Seeking Opinion About Moving to University City

I would divide this into several areas: 1. What is the best school district for extra support. Rockwood, Parkway and Lindberg none of those are in UCity 2. Where will you work? Look at the commute. 3. What type of neighborhood besides diverse/liberal are you looking for? Everything within walking distance? Arts?

I live in West County (Ballwin), my sister lives in Webster, daughter goes to Webster University and lives in the city. I have friends all over.

The loop (UCity area) is a fascinating area but I wouldn't ever live there. There are parts of UCity that have amazing neighborhoods but can be pricey.

I live in U-City, but not near the Loop, near the public high school. I think most of U-City's single family homes are NOT in the Loop, which is a long street with very ethnic restaurants and shops. The Loop is very diverse & businesses-like but that's just one small part. During the day the Loop is family friendly but at night, it's more of an adult crowd (lots of bars).

U-City has had its share of bad luck recently with both a fire fighter and police officers shot & killed, however, not too long ago Kirkwood (also a good neighborhood) had multiple people shot & killed. You can never live in a 100% peaceful neighborhood. Some places, like Clayton, have much better PR & you never hear about their problems, but it doesn't mean it isn't happening. Every place is going to have it's dark history, U-City's just happened. Before this, there wasn't an officer killed in 30 years!

U-City, where I live, is not at all the business district that the Loop is, and is quiet and very family friendly. There's a reason why we get 300+ trick or treaters here every year! It's great place to live! Lovely parks, people out exercising, walking dogs (even a dog park), beautiful tree lined streets. My kid isn't old enough for school & I have heard a lot of mixed opinions. Seems to me most kids start off going to public schools, but then in middle school, they transition to private. I don't know why, although I could guess. I've lived here only 2 years & every time I ask other parents, I get a variety of reasons, some want their kid going ivy league, or in a super highly challenging environment & others simply say the high school isn't doing as well as they'd like.

I've been in the suburbs others have mentioned and if you're looking for diversity, culture, and affordable living, nothing beats U-City. It's perfectly located & it's troubles are not unlike all the other cities near St Louis.

I love U City. I know people who lived there and grew up there. I can't honestly say I know anything about the school district, other than if you are a parent who is willing to work with your child and his teachers and school you will be fine. I would also look into some private schools. They are all have financial assitance and many have scholarship programs. They are all very expensive, but my sister went to Mary Institute, before it was MICDS, at noo cost tom my parents, she went for 7 years. The College School and New City, I undertand are very good schools.
Don't let this shy you away from U City, it's a great part of town. As one of the responders said, it really has a lot to do with what part of U City you live. I believe the district is small, so that is a plus. Good Luck!

There are much better places to live in the St. Louis area than U City. There are some very nice areas, however, the problem is you can walk one street over and that area could be very high crime. The public schools are not that great. Also a U City Police Officer was just murdered a couple of weeks ago while sitting in his police car in the "Loop". Hope this helps, good luck.

I live in U City, my daughter is nearly three, and we love it here. Neighbors are friendly and diverse. There are plenty of parks and playgrounds throughout, and the library has wonderful programs for kids.

We went to an open house at our neighborhood elementary school this week -- many Washington University professors have children in U City schools. A neighbor's son just started kindergarten there; he is special needs and his parents chose the public school over a private option because the school has been great about working with them. Our daughter will be going there in a few years.

I'd say take a look for yourself the next time you visit.

If you are moving to U City, you will definately find plenty of diversity there. It is a nice place for sure. Nelly lived in U City area, he loves St. Louis. I am not sure of the school system, I believe it is a good district.

Hi L.
I think the really big question is WHERE in U-City?
My folks have lived there 17 years,in a very cool area behind what is known as 'the loop'. The loop is 3 or 4 blocks long, filled w/ diverse restaurants, fun stores, live music,farmers market,tattoo parlor, etc..
The problem is it's a pretty high crime area. And that particular neighborhood, called Parkview, has a hefty price tag. The homes are 100+ yrs old, and most 3 story, and run about 500thousand and up.
There are alot of private schools in the area, as the public school system isn't great.
There are other u-city areas like Ames Place, which butts up to Parkview and is more affordable, though not a private street. There are alot of apartments in that area, as Washington University is Right there.
I Love my moms house, it is beautiful and historical, but I dont think I'd want to raise my kids there. Alot of moms may disagree w/ me, but let me say I used to live on their 3rd floor, and living there was the 1st time I ever heard a gunshot. And not just once.My mom is a Parkview agent, so she would get all the info and police reports when homes and cars were burglarized. And it's often. They stay because they love the home & the neighborhood.
Hope I dont scare you off! St. Louis is a great place to live, lots of stuff to do, school system needr repairing, but
we love where we are.
We are IN the city, an area called Lindenwood, near St.Louis Hills. Not as diverce as U-City or West End...
Hope I 've helped, dont hesitate if you have more questions.
J.

Hate to break it to you but Missouri isn't all that liberal to begin with (my mom & I have found out the hard way) U City is fine for the shopping, Olivette is better as far as safety & being liberal/educated as it has a high Jewish population. If you like that area, try somewhere in Clayton. Not sure about your budget but that is all around a better neighborhood with good schools with a high focus on the arts. Plus, you will be with in walking distance of the Clayton Art Fair every summer. Good luck in the search & welcome in advance to St.L!!

