park Southeast (shameless plugg) - Restoration St. Louis has a few newly rehabbed 1BR's for rent, you're close to the CWE and lots of new restaurants/bars, plus it's relatively inexpensive. Also - and most important to me and my wife - you're less than a mile from Forest Park. If you like to run or would visit the museums etc. - there's no other place in the city to be! We found great appartments in Soulard/Wash Ave (wife insists on calling the WAVE - now you can too!)/CWE/U-City, but there's only one Forest Park and if we had to drive to it we wouldn't use it as much.

other considerations...



Soulard is mostly residential. It may be more diverse than downtown.



Living in Soulard is like living in a small town.



Downtown is a city with mostly paved surfaces. You may even be able to be car-free.

Well said, Phobia. The other thing to think about regarding downtown is that it's a work in progress. As more and more downtown residents filter in, so too should the number of affordable restaurant options, pint-sized grocery stores, and _______.