Moving to St. Louis – The Gateway to a New Future
St. Louis is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with a rich history stretching back more than a quarter of a century. Like many American cities, St. Louis passed through a period of urban decline towards the end of the 20th century, with families leaving the city in search of fresh opportunities. But today, the Gateway to the West is experiencing a wonderful revival, and there is a new emphasis on urban renewal and on revitalizing the city and its surrounding communities. St. Louis is poised to welcome new residents from around the country, and around the globe. If the city of St. Louis is your next destination, here are a few tips to help your move go smoothly.
Employment and the Cost of Living
Forbes magazine has ranked St. Louis 1st on their list of “The Happiest Cities For Job-Seeking College Grads”, and the city offers many job opportunities for new residents. Many national and international corporations have offices and factories in St. Louis, including Anheuser-Busch, Graybar Electric, and Monsanto. The proximity of Scott Air Force Base also means that there are plenty of job opportunities in the service, healthcare, and education industries. St. Louis’ cost of living is approximately 10% lower than other urban cities in the US, making it ideal for young families and single people striking out on their own.
Choosing Your Neighborhood
The city of St. Louis is made up of 79 distinct neighborhoods. From the downtown city center with its view of the Gateway Arch, to the family friendly suburbs of Florrissant and Chesterfield, there is a neighborhood to suit everyone’s taste and finances. Midtown St. Louis is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and offers a delightful mix of Victorian architecture and modern sensibilities. Skinker-DeBaliviere, one of the oldest integrated communities in St. Louis, is a thriving and culturally diverse community which is within walking distance of landmarks like Forest Park, Washington University and the Loop.
Safety and Crime
Like many urban areas in the country, St. Louis has had problems in the past with crime. But over the last decade crime statistics in the city have been rapidly declining, making St. Louis one of the most livable cities in the country. Before settling on an ideal neighborhood for you and your family, check with local law enforcement about related criminal activity, or visit a website like SpotCrime to research the communities you are considering. This well help you find the best neighborhood for you and your family.
Settling In
Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, you’ll need to get settled in, and that means sorting out your utilities. But don’t be daunted, setting all of your utilities up is easy, just keep the following names and numbers in mind.
- Laclede Gas 1-800-887-4173
- Amaren Electric 1-800-552-7583
- City of St. Louis Water Division 1-314-771-2255
- AT&T Telephone Service 1-888-544-8847
- City of St. Louis Department of Streets (Trash & Recycling) 1-314-353-8877
Enjoying the Gateway to the West
Once you’ve settled into your new job and new home, it will be time to explore all that St. Louis has to offer. The city is home to some of the finest jazz and blues clubs in the country, as well as world class theaters, museums, and restaurants. Sports fans can follow the St. Louis Cardinals, while nature enthusiasts can visit the local zoos and forests. St. Louis is a prime example of a revitalized city that is ready and eager to welcome you and your family into their community.
Busch Stadum Photo by Francisco Diez. Vintage St Louis Postcards by Jeff Kopp. Both used under CreativeCommons license