Nice place to raise a family, but the economic opp
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7/31/2009
Positives about St. Louis:
(1) A fair number of cultural amenities for a community of its size, including a great art museum, zoo and symphony.
(2) Relatively low crime rate, at least outside of the City of St. Louis. If you choose to live in the City (which is not in a county, by the way, you have to be careful where you live. The same goes for schools.
(3) Friendly Midwestern culture.
(4) Home prices are fairly reasonable and stable, especially when compared against the coasts.
(5) Four seasons, although summers can be hot and muggy. Winters are stiff, but they aren't as severe as Chicago or Minneapolis, either in terms of temperatures or snowfall.
Negatives:
(1) Lack of economic vitality. There are some 300 municipalities and taxing authorities in the area, which precludes any kind of meaningful cooperation. The job growth rate for the area is abysmal.
(2) Cliquish. The natives ask, "Where did you go to high school?" They're serious about this, which tends to limit their vision, especially when it comes to economic development.
Charles | Kirkwood, MO