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Victoria Howard best-worst

Best kept secrets of University City, MO

You can expect to pay around $1,265 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes

18 Replies

Carolyn M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value weather, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable 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 Summers can be brutally hot.

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.
40 upvotes
Delilah Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.

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.
39 upvotes
Liam M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
37 upvotes
happy_john93
Moved here from Miami about 6 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to nightlife but Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
dallasheart2020
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is solid

The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Jace Brown
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Pamela W.
literally same
34 upvotes
Lydia Torres
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
Eleanor
I'm a contractor and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Maverick
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
29 upvotes
Nolan James
preach
27 upvotes
Allison Scott
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Natalie Hill
lol so true
20 upvotes
Hazel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
real_bella44
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Claire Murphy
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
12 upvotes
Lucy P.
couldn't agree more
11 upvotes
James Chavez
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's pretty good.
3 upvotes
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