St. Louis, Missouri is a great place to raise a family due to its housing market, job market, schools, and numerous attractions. The city offers a variety of hotels for families, with the Four Seasons St. Louis being the top choice after extensive travel and hotel stays. St. Louis is known for its world-famous sights, spectacular attractions, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
The Gateway to the West offers affordable housing options, plenty of family-friendly activities, and top-rated schools. Check out these top five neighborhoods in St. Louis for more information. If you’re a Midwest family and haven’t planned your St. Louis family trip yet, get busy! This easily accessible, affordable, and just plan fun destination is the perfect place to plan your next family weekend getaway or Spring Break.
There are 35 great things to do in St. Louis, MO. The region is filled with free, world-class attractions, engaging events, and flourishing public parks, making it an unrivaled choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. The central west end is the best spot to enjoy the science center, zoo, or city museum, which is a ton of fun even for adults.
St. Louis has a diverse culture, with a decent mix of art, museums, music, and theatre. There are amusement parks, such as the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, Grant’s Farm, and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Saint Louis.
The city has been declared a “murder capital” every other week and has just been given the new title of the most family-friendly city in America. The neighborhood’s numerous parks and recreational facilities make it a haven for active families.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Tips for a family trip to St. Louis? : r/StLouis | Central west end is the best spot. Enjoy the science center, the zoo, or city museum, which is downtown. It’s a ton of fun even for the adults. | reddit.com |
| Is St. Louis a good place to live and raise a family? | Yes. The culture is diverse, there is a decent mix of art including museums, music and theatre. There are amusement parks and the #1 Zoo in the … | quora.com |
| 2024 Best Places to Raise a Family in St. Louis Area | Ranking of best places for families in the St. Louis Area based on crime rates, public schools, cost of living, and family-friendly … | niche.com |
📹 AVOID Moving to ST. LOUIS Missouri Unless You Can Handle These 10 Facts (REAL TALK)
Are you thinking about Moving to St. Louis Missouri? ⬇️⬇️⬇️ We can Help! Please, don’t be a stranger… CALL or TEXT: …
Is St. Louis Or Chicago Safer?
St. Louis has a significantly higher crime rate than Chicago, prompting several programs aimed at enhancing safety. Statistically, Chicago showcases a much lower crime level, with 43 fewer violent crimes and 46 fewer property crimes per capita. Specifically, St. Louis's crime rate stands at 6, 948 crimes per 100, 000 people, exceeding both state and national averages, while Chicago's rate is considerably lower at 1, 705 per 100, 000. Residents of St. Louis perceive the southwest region as the safest, yet central neighborhoods exhibit grave risks, with chances of being victimized ranging from 1 in 5 to 1 in 48.
Crime trends indicate that St. Louis has a "very high" crime level; Chicago’s crime increased moderately over the past three years. Notably, Chicago ranks 39th for violent crime among major U. S. cities, whereas St. Louis ranks 50th. While residents can avoid high-risk areas in St. Louis, it is still regarded as more dangerous than Chicago based on FBI data.
Despite posing threats, most of St. Louis remains accessible to tourists, with risky areas mostly devoid of attractions. East St. Louis, noted for its extreme crime statistics, often overshadows Chicago, which, while having a higher overall murder rate than some cities, remains less dangerous compared to its Midwestern counterparts.
Is St. Louis Good Or Bad?
St. Louis is ranked as the 3rd most dangerous city in America, following Oakland and Detroit. While violent crime is significant, visitors can stay safe if they know which areas to avoid. If safety is your top priority, you might consider other cities. Nonetheless, St. Louis has its pros and cons, typical of larger urban areas, with various neighborhoods having both good and bad attributes. It’s essential to weigh these aspects, as St. Louis offers much to singles and families alike, boasting a variety of job opportunities, excellent schools, and diverse entertainment options.
The city, known as the "Gateway to the West," has a relatively low cost of living—about 4% less than that of Missouri—making it appealing for those looking for affordable housing. Despite its challenges, such as crime and varying school quality, many people find that St. Louis holds potential for a good home, given its unique blend of history, modernity, and community spirit. While crime can overshadow the city’s allure, it's often confined to specific areas. As such, individuals need to understand their risk tolerance and remain vigilant. Ultimately, St. Louis can be a rewarding place to live, provided one navigates its landscape wisely.
Is St. Louis A Wealthy Area?
