St. Louis City vs. The County?

Question

This question is reserved more for those who live here. I am very interested in hearing anyones opinions/pros & cons of them both. Which do you like more?
This question doesnt pertain to anything specific, Input of any kind would be welcome here.
I have lived in both South City and County during different periods of my life. I currently reside in Lemay but would love to move back to the city after I leave my parents home.

Answer 1

If you are single and have no kids, I'd vote for the city. Much more fun things going on there and a more diverse group of people. You do have to deal with a bit more crime (especially car breakins) but the housing is more reasonable and city living is convenient to all that's happening. You can even ride the Metro or a bike to get places. Just stick to good areas and you can check out the crime stats for neighborhoods on the city police dept web site.

County is fine if you are ready for the suburban life style and of course the schools are better. However, most of the bars and restaurants are boring and if you dont have a car you are homebound. Crime is lower but housing costs are higher.

Answer 2

Never lived in the city. I think the county gets a bad rep. Here's why:



I am going to disagree with Diane there are unique places to dine such as Annie Gunns, Lesters etc not all of them are national chains. You just have to look and find them. There is also Sky's Music lounge which is very cool to hear live bands and a new sports bar both at the Barn at Lucerne. Lester's is a great sports bar with flat screens in both the bar and dining area and has awesome barbeque.



A lot of the houses in the city are older and would require much fixing up. If you are handy and like that sort of thing great but not everyone likes to spend their weekends fixing up 80 year old homes.



Live in the city if you must but the county will be ready for you after you decide settle down to raise a family. Why delay the inevitable?

Answer 3

I've lived in O'Fallon and St. Charles, and have also stayed with friends in the city for a significant period of time. It's definitely nice to live outside of, but close to, the city limits (20 min or so). Dealing with city traffic is hell, but being within reasonable driving distance of Central West End and the Loop is a must. St. Charles has a bad rep for whatever reason, but you get a good mix of city and suburban life, meet cool people just about everywhere, and are never too close or too far from the city nightlife/music venues/restaurants/shops. O'Fallon is just all around snobby and dull. The city... Cool place to live but the metrolink doesn't go anywhere significant, so you need a car anyway, and isn't quite worth all the hassle in my opinion. However, if you're going to UMSL or SLU, it might be worth considering, as working/school is always less stressful if you can shorten the commute. Mostly depends on your lifestyle.

Answer 4

It depends on the area in either city or county.

Parts of the city are very nice and diverse if you do not have to worry about schools, etc.

The city is no longer any good for any kind of shopping areas as in the past.

Answer 5

I live about 50 mns from St. Louis. I have never lived in the city but near. Well I did as a kid but not for long. I like living out side the St.Louis City area. I hope you get to move where you want to. I also lived in St. Charles for a short time. Didn't like that too much either.

Answer 6

I would go with the county. Lots of shopping and things to do, and much safer and easier to live in. VERY easy to commute to the city, so you can get all the excitement you want whenever you want but still live comfortably in the county.

Answer 7

the country would prevail we would drop a bomb destroying the entire city