Why you should consider St. Louis to Live and Work
St. Louis is a historic metro area of 2.8 million with a family-friendly reputation and tight-knit communities. St. Louisans are loyal to their hometown. Many return permanently after going away to school or living elsewhere.
The area’s low cost of living and central U.S. location are great for many, including companies looking to relocate. St. Louis businesses include tech startups, global financial investment companies, and aircraft manufacturers. Smaller businesses include a local favorite, the Blueberry Hill restaurant and bar in the Loop. This is the spot where the father of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Chuck Berry, used to wow the crowds every month with his famous duck walk.
The charm of St. Louis’ many unique neighborhoods may be a pleasant surprise to newcomers. Homes in St. Louis come in a variety of styles including:
- Three-story Victorians
- Wood-framed farmhouses
- Traditional ranch
- Two-story colonials
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 100 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live. This is based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there.
St. Louis, Missouri is ranked:
#65 in Best Places to Live
#73 in Best Places to Retire
St. Louis, MO Quick Stats
- 2,801,914 METRO POPULATION
- $47,200 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
- 66.1° / 47.8° AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
- 38.7 MEDIAN AGE
- $168,630 MEDIAN HOME PRICE
- 41.0 inches AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
What’s the cost of living in St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis’ low cost of living is a major draw, with average home costs resting far below the national average. That said, the average income in St. Louis is also slightly lower than the national average. St. Louis’ housing market is atypical in that many homes in the city core are lower in value compared to homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is because, on average, many residents living in the city proper have lower incomes than those who live in more suburban areas.
Value Index
WORSE / BETTER
Index Score: 7.5 /10
How we calculate this.
St. Louis offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs in 2017
- St. Louis $168,630
- USA $211,704
Buying or Selling a Home in St. Louis, MO
Finding the right real estate agent or realtor is key when it comes to buying or selling a home in St. Louis. After finding the perfect home, find the right moving company like Cord Moving and Storage. Cord Moving is headquartered in Saint Louis with offices in Memphis, TN Belleville, IL and Dixon, MO.
St. Louis has seen a slow but steady decline in its population, which means the demand for housing is dropping. As a result, the average sales price of homes in the Gateway City is well below the national average, making this a buyer’s market. The right real estate agent will be able to help you find the perfect home in your desired neighborhood while sticking to your budget. And for those of you looking to sell, an experienced agent can make sure you get the best offer possible.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home, see our list of the top real estate agents in St. Louis.
What’s the best way to get around St. Louis, MO?
St. Louis is predominantly a driving town. Though traffic congestion is modest compared to other metro areas, St. Louisans have to contend with rush-hour traffic. At midday, however, it does not take much time to drive from one end of the immediate downtown area to the other.
A smaller portion of the population relies on Metro Transit, which operates buses and a light rail system throughout St. Louis. Meanwhile, getting around by bike has been made easier with the designation of biking lanes on many of the roadways throughout the area.
Located at the heart of the country, St. Louis is accessible by Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, as well as Amtrak and bus services.
Who lives in St. Louis, MO?
A large percentage of the St. Louis community falls in the 30 to 50 age range, and families make up a significant portion of the community. Nearly 30 percent of households include children under the age of 18.
The metro area has been predominantly German in its ethnic heritage since the mid-1800s. This is when a large German immigrant migration increased the local population. St. Louis originated as a French trading post in the late 18th century. This became a jumping-off point for settlers gathering supplies before heading west – including Lewis and Clark.