St. Louis, the big small town.
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12/29/2006
St. Louis is a city of wide tree-lined boulevards in old neighborhoods that are based on a rich city history and a diverse immigrant population. An active business climate and relatively small population (2 million in the SMSA) means that one gets to know a lot of people in a fairly short period of time. Public schools are generally strong, with the notable exception of those in the city, which are not. Churches are an important part of the life style here with large Catholic and Jewish populations that date to the French fur traders who were the original settlers, and more recent immigration from Europe (particularly Russia). There is also a mix of Protestant churches that are fairly typical of midwest metropolitan areas. The metropolitan area and its people are firmly rooted in the midwest, but "look east" more than west. However, being located in the demographic center of the nation, the cultural mix of the South, rural Missouri and Arkansas, and Chicago are evident.
One of the biggest current challenges of the St. Louis metro area is the fact that St. Louis City and St. Louis County have separate governments. Many believe this arrangement, which dates to the early 1800's, has been a major impediment to redevelopment efforts in both the city and the county.
Chuck | Wright City, MO