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Aaliyah Phillips
qa
Best coffee shops in St. Louis?
Hi all, Poverty rate is 13.8%, which is around average. Thoughts? It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
53 upvotes
16 Replies
phoenixmind2026
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
38 upvotes
Melanie Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
oaklandsoul2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Kathryn J.
I'm a social worker and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Asher Rodriguez
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Aaron Lewis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Allison Williams
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Emmett Kim
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's excellent.
24 upvotes
Albert W.
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Abigail W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 29, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a writer, 29, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Brenda H.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Sebastian Green
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
14 upvotes
Axel Walker
noted, appreciate it
11 upvotes
Lydia Clark
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Easton M.
Moved here from Portland about 5 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Melanie C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes