I am a married SAHM of 2 girls 13 yrs and 22 mos. My husband is most likely going to be relocated thru work to a facility in Afton, we are currently in Chicago. I guess I am asking if anyone would give me any suggestions on moving to the St. Louis area ie what areas are good, is it hard with traveling to different areas, purchasing a house, and most of all a good school district (focus on highschools)and anymore info you can offer would be great. As you can probably tell we have not had to make a big move like this to an unfamiliar area. We still have yet to visit and receive any input on St. Louis. That we will be done soon...We are planning to all be down in the St. Louis area by 6/08. Oh another thing we are a bi-racial family I am african american and my husband is caucasian, so definetly would like some input on excepting/liberal areas of St.Louis.
Thank you any input would be greatly appreciated!!
I live in south city its very diverse. The school system isn't the greatest. Its close to afton. Afton isn't so bad either.
I'm not sure what price range of home you're looking for, but one area to definately check into in Kirkwood-incredible schools and a very diverse population (pricey, though there are less pricey areas). Other areas to look are University City-again, very, very diverse area of town and good schools (not as good as Kirkwood). If you're solely looking for schools, Rockwood and Parkway (far west St. Louis County), are the best-probably Rockwood as the best. The areas are not as diverse as Kirkwood or University City, but have had lots of changes in the past few years. Both areas are expensive, but there are pockets of less expensive homes.
Good luck with your move. St. Louis is a great city, with lots of kids stuff to do.
When you get here, look into your schoold district's Parents as Teachers Program. It's offered in all the school districts. They send parent educators to your home to help with parenting questions, offer suggestions on activities to do with your kids and make sure your kids are developing on track. They also offer lots of workshops, which are fun to do. The best part--it's all free! It's for families with kids birth-3.
I'm from the St. Charles area and don't get south very often, but my suggestion would probably be somewhere in Fenton, Kirkwood, Rock Hill, Crestwood or even further south toward South St. Louis County. Oakville is on the outskirts of Afton. With any luck, perhaps there's a real estate agent that is on Mamasource that could contact you. Good Luck to you and your family in your move. I am born and raised in St. Louis. It's a great city!
hi Kesa,
I think you will love St. Louis. Afton is a very nice area, mostly older neighborhoods with big yards and lots of trees. The schools are good. Price range on houses is wide enough that you can probably find something there that will suite you. It is working/middle class and is primarily white. I have never heard of any racial problems there. St. Louis is very diverse, with many ethnic groups.
Getting around here is easy, except rush hour of course. If you go south of Afton there are lots of new subdivisions, if new homes suite your taste more.
I hope this helps. Feel free to call me if I can help more.
S. Faerber, Caricature Artist ###-###-####
Hi, we live in Eureka, which is in the Rockwood School District(very high rated)is on hwy 44 and 109 and is very easy to travel on. about 11 miles from hwy 270.My sub has about 700 homes, tennis, swim pool and private golf course. The homes range for $270,000 - Million dollars. The lots range from flat, to bluff side views, to golf lots. There is no problem with racial equality as far as I have seen, and we have a bi racial family on our street. They are just starting to develop in this area. Six flags is only a few miles away which is nice if you get a season pass, you can go any time you want at the drop of a hat.
I would recommend the University City area. U. City is very racially and culturally diverse and your family would be a good fit. There are some lovely old homes in the area, along with more modestly priced homes.
However, the schools are not the best in the area. They are decent but the better school districts would be in South County or West County - Parkway, Pattonville, Lindbergh, Mehville School Districts for example.
Pattonville district includes the city of St. Ann and Bridgeton, and Parkway covers a very wide area including Creve Coeur.
St. Louis is a great place to race a family and I am sure you will enjoy the many family activities.
Good luck on your move and welcome to St. Louis!
I live just a few miles from Afton. It is a great area and the school district is great. I don't think you will have a problem fitting in there at all. Most of the homes are a little older and smaller but there are some new subdivisions spread throughout the area. Close to Afton would be Melville (which has a better school district), Oakville, Kirkwood, or Sunset Hills. Webster Groves also wouldn't be too far. I think Webster Groves is a little more conservative though. Kirkwood is also an old neighborhood and some areas are nicer than others. I would recommend Melville, Oakville and Afton. They are also located in a good area that has a lot of things around to do. I can get just about anywhere in under 30 minutes. Good luck and welcome to St. Louis!