L., most importantly you want great services for your child #1. I have a daughter with special needs and live in Kirkwood. We have been told numerous times (by therapists, administrators and other parents) that we are so lucky that we live in Kirkwood. I have had friends who, after having a child with special needs move into the district. They have an amazing early childhood program and a lot of support from school administrators and other parents-a Parent advisory committee. Kirkwood is not as diverse as U City. My son goes to school side by side with kids who are not his race-and they are not bussed in from the city. Kirkwood is a great area and a wonderful place to raise children and is not cookie cutter in the least bit! Rockwood is also another great district but then again lots of strip malls, cookie cutter homes. Webster is another area you might want to check into. Diversity and good district. You will just have to visit when you come here.

I agree with the last poster. U-City is such a cool place. I lived there back before we had kids and really enjoyed it. But when we moved back to St. Louis after having kids, it just wasn't what we were looking for. We live in Kirkwood now, and we love it. Granted, it is not as diverse as U-City, but definitely family friendly. Kirkwood is known for being pretty pricey, as it is a historic neighborhood with a lot of huge old homes, but there some reasonable priced homes too. Especially in the current economy. Also there are rentals and new apartments and condos downtown by the plaza. The schools here are excellent and crime is low. We're only about 15 minutes to downtown St. Louis, but it feels more like a small town becuase the neighborhoods are so friendly. Tons of stuff for kids to do, and a handful of good restaurants and bars, plus a really cute downtown area. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

My daughter's Godfather is a UCity firefighter/EMS. He is DESPERATELY trying to get transferred out of there because he and his new wife are starting on their family. If anyone would know, he would! He is the one who has to answer "the call" at all hours of the night. Yes - there are nice areas of UCity with a neat atmosphere on the Loop, but overall not an area that you want to raise young children.

A better area for you to look would be Kirkwood or Webster Groves - both have great schools, still diverse - but less so than UCity, and family friendly neighborhoods. There is also a small university - Webster University - in the middle of the area which can give you that diverse feel that you may be looking for. I lived in North Webster for seven years and walked to the small downtown area with my kids in a stroller and the dog on a leash nearly every day. It was great! Homes are pricier there, but you are paying for those better schools and safer environments.

L.,
I am late responding to your first request, but will try to respond here. Now that you said you are looking for a more diverse/liberal area, I will put in my two cents about the City of St. Louis, which is both of those. I know it is a big city with many neighborhoods, but I definitely like ours - South city, in particular the Tower Grove Park south area (adjacent to the eclectic South Grand). I hope you will consider the city option. Related to families and kids, the city offers all major kid-friendly places like the Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Science Center, the Steinberg skatink rink, the City Museum (to name just a few), all within minutes of driving. Tower Grove Park and Forest Park are great. Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University Med. school are right there, too. The city also has different housing options - rent or buy, high and low; the houses are old, solid brick, some gut rehabbed ones are in the pricy category. For you commuting distance and time would be good deciding factors, I think. I also agree with other posts that crime could (and has) happened in any area. I feel our part of the city is very safe - without forgetting that it IS an urban area :-)...
U-City is a very nice place, and you already have the posts to support your interest in it. When we rented there many years ago, we loved it, especially the Loop. We did not have kids then. But from friends who lived there, I gathered that they were fine at the public schools at the elementary level, and when middle school came, they were not comfortable with it and sent the kids to private schools. My impression is that only a few people do "brave" the middle and high school there. In the city our kids go to the St. Louis Public Schools - the district has its problems and challenges (like many other urban public schools), but its Magnet program is very successful and we have felt our kids are getting very good education. To get familiar with the magnet schools, you can look up the magnet guide at www.slps.org. All magnet schools have a particular focus - math and science, performing arts, gifted, etc. Our older one is in middle school, and our 4 y.o. is in preschool at Stix ECC (early childhood center). Stix has been growing in popularity and I hear they are sought after by families with special needs kids. We have been very happy with it. Although oud daughter is not a special needs child, she is in an inclusive room, with several kids with different special needs. The room has two teachers and two aides, for a total of 16 kids. If you are interested, e-mail me and I can give you contact information for the special ed teacher in our room. She would be the authority on their special needs program for Kg through 2nd grade, and would be happy to answer any questions.
It got a little lengthy, I am sorry... Good luck with your very important decision! I would add - visiting targeted schools, observing, and talking to the teachers and administration is key!

L., I hope you are ready to fall in love!
University City is a progressive, diverse, fun,
intellectual and challenging community. The
public school system is one of this nation's
BEST. I fell in love with the area while
attending Washington University. University
City is perfectly located-post office, arts
center, libraries, Washington University,
The Loop, exercise centers, neighborhood
parks, Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Center,
nearby St. Louis Science in Forest Park and Washington University Medical Complex, MetroLink and MetroBus,
museums, skating rinks, bowling alleys,places for
worship, We have a lot of trees and nice architectural structures. We are an active citizenry with a zest for learning. Call me anytime. ###-###-####.

http://www.greatschools.net/