Crime in St. Louis?

[peezers]

Hi there!

My boyfriend and I are planning on moving to the St. Louis area next year for nursing school (optometry for him) from California (San Francisco), and we've been extremely excited about all the wonderful things we've heard about the state so far... until we read a recent article citing St. Louis as the most dangerous city in the U.S. How true is this?

I know it's a big city, so we did a little more fishing around for details. It seems (by all means correct me if I'm wrong) like the major crime areas are in the northern and eastern areas of the city, some ways away from UMSL and SLU. Even so, is there any worry about going out at night, or taking public transportation around town, etc.? Are there neighborhoods (with moderate pricing) near the two schools that aren't so scary?

The fourth most dangerous city is Compton, CA, and it's pretty darn frightening to be in the area past sunset (maybe even during the day sometimes), so it's almost disappointing to hear these kind of statistics for St. Louis. But I'm hoping you guys can share more first-hand experience than a news article!

Thanks a million for your help!!

:icon_hug:

P.S. How diverse is the area? We're Asian and very Americanized.. I hope we'd fit in well.

[maggijo]

That survey is a joke. It does not take into account the Greater St. Louis area, only St. Louis city. Don't worry about what you have read. St. Louis is a wonderful place to live and work. SLU and UMSL are not too close to each other, but if you are looking for safe and diverse, check out University City (some parts are safer than others), Central West End (likewise), and Maplewood. You have to be street-wise anywhere you go. St. Louis has so much to offer- great restaurants, fun neighborhoods, cool little shops, and ethnic/cultural/socioeconomic diversity, if you go to the right places. Feel free to ask any more specifics you have about St. Louis. I have been here my whole life, I have lived in many different areas of the city, and I am happy to share my experiences with you. You will be happy here.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

We are transplants from So. CA, and I have never felt safer in my life.

After being here 13 years now, I realize this isn't nirvana; there are places you need to avoid, particularly after dark (like everywhere else), you need to be aware of your surroundings and not be naive.

I worked for a company near SLU for many years and never felt particularly unsafe except maybe very late at night if I was alone. The campus area is beautiful and they're refurbishing some of the buildings locally into lofts. Slowly, but surely, they're really trying to re-attract people to downtown living!

We live in west St. Louis County which isn't the closest to where you're looking, but I'd live in just about any of the areas mentioned above and many others.

Culturally, you will be fine. You will meet people from all walks of life almost everywhere you go. The only exception might be some of the very rural areas; there's still a bit of the redneck mentality in those areas!

Best wishes and let us know if you need more info!!

[2bNurseguru]

Agree, the crime rate is high in St. Louis City. The county is prety safe. As far as torelance other cultures, I am froma different culture and have lived here for 5 years. I have never experienced any form of prejudice based on my racial background. But I can tell you that St. Louis also tops the list of the most segregated cities in the US. I have always heard that people on either Coast, East or West are much more welcoming than mid-west states. There is still a small element of prejudice in St. Louis since people are not as friendly compared to coastal states which are much more diverse.

I would encourage you to live in West St. Louis County since we have a lot of Asians in this area.

I am stuck in St. Louis because of my current job but given the opportunity I would move north or on the East Coast since these societies are more open to new comers.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

The only problem for this poster is that West St. Louis County might involve more driving than they are interested in.

My suggestion would be something in the Central West End or Loop areas where the populations are definitely very diverse....however, if cost is a factor, there are many other areas where you would be welcome and not feel like an outsider; it's just that the overall populations would not be so diverse!

Good luck!

[BeccaznRN, RN]

My suggestion would be something in the Central West End or Loop areas where the populations are definitely very diverse....however, if cost is a factor, there are many other areas where you would be welcome and not feel like an outsider; it's just that the overall populations would not be so diverse!

Good luck!

I agree. The Central West End and the Loop are close to Wash U, and since the university attracts people from all over the country you'll be guaranteed a diverse population. And what a fantastic night life! The Loop is one of my favorite places to go (I absolutely LOVE Blueberry Hill).

[bigredrn57]

An easy rule of thumb is try not to live on any street named after a state on the south side. This area is crime ridden. Any area south of Hampton Ave is usually very safe with access to public transportation. There are many Vietnamese and Thai restaurants on S Grand. There is also Jay's international market on S Grand. At Soulard Farmer's Market on Saturday you can meet people from all over the place buying and selling their wares. St Louis has many different nationalities. They are usually in pockets where their language and culture is dominant. The Latinos are on Cherokee St, Bosnians by Bevo Mill on Gravois for example. Whenever people can they move out of the city to one of the smaller suburbs and commute. Keep your wits about you. As the song says, ''Don't go looking for trouble or trouble will find you,and you won't have to look too hard.''