StingArmy
Andouille
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|  #1 Posted on 18.6.05 1238.18
Reposted on: 18.6.12 1239.03 | Hello, folks.
I go to grad school in St. Louis for most of the year, but during the summers I am usually elsewhere. I'm going to be moving out of my apartment at the end of my lease and instead of just renting another apartment, I'm thinking about purchasing a condo.
Well, there's a piece of property that caught my eye on craigslist. It's situated right smack dab in the middle of Oakland Avenue. I've been on Oakland multiple times, and I don't remember anything negative about it, but I don't remember too much about the area in general. The property is about half a mile east of the Del Taco on McCausland and a mile and a half west of the St. Louis Science Center at 5050 Oakland. I know, I know: with a description like that, how could it NOT be an awesome location?
If this property is as good as it seems, I'll head out to St. Louis to check it out myself, but I was hoping some of you St. Louis Ws might be able to give me a better idea about the neighborhood (or, if you're feeling extra charitable, swing by Oakland Ave and see if there's anything particularly shady about it). Is there anything that should just totally turn me off to the area? Thanks!
EDIT: Google Maps, Expedia, Mapquest, etc. seem to agree with my interpretation of the location, but the seller has described the property as being "at or near" the intersection of Oakland and Hampton, which would put it more like a mile west of the Science Center.
- StingArmy
(edited by StingArmy on 18.6.05 1249)
(edited by StingArmy on 18.6.05 1255) | Promote this thread! |             | Caliban
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| #2 Posted on 18.6.05 1652.45
Reposted on: 18.6.12 1653.10 | I live just a couple blocks from there. The area is a pretty nice middle class type neighborhood. Personally, I love living in this area, it is right in the middle of everything. It sounds to me like the area you're describing is right by Turtle Park, which is just across from Forest Park.
So, in short, a fine neighborhood, two thumbs up. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer. | PeterStork
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| #3 Posted on 18.6.05 2327.08
Reposted on: 18.6.12 2327.36 | | That's like my dream neighborhood. Decent area, easy access to all around town thanks to 40 (and 44 to the south.) Everyday I'd be jogging through Forest Park and hitting up the Science Center just for the hell of it. Hit that shit. Do that thing. | Big Stewie
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| #4 Posted on 19.6.05 0154.28
Reposted on: 19.6.12 0156.41 | It sounds like it's located roughly on the northeast edge of Dogtown, as everything east of Hampton along Oakland is non-residential, such as the business park on the old Arena site and Forest Park Community College. I definitely agree it's a great neighborhood. It's an easy trip from there to the Science Center, Zoo, the museums in Forest Park, the Hi-Pointe Theatre, and yes indeed, Del Taco.
Without a doubt, go for it. | StaggerLee
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| #5 Posted on 19.6.05 1914.47
Reposted on: 19.6.12 1916.55 | That is indeed a nice area to be. Close to the highways, close to dogtown and all the greatness that comes with it.
| wmatistic
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| #6 Posted on 21.6.05 0847.19
Reposted on: 21.6.12 0850.00 | I guess I'm just not a city guy, cause I can't see wasting the money to live in that area. Sure you're close to the major attractions, but you can get twice as much for the same amount if you go build a home out in St. Charles or St. Peters.
But yeah, lots of friends of mine love living in that area so go for it if that's your thing. | messenoir
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| #7 Posted on 21.6.05 1034.54
Reposted on: 21.6.12 1035.50 | Do not live in St. Charles. Soulless sprawl is all it is.
Yes, that area is wonderful. My fiancee lived really close to there, and we would go to Forest Park all the time.
Does anyone else in St. Louis go to Shakespeare in the Park? We got to see the Tempest in the rain, which was apropos. | wmatistic
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| #8 Posted on 23.6.05 0749.56
Reposted on: 23.6.12 0750.03 | Originally posted by messenoir
Do not live in St. Charles. Soulless sprawl is all it is.
But I get it, some people don't like it. You see a ton of subdivisions with houses that look similar and think that means it's "soulless". I see places that don't need tons of repairs, cost less to get into and are something you'll get more out of investment wise. Places with yards five times bigger than anywhere near Forst Park. Not to mention driveways and garages, something else a lot of those older homes near downtown don't have.
Not to mention old town St. Charles is pretty cool what with the old brick streets and being right on the river.
And let's not even get into crime. I can leave my door unlocked and not worry. Plus it only takes 30 minutes to get downtown if I want to.
It's safer, a better financial decision, and better for raising a family. If none of those are your concern, then live near Forst Park.
(edited by wmatistic on 23.6.05 0726) | StaggerLee
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| #9 Posted on 23.6.05 0948.21
Reposted on: 23.6.12 0949.06 | Well, if that was the only reasoning behind recommending St Charles, then he should really look into Waterloo or Columbia Illinois. Same distace from the city, but the interstate leading there is nowhere near as crowded. Plus, you can get three or four times the house/yard for the money on the east side.
| wmatistic
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| #10 Posted on 23.6.05 1113.08
Reposted on: 23.6.12 1113.34 | 1. Illinois? Really? No downside you can think of that wouldn't apply to St. Charles? You sure?
Seriously though, we built a house out in St. Peters five years ago. The amount it has increased in value is tremendous. I know housing values have gone up in a lot of areas, but it's downright crazy out here, because the area is growing so fast and is considered very desirable. These same factors are not in play in Columbia or Waterloo. Not even close.
2. Now that Page is open, and is NEVER crowded, getting to the city is zero problem. Though really using 70 anytime other than rush hour is rarely ever crowded either.
Look I'm just saying there's a decision that should be made here, depending on what a specific person is looking for. If you're looking for a nice new place that will give you a huge return on the investment, then St. Charles Co. is for you. If you don't mind older houses and an area that's not as secure, but love being close to the action, then Forest Park area is better. It's a pretty clear division and neither choice is wrong.
All my unmarried friends or just young couples live near the city. All those that are older or have started families live out in St. Charles/St. Peters. Personally I try to convince my friends to move out here simply for the financial reasoning. It's a good move to start building for the future early on, and a house out here is an excellent start.
(edited by wmatistic on 23.6.05 1017) | StingArmy
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| #11 Posted on 23.6.05 1752.25
Reposted on: 23.6.12 1753.30 | Wow, thanks for all the feedback everybody. I'll have to start taking a look at property out in the St. Charles area, although I have to admit that I completely blew off all property (rental and otherwise) that far away from the city. As for the original property that I posted about - well, that was snatched up off the market pretty quickly. D'oh!
- StingArmy | messenoir
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| #12 Posted on 23.6.05 1804.07
Reposted on: 23.6.12 1804.49 | | St. Louis city areas are starting to sky rocket in value as people actually start caring about the city again. So I would say there's no danger of property values going down, and a very real chance they will go up after you buy the house. | | ALL ORIGINAL POSTS IN THIS THREAD ARE NOW AVAILABLE |
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