Each year the Greater St. Louis region welcomes about 40,000 people relocating into the region. New residents find that much of Greater St. Louis' character and charm comes from its neighborhoods, which foster a connectedness among people that is rare today among large metropolitan areas. Whether it is to their immediate neighborhoods, to their schools, or to their particular cities within the 15-county region, St. Louisans tend to develop strong ties to their communities.
With a wide array of communities and housing styles to choose from housing dollars go further in St. Louis than in other big metros. The National Association of Home Builders ranks the region is the most affordable among the 20 largest metro's in the country with more than 82% of the homes sold in that area are affordable for a family earning the St. Louis median income.
Existing homes offer a broad range of affordable choices - from historic properties to new homes, from luxury executive homes to cozy bungalows. In mid-2015 the median value of homes was $164,200, second lowest of the nation's 20 largest metro areas.
The apartment market also offers good values and a range of options. From an urban loft to a luxury rental unit in an amenity-filled suburban townhouse community, there are a lot of affordable options. In summer 2015, the median rent for the Greater St. Louis region was $839.
Within the city, a few of the more prominent include the rapidly emerging downtown loft district centered on Washington Avenue; Lafayette Square, with its gorgeous Victorian townhouses and mansions; Soulard, with its historic farmers' market and 19th century French-inspired architecture; the Hill, an historic Italian neighborhood that spawned baseball's Yogi Berra; the Central West End, with its eclectic combination of mansions, townhouses, restaurants and shops; and The Grove, a vibrant and diverse community located southeast of Forest Park.
St. Louis County, meanwhile, features many beautiful suburbs, and University City, home of Washington University and the Delmar Loop shopping and entertainment area Further out in the Missouri portion of the region, St. Charles County provides a more exurban and often small-town feel.
The Illinois part of the region offers its own charms, from handsome, small-town communities like Edwardsville, home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, to larger communities like Belleville, Collinsville, and Alton, all within easy reach of the downtown St. Louis area.
The following are a range of resources which may be helpful in evaluating neighborhoods, selecting a place to live, looking for work, finding schools, and making connections to become established in the community within our 15-county, bi-state region. These resources have been grouped into general areas of inquiry.
The St. Louis Regional Chamber has a relocation packet with maps, area information, housing booklets, etc. Please call our main number at (314) 231-5555 for more information.