Moving to St. Louis: The Hidden Gem of the Midwest

A cool, sun-dappled morning in the heart of America, where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers shake hands, and the arch of the Gateway glistens against the skyline. You're in St. Louis, a city where the echoes of Lewis and Clark still whisper through the cobblestones.

The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread from the Italian bakeries on The Hill, and somewhere in the distance, the faint cheers of Cardinals fans can be heard. As you walk down the tree-lined avenues of Central West End, you can't help but marvel at the beautiful blend of historic charm and urban chic that is uniquely St. Louis.

This isn't a scene from a movie, nor a page out of a Mark Twain novel. This is just an ordinary day in St. Louis, and it could be your life.

Hey there future St. Louisan! Welcome to the grand tour of your potential new stomping grounds, guided by yours truly, a certified STL old-timer. Buckle up, it’s going to be a riveting ride!

Why Move to St. Louis 

St. Louis isn't just a city, it's a lifestyle. We’ve got the charm of a small town mixed with big-city perks, minus the big-city attitude. Imagine paying less for a home than you would for a shoebox apartment in San Francisco, all while having access to world-class attractions. Yes, it’s real. No, it’s not too good to be true. It's just St. Louis.

Understanding Neighborhoods 

Oh, St. Louis! A city of a thousand faces, where each turn of the corner unravels a new scene. We're a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and flavors, a city where every neighborhood has its unique tale to tell.

Take the Central West End, for instance. Nestled amidst historic mansions and modern condos, it's our own little slice of Manhattan, minus the sky-high rents and honking taxis. Here, you'll find a bustling scene of chic cafes, bookshops, and art galleries, where intellectuals and artists rub elbows with doctors from the nearby medical district.

And then there's Soulard, the oldest neighborhood in the city. It's a place that dances to the rhythm of blues and swings to the beats of jazz. Here, brick townhouses and blues bars line the streets, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of smoked barbecue. Soulard is Mardi Gras central, but don't be fooled - it also knows how to kick back with a Bloody Mary on a lazy Sunday morning at the historic Soulard Farmers Market.

Now let's saunter over to Clayton. The heart of St. Louis County, Clayton is a blend of business and pleasure, where sleek office buildings sit alongside charming boutiques and gourmet restaurants. Here, elegance and efficiency intertwine, creating an atmosphere that's as suitable for power lunches as it is for weekend brunches.

And these are just a few chapters from the story of St. Louis. From the Italian-American heritage of The Hill to the vibrant murals of The Grove, the eclectic boutiques of Cherokee Street to the museums and greenery of Forest Park - there's a neighborhood in St. Louis that's sure to call out to your heart.

Cost of Living 

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. If St. Louis was competing in an affordability Olympics with other U.S. cities, it'd be standing tall on the gold podium. In the high-stakes poker game of city living, St. Louis is the ultimate wild card.

Picture living in New York City, where the mere thought of rent makes your wallet quiver in fear. Or San Francisco, where you'd need to cough up a king's ransom for a shoebox-sized apartment. Now, let's travel over to St. Louis, where your hard-earned money doesn't just walk, it sprints.

For what you'd pay for a cramped studio in the Big Apple or the Golden Gate City, in St. Louis you can have a spacious home, complete with a backyard perfect for those summer barbecues. And it's not just about housing. Whether we're talking groceries, utilities, or a night out on the town, St. Louis consistently scores lower than the national average. Here, living large doesn't have to mean living beyond your means.

But don't take my word for it. The numbers speak for themselves. The cost of living in St. Louis is about 5-10% lower than the national average, depending on the category. That's a winning hand no matter how you look at it.

Real Estate Market Overview 

Architecture aficionados and home hunters, get ready to feast your eyes. The real estate scene in St. Louis is hotter than our famous toasted ravioli fresh out of the oven, and boy, do we have a smorgasbord of styles for you.

In St. Louis, we don't just build houses; we craft homes with character. Our cityscape is a living, breathing testament to architectural evolution. From the turn of the century charm to 21st-century chic, our homes mirror our city's history and diversity.

Are you a fan of vintage charm? Take a stroll down Lafayette Square or Soulard, where Victorian beauties stand tall, bedecked in their ornamental brackets and cornices, like grand dames of a bygone era. Or maybe the Arts and Crafts bungalows of Tower Grove are more your speed, with their spacious porches and intricate wooden detailing offering a warm, cozy welcome.

But St. Louis isn't just stuck in the past. We've embraced the future with open arms and modern lofts. Just check out the downtown area, where old warehouses have been transformed into luxury lofts that would make even a New York penthouse green with envy.

And let's not forget our suburban gems. In Clayton and Ladue, you'll find a blend of stately Colonials, elegant Cape Cods, and modern designs that are the stuff of HGTV dreams.

Whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, looking for a quaint city bungalow or a million-dollar condo with a view, St. Louis real estate market has a home with your name etched on the mailbox.

Things to Do 

Boredom in St. Louis? Impossible! We have enough going on to keep even the most energetic of squirrels busy. Whether you're an art aficionado, a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, St. Louis has something tailor-made for you.

For the sports fans, we've got the Cardinals hitting home runs at Busch Stadium, and the Blues shooting goals at the Enterprise Center. And let's not forget our newest addition, St. Louis City SC, showing off their skills on the soccer field.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, the great outdoors are never more than a hop, skip, and a jump away. With over 100 parks within the city, including the 1,300-acre Forest Park, nature is always at your doorstep. And if you're up for a short drive, the stunning vistas of the Ozarks and the wine country of Hermann and Augusta are within an hour’s reach.

Foodies, prepare to loosen your belt buckles! From the Italian delights of The Hill to the barbecue joints of Soulard, the international cuisine of South Grand to the farm-to-table restaurants in Clayton, your taste buds are in for a treat. And did I mention our food festivals? Get ready for a gastronomic journey at events like Taste of St. Louis and the International Horseradish Festival.

History buffs and culture vultures, we've got you covered too. Marvel at the Gateway Arch, explore the treasures of the Art Museum or dive into the past at the Missouri History Museum. And if you're looking for something uniquely St. Louis, the City Museum is a wonderland of reclaimed architectural and industrial objects that's as fascinating for adults as it is for kids.

Music lovers, your ears are in for a treat. From the blues of BB's Jazz, Blues, and Soups to the symphony at Powell Hall, the lively tunes at Broadway Oyster Bar to the indie bands at The Pageant, St. Louis is always humming with music.

So, pack your bags, tie your shoelaces, and get ready to explore St. Louis. From dawn till dusk, there's always something happening here!

End of your St Louis Tour

As the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, you find yourself back at the Gateway Arch, the city's ever-watchful sentinel. You watch as the lights of the city twinkle on, each one a story, a possibility, a part of the St. Louis tapestry. You can't help but feel a sense of belonging. This city, with its blend of history and modernity, its diversity and unity, has welcomed you with open arms.

The journey we've taken today is just a glimpse into the vibrant life that St. Louis offers. There's so much more to discover, and we can't wait to guide you through it. If you're dreaming of starting your own St. Louis story, whether it's finding a new home, selling your old one, or just exploring the possibilities, we're here to help.

Visit us at Engel & Völkers St. Louis. As long-time residents and real estate experts, we'll use our in-depth knowledge and love for this city to help you find the perfect fit. From understanding the market to finding the right neighborhood, from negotiating the best price to closing the deal, we'll be with you every step of the way.

Because in St. Louis, we're not just about toasted ravioli and baseball games. We're about community, about making every person who steps into our city feel like they've come home. And we can't wait to welcome you to your new home in St. Louis.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your St. Louis journey today, and let's write the next chapter of your story together.

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