St. Louis, MO Community Information

The St. Louis Zoo, which is home to more than 22,000 exotic animals from around the world, is also free to the public. The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the top three botanical gardens in the world, holding more than 5.75 million plant specimens. The Climatron, located on the Garden grounds, is one of the first geodesic dome conservatories built in the U.S. and the first ever to be used as a greenhouse. St. Louis sports fans are among the most loyal in the country, faithfully rooting for their beloved 2006 World Series Champion Cardinals (MLB), Rams (NFL) and Blues (NHL).

Over the past two decades, St. Louis experienced heavy urban sprawl, with many residents flocking out of the city to settle into neighboring suburbs. But recent commercial and residential developments in the downtown area have attracted more young home buyers back into the city. Popular areas include the Central West End, Grand South Grand area and Soulard. The median home price in St. Louis is $164,900.

'''Chic eateries in West End'''

The Central West End or as locals like to call it, the West End, is a broad area to the west of Midtown, along the city's central corridor. With its close proximity to Washington and St. Louis Universities, the area has a fine balance of homeowners, renters, and businesses. Residents are drawn to the neighborhood's chic restaurants and trendy coffee shops. The architecture of the West End is reflective of the rich architectural heritage found in many the city's communities. Buyers can expect to pay about $250,000 for a 2-bedroom condo to $1 million-plus for a Victorian-style mansion.

With its diverse population, the Grand South Grand area is part of a collection of smaller neighborhoods known as the Grand neighborhoods. They include, among others, Tower Grove East, Tower Grove South and Tower Grove Heights. The commercial area along Grand Boulevard features a collection of ethnic restaurants and eclectic shops. Grand South Grand and the surrounding residential areas have come to be known as St. Louis's international district as many immigrants make their homes here. Families can find affordable bungalows in this area for under $150,000.

Soulard, which is located in the city's historic district and is on the National Register of Historic Places, is well known for its farmers market, festive and sometimes boisterous Mardi Gras and Bastille Day celebrations. This near south side neighborhood also has a wonderful residential tradition. The neighborhood is a socially and economically diverse community. The century-old Victorian-style homes have attracted people of all ages and from many different walks of life. Real estate prices range from $60,000 for a shell home to more than $450,000 for a completed home, as the neighborhood continues to build and improve. Come be apart of this historic city's rebirth and begin your St. Louis home search today!

'''Sources and more information:'''
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis,_Missouri
http://stlouis.missouri.org/neighborhoods/alphaindex.html
http://www.explorestlouis.com/media/factSheets/fact_zoo.asp
http://www.explorestlouis.com/media/factSheets/fact_grand.asp
http://www.explorestlouis.com/media/factSheets/fact_moBot.asp