Firstly why St-Louis, Missouri?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: St-Louis
• State: Missouri
• Population: 301,226 people
• St-Louis’s quick summary would be Renowned for the Gateway Arch, the lively Forest Park, and its rich blues music scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 40,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 50,000 annually
• Net Migration: -10000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,500
• Number of Homeless people: 7,500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: St-Louis Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $63,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in St-Louis is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-6000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & St-Louis’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 95 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,130
• Property Tax %: 1.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Central West End
• Top 5 Growing Areas: St-Louis, Affton, Richmond-Heights, Maplewood, and probably could include University-City
• Avg. Age of Homes in St-Louis: 89 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & St-Louis’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in St-Louis are  Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Education
• St-Louis Job Scene: diverse job market in healthcare finance and education
• The General Tech Scene: vibrant tech scene primarily concentrated in finance, biotech, and digital media
• St-Louis Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in St-Louis: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 32

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in St-Louis

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-70 and I-55 run through St. Louis creating a significant artery
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on I-55
• Transportation Score: 64 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in St-Louis: 310,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 18 in and around the city
• DMV Website for St-Louis: dmv.modot.org
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: St. Louis Lambert International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: St-Louis’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in St-Louis is best described as features hot humid summers and cold winters with varying precipitation throughout the year
• Winter Weather in St-Louis i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in St-Louis can be described as mild with some rain
• Summer’s in St-Louis are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in St-Louis is usually cool with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in St-Louis below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality largely impacted by traffic
• St-Louis Winter Air average air quality heavily affected by urban emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: St-Louis Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in St-Louis 12
• While the number of trade schools inside St-Louiss’s city limits are 6
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the St. Louis Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & St-Louis Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time St-Louis only Doctors is about 280
• Local Hospitals here is  16
• Full-time