Most of the wealthiest ZIP codes in St. Louis are situated in St. Louis County, particularly in affluent suburbs like Clayton, Town and Country, Frontenac, and Chesterfield. The richest area is Country Life Acres, a village with only 34 households, located approximately 19 miles east of St. Louis. Notably, St. Louis and Dallas each feature three suburbs in the top 25 wealthiest nationwide. According to GoBankingRates. com, Ladue, Missouri ranks 21st among ultra-wealthy U.
S. cities, with over 3, 400 households boasting a median household income significantly above $250, 000. Additionally, the four Missouri ZIP codes with the highest incomes are all in west St. Louis County, contrasting with the poorest ZIP code located in St. Louis city itself. St. Louis is renowned for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and amenities like Forest Park. The wealthiest neighborhoods include Ladue, Town and Country, and Clayton, which significantly eclipse the real estate values of other areas.
Overall, nine local ZIP codes made it to the nation's wealthiest, highlighting St. Louis' economic prominence. The median household income in St. Louis stands at $84, 793, above the national average.
What Are The Best Family Activities In St Louis?
St. Louis offers an array of family-friendly activities perfect for all ages, starting with the library, which hosts engaging events for teens, kids, and adults, including rare book conventions. For affordable family fun, the library is a great choice. The Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour adds a thrilling layer to the experience. Notable attractions include the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, and Forest Park. Families can enjoy various spirited, hands-on activities at places like Ryze Adventure Park, where both children and adults can have fun together.
The city encourages imagination with attractions that let kids envision themselves as artists or racecar drivers. From outdoor adventures like nature walks and treetop tours to pumpkin patches and haunted locations, there’s something for everyone. Some top spots to visit include Big Joel’s Safari, Missouri Botanical Garden, and Busch Stadium. Additionally, places like the St. Louis Wheel and the Aquarium offer delightful experiences. Overall, St. Louis is rich with free and engaging attractions, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
Where To Spend A Day In St Louis With Kids?
St. Louis is a fantastic family destination, especially for those visiting with children. This expansive city park features the St. Louis Zoo, the Art Museum, and the Science Center—all free attractions. It also boasts a 17-acre nature playscape and a large playground, perfect for a day of outdoor fun. The iconic Gateway Arch, standing at 630 feet, is a must-visit, offering breathtaking city views. St. Louis holds numerous fun activities, making it hard to compile an exhaustive list.
However, top recommendations include riding to the top of the Gateway Arch, enjoying a Riverboat Cruise, exploring the City Museum, visiting the St. Louis Aquarium, and checking out the St. Louis Wheel and Grant’s Farm. Whether it's outdoor adventures like nature walks or indoor explorations at museums, St. Louis has it all. Families can also enjoy engaging experiences at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Cathedral Basilica, and Busch Stadium. Many attractions are free, including the beloved St.
Louis Zoo with over 12, 000 animals. For hands-on learning, children will appreciate the interactive exhibits at the St. Louis Science Center. With such a diverse array of activities, St. Louis promises unforgettable family moments, blending education and entertainment seamlessly.
Is St Louis A Good Place For Kids?
St. Louis is a family-friendly destination filled with captivating experiences for kids and adults alike. The Grand Hall features an enchanting 3D light show, while the lake hosts a mesmerizing fire and light display. The St. Louis Aquarium provides educational and entertaining moments, especially appealing to children aged 4 to 12. Families can delve into exciting attractions such as the renowned Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Zoo, and interactive museums.
With a variety of activities available, including the Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour, families can spend three to five days exploring this vibrant city. St. Louis is also known for its rich art, music, and theater culture, alongside fantastic parks and caves for outdoor fun. Families can choose to stay at the Angad Arts Hotel, and discover a diverse array of dining options, including celebrated Italian restaurants. The Central West End is a particular hotspot for attractions like the Science Center and City Museum.
There are numerous recommendations for must-visit places, ensuring kids have a blast. The region's abundance of free world-class attractions makes it an unforgettable location for family adventures, perfect for creating lasting memories together. St. Louis truly offers boundless opportunities for fun and exploration.
Why Did St. Louis Decline So Much?
Continued suburban development and highway construction have driven a significant decline in St. Louis's population, especially after 1950. From the 1950 census to 2000, the city lost over half its residents to surrounding counties. Recent trends indicate a concerning population drop, particularly in downtown areas, with about 19, 000 people leaving the St. Louis metropolitan region between April 2020 and July 2022. A declining real estate market, the coronavirus pandemic, and the shift to remote work have exacerbated the issue, prompting many office workers to relocate to suburbs.
While St. Louis once thrived independently, it has faced long-term challenges. The city's population has now shrunk to approximately 302, 838, a striking 65 percent decrease since its peak, outpacing even Detroit's losses. Changing demographics reveal that fewer families, particularly Black families, are having children and many are moving to cities like Dallas. Central factors in this decline include suburbanization, segregation, economic issues, and declining birth rates.
A proposed "economic justice action plan" aims to attract new residents by 2030, but persistent challenges like crime and regional disinvestment remain. As a result, St. Louis struggles to maintain its population and reputation within the broader national context.
What Is A Liveable Salary In St. Louis?
According to SmartAsset, a single individual in St. Louis requires an hourly wage of $42. 96 or an annual pre-tax salary of $89, 357 to "live comfortably." This analysis factored in cost-of-living data from almost 100 major U. S. cities, utilizing the 50/30/20 budgeting framework. The estimated living wage varies with location and family size, highlighting the importance of local economic factors.
Additionally, the same study noted that a single worker in the San Francisco Bay Area would need an annual post-tax salary of $74, 282 for a similar standard of living. Real estate prices in St. Louis fluctuate, with the average home price around $250, 000. The average salary in the city sits at about $75, 000, with a 4. 1% wage increase observed in Q3 2024.
When compared to national averages, the cost of living in St. Louis is 6% lower. It supports a median after-tax salary of $4, 731, sufficient for covering expenses for approximately 2. 4 months. Various tools like Salary. com's Cost of Living Calculator can help individuals assess housing expenses, groceries, and utilities across over 300 U. S. cities. The data suggests that those earning above $100, 000 would generally be financially stable in most areas.
Is St Louis A Good Family Vacation?
St. Louis, Missouri, is an ideal family vacation destination filled with a variety of fun activities, including national parks, museums, sports, and more. Families particularly enjoy visiting its renowned children’s museum and the free St. Louis Zoo. With countless attractions, it can be challenging to fit everything into one trip, making three to five days the perfect timeframe to experience the city’s offerings. Highlights include the Gateway Arch National Park, the City Museum, Magic House, and several parks, providing adventure without significant expenses.
While St. Louis is family-friendly, it’s advisable to steer clear of its unsafe areas. The city’s vibrant attractions offer numerous choices, making planning a family itinerary exciting yet overwhelming. The Central West End is a fantastic area to explore, featuring the Science Center, city museum, and zoo. St. Louis truly caters to families with kids of all ages, boasting free attractions, great food, and unique historical sites.
Popular spots include the Gateway Arch, Zoo, City Museum, and Grant’s Farm. For an extraordinary family getaway, St. Louis presents an impressive array of activities that promise fun and engagement for the entire family, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.
Is St Louis A Good Place To Live?
St. Louis is recognized as one of the best neighborhoods, offering great architecture and proximity to a leading urban park. Current residents, especially those new to city living, appreciate the affordable cost of living, high diversity, and various entertainment options. However, challenges such as poor schools, crime, homelessness, and low wages exist. The housing options, culinary scene, and city attractions are appealing, complemented by a low unemployment rate that attracts singles, young professionals, and remote workers. With a median home value significantly lower than the national average, the city provides an economical lifestyle featuring reasonably priced groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
In St. Louis, families, retirees, and young adults can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere enriched by its jazz scene and diverse cuisine. Numerous neighborhoods, such as Shaw and Benton Park, offer enjoyable environments with easy access to parks and restaurants. St. Louis balances the benefits of a larger city with affordability, allowing residents to lead comfortable lives. While the city boasts esteemed amenities and a family-friendly reputation, potential challenges like crime and subpar education must be acknowledged. Overall, St. Louis presents a mix of advantages and drawbacks, making it a notable option for those seeking a unique and budget-friendly urban lifestyle in the Midwest.
📹 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO ST. LOUIS
Today we share the things to know before you go to St Louis, perfect for those planning a trip to St Louis Missouri. We share the …
I have many fantastic memories of St Louis. I love the people, charm, and cost of living to income ratio. Many can purchase entry-level homes on entry-level salaries. Concentrated poverty, bureaucracy, and lack of regional growth strategy are a few things working against the area. I dont know if life will bring me back to St Louis, but i agree St Louis can give almost anyone a good life if they want it. Thanks for the well thought out vlog on St Louis.
I was an Army brat whose family had moved around every 18-24 months and we moved into the Kirkwood area when I was 13. 5 years later, I’m graduating from Kirkwood and I’m still ‘the New Kid” It’s a little hard to fit in where generations have lived in the community, older brothers and sisters, even parents attended the same schools. It seemed very clannish to me. I left for the Navy, had a career that took me from Miramar California to Virginia and the DC Beltway, and there just wasn’t much opportunity back in the Lou. My parents had moved away, my brothers and sister had moved, and I didn’t want my SoCal born kids to experience the clannishness and ostracism I’d faced. I still keep in touch with a few classmates, it seems that the successful ones are the ones who moved, while the folks who stayed in the STL failed to launch
Brick and stone the architecture is so amazing. It’s a beautiful city. Easy to get around has a nice train system is walkable and it’s easy to bike around. The summers are hot, but the winters are better than Chicago. I in the area around and St. Louis. There is a lot of outdoor activities. I think St Louis is very underrated, and I would rather see a article say what is beautiful about St Louis .
I love St. Louis born & raised. I am blessed to have been able to move out the inner city. And got into traveling. I wanna leave so bad, so I constantly stay on the road (Reason I’m still located here is because I have a 5 year old here). First off, St. Louis is racist to some degree. When I was in NY, Philly, LA, Atlanta. Other races arent scared to come up to me and socialize. STL is a closed minded town. The politicians give me a old man vibe. There aren’t visualizers at all. We last to get everything. Downtown is a warzone. I love my city and rep it everywhere I go but I cant wait to leave when my son reaches teenage status. If you were giving mad properties, or have businesses you should stay obviously. Or like me an family issue. But other that that, if have certain ambitions and dreams, St. Louis isnt the best place.
St Louis is very nice to visit. Living there is not really the best idea. Look into Kansas City if you want to move to this area of the country but dont want most of the negatives of St Louis. The people of Kansas City are just so so much nicer to each other and outsiders. Most people you will meet in Missouri would agree. St Louis still has tons of cool attractions to visit and see, like the City Museum if you travel with young ones. If you are considering moving to Missouri I advise you to visit KC and check it out before settling on STL
The St. Lous region is great. Winters are mild compared to the North but summers being hot and humid is a negative. I only go in to the city for Cardinals and Blues games and now there is a very popular soccer team thanks to the owners of Enterprise and others that privately funded the new soccer stadium. There is a huge soccer fan base here given many years of Catholic youth league soccer and now the largest Bosinan immigration in the U.S.. St. Louis got a bum rap when St. Lous Rams owner Stan Kroenke wanted the large TV market of L.A. over a new downtown stadium STL was prepared to build for its large TV market but did need an owner to do so. The XFL Battle Hawks were like a minor league NFL team yet average close to 40,000. There are other attractions like Forest Park including the zoo, museums, and the expansion of Union Station and the Arch grounds. People who like the Arts seem to have plenty of alternatives. St. Louis is affordable by comparison but I worked for years with people who lived on the Illinois side of the St. Louis region for even better affordability and lower taxes. There are great neighborhoods in the city but the problem is they are close to very poor areas riddled with crime that goes in to the downtown at night especially. It all comes down to your risk tolerance for crime. Car jacking, busted car windows, stolen cars, drive by shooting, etc. Teens seen walking streets with AR-15s. . I have practically a zero risk tolerance for crime so hardly ever venture in to the city however there are parts of north St.
I grew up in STL. The city is not that great, The Metro Link has gone downhill and not that many people use it. The county is nice and I think most people seem to just think of STL as all the same. Yet county and City are different. North county is not so great anymore. Traffic is not great as most have moved south or west of the county. Thus people are forced to drive longer distances. 270 has been widened to the max and yet, a parking lot. Weather is a big one for me and the reason why I left. Summer is brutal and if you like huge thunderstorms where the sky turns dark green, it’s the place to go.
I noticed you mentioned StL City seceding from StL County, and that individual municipalities often have their own police force, but you DIDN’T mention that StL City Police is the ONLY metropolitan police force in the country run by the STATE, rather than the city itself (this was the result of unfathomable levels of corruption in city government, circa 1920s, I think). For the record, I grew up in Spanish Lake, have had home addresses in Florissant, Hazelwood, U City, & St. Peters, and currently live in the Metro East.
We relocated to Stl from Central California 5 yrs ago. The friends aspect is very true. I was here 3 yrs before making friends that are from here. People are friendly though! The homeless is no where near as bad as it is in agricultural areas in California. Living where pretty much everything is grown and never having allergies it was a shock to me when my dr said congratulations you are allergic to St. Louis. 😂
I’m thinking of moving back to St.Louis after leaving in 1974 for Oakland,Ca where I still reside. I’m retired now and most of my family lives in St.Louis which is the main reason I want to move back. I own a home in Oakland but want a nice,comfortable townhome with 3 bedrooms and at least 2 bathrooms as I’ll be living with my identical twin sister who is also retired,my 84 year old mother and my 8 year old cocker spaniel. I don’t care about crime or racism as I was the victim of a violent crime here in Oakland which left me permanently disabled and the subtle racism in California is worst imo than covert racism. A lot of California is racist and segregated and this is achieved by pricing properties sky high knowing that the average minority can’t afford such high prices. I know when I lived in St.louis from 1964-1974 we lived in nice,new modern homes in Berkeley,U City, Hathaway Manor and off of Kingshighway. Not so in Calif where all I could afford here are old,outdated,small homes. St.Louis also has better healthcare for seniors and better medical facilities as well.
Born & raised in St Louis. No city I hate more including Chicago and that place is in the dirt socially. I’ve experienced nothing in St Louis except racism, deceit, and hate. No matter your race, racism WILL find you here. Your fellow man will hate you just for crossing his path. Your children will turn against you here. You will Never know happiness again. I honestly believe it’s a felony to become joyful in St Louis. The locals will bash you & lie you into the grave. I suggest that you not attempt to achieve betterment in any fashion here, they will purposefully drown you in misery in an attempt to make you like them. If you are a naturally hateful person then St Louis Missouri is the perfect place for you. Start expecting the worse once the Arch comes into focus.
Here’s my comment telling people NOT to move to st louis. Not going to go into details but I very much dislike STL. Now I hate when someone says “don’t move to X” and doesn’t tell me a better place to move to, so here is where you should move instead nearby: 1. Kansas City: Growing downtown, just overall better city than STL 2. Springfield MO: Population is almost 200k, the city is really pleasant in size which is basically a big box where outside of it it’s more rural with great housing prices. Branson is 40 minutes south with all the perks of Branson. Weather is significantly nicer than STL. Springfield is really great! 3. North west arkansas: Similar to Springfield but more in the heart of the ozark mountains. Great upcoming areas like bentonville. If you have family in STL that you want to visit on the regular, these are all close enough by that you can make weekend trips to STL.
St. Louis City is a great place to live and hang out. You just have to know what areas to avoid. St. Louisians might not seem friendly to outsiders because we’re skeptical of people until we get to know them. I happen to live in part of the city that attracts a lot of out-of-town visitors so I try to be helpful and cordial. But you will find that a lot of us travel in packs with friends and family and tend to ignore people outside of our circle. It’s a little different here in the CWE. We strike uo conversations with anyone over here.
st louis is a good place if you are a tourist. there are a lot of places that are free to enter because of the taxes we pay to support various attractions here. not too good on public transportation though. cost of housing is some of the lowest in the country. taxes on food is not too bad either. crime is bad because like a lot of big cities we have a democratic mayor in the city.
Idk how I came across this article lol. Anyways Avoid stl at all costs. Lived there for 9 years for school. Seasonal depression, allergies, high crime in certain areas. Extreme Racism, boring, long winters and summers, non progressive, low wages, minimal diversity, to name a few. Unless for family, school or work I absolutely do not see a reason to move to stl.
I’d say the biggest thing you have to get over is the city-county thing. Some of the things he talks about apply to the city some to the county. There are probably books written on this but in short the city and county broke into two over 100 years ago. Initially it was because the city didn’t want to pay for things in the county which was a lot of farmland. Flash forward, the county is expanding and the city is contracting. However the county is divided into over 50 different municipalities while the city is just one. Needless to say it can be confusing for people if they work in one and live in the other because there are different things between each municipality. Also getting license plates is confusing because of this. When you try to get your car licensed each municipality has a different tax rate. Some newcomers consider it a nightmare and are totally confused. These can all be overcome as Missourians have been putting up with it for years. Oh, and the high school thing really happens. If you’re in St Louis and they ask you where you went to school they mean high school not college. By that one question they can tell your wealth, social status, and athleticism.
St Louis Missouri is a Blessed place to live. Every place in the world has crimes, good and bad. St Louis Missouri is a family oriented State. People in St. Louis gets along well with each other and we have enjoyable times in the park listening to music by different bands all the time, during Spring thought the fall. There’s less racism in St. Louis Missouri. The children that were raised after the late 80s when “Grand Thief Auto” game came out, and the children played this dangerous games. The most impressionable years of their lives. Their parent or parents gave them this game to play to keep them still, are now playing that game out in their reality and not understanding why they’re engaged in criminal activities. The images are in their minds. Their parents were mostly too young to raise their children because they were babies themselves. But overall, Missouri is a wonderful place. It doesn’t have oceans to swim and surf. However, it’s relaxing. Please do Missouri a favorite, keep the negativity away from St. Louis, Missouri and have a great time without fear. It’s false evidence appearing real. STL 🤎 “SHOW ME STATE”!