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Carter Gomez
qa
Grocery stores in St. Louis — recommendations?
OK so It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
34 Replies
Naomi
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Isabelle Brown
Moved here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Delilah Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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 lawyer, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Serenity A.
+1
38 upvotes
Jordan J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Luke Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Ruby G.
bump
35 upvotes
Heather H.
I've lived in Westside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Jordan Carter
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great BBQ places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
33 upvotes
Madelyn Roberts
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Emmett Reyes
Moved here from Miami about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to traffic but Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Jeremiah Myers
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
Abigail Sanders
facts
25 upvotes
Nathan Cox
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
25 upvotes
Jonathan Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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 outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
25 upvotes
Violet Harris
accurate
24 upvotes
Aaron Torres
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Weston Anderson
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Cora Martinez
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Christopher C.
I've lived in Eastside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Cooper Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 50, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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 project manager, 50, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
21 upvotes
Hannah Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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 social worker, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
21 upvotes
Evan C.
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Charlotte C.
great question, following
14 upvotes
Madeline Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Daniel S.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
13 upvotes
Jacob White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Ezekiel C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Matthew W.
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
Ruby
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is tough in most areas.
7 upvotes
Sophie Nelson
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Weston Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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 social worker, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
5 upvotes
Axel Miller
spot on
4 upvotes
Austin C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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 contractor, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
3 upvotes