Ballwin, Missouri SperlingViews

I wish someone had told me when I moved to the St. Louis area that most people grew up and stayed here and seem to have little time to get to know those who are new in town. It's a standing joke that St. Louisans ask "where did you go to high school"? Judgments are made based on your answer. I find it frustrating and exclusionary.

Since I grew up on the West Coast, my answer always receives a long pause. (There aren't many Canyon High Schools in the midwest)

I've been here 3 years and my only 2 friends are also from elsewhere. What does that tell you?

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Weather in Ballwin, MO - 2/16/2013

Summers can be very nice at times, does not usually last for long. Our spring turns hot as summer rolls in and we can have long a stretch of above 90 to peaks of 100+. Fall is pleasant with the turning of the leaves but our swing in temperature takes some of the fun out of the season. Winter is probably the worse part of the year..we have almost no snow but have below freezing temps that swing above freezing to give us slippery roads and bad traffic. There is one ski slope available which usually has to create snow. It will last for a weekend and then be gone as the temp rises above freezing again. I don't know how they can make any money.[read more...]

Great Place to Live and Raise a Family - 1/11/2011

I grew up in New Jersey, went to college in the southeast, lived in Michigan, and then moved to the greater St. Louis area, Ballwin, in particular. My family and I have lived here for 10 years. St. Louis County is a great place to raise children, it has many family friendly activities, including, the St. Louis Zoo, The Science Center, the Botanical Garden, The City Museum, Grants Farm and more. There are several state, county, and city parks within 5 to 10 miles of Ballwin. Castlewood State Park is a wonderful park for families, trails, open spaces,and the Meramec River. Downtown St. Louis offers Powell Symphony Hall, the Fox Theater, and Busch Stadium (Go Cards). My wife and I enjoy kayaking and there are several places to do so within an hour of our home. In 35 minutes I can be in downtown St. Louis or in that same 35 minutes I can be in the country. If you are willing to get out of the house and explore St. Louis County will find something that will appeal to you.[read more...]

Ballwin's climate - 2/15/2010

Way too humid. Ballwin suffers by being in the crossway of two major rivers. Too hot and sticky in the summer, the short spring season has a high allergen factor, and it's too cold in the winter. Fall is my favorite season because it is mostly temperate, yet it is too short and highly variable in the number of sunny days. It snows just often enough to create unpredictable icy conditions for commutors and seniors.[read more...]

Not so wonderful - 5/26/2009

I've lived in St. Louis for about 15 years, I've never much cared for it. What I've learned is that people that were born and raised swear by it and the people that have relocated here can't wait to leave. I being one of those people. I think it may have a lot to offer but I have yet to reap the benifits of this town. In my opinion there is a very small amounts urban and arts. People that go out in this town are forced to go to the same places over and over. I just think there are better places to be.[read more...]

Cliques - 6/26/2008

I wish someone had told me when I moved to the St. Louis area that most people grew up and stayed here and seem to have little time to get to know those who are new in town. It's a standing joke that St. Louisans ask "where did you go to high school"? Judgments are made based on your answer. I find it frustrating and exclusionary. Since I grew up on the West Coast, my answer always receives a long pause. (There aren't many Canyon High Schools in the midwest) I've been here 3 years and my only 2 friends are also from elsewhere. What does that tell you?[read more...]

Low crime - 5/30/2006

The area in which I live is a low crime area, which I like. Generally, the education level is high due to the high price of homes ($200,000 and up)and the school district is top-notch. I like living here.[read more...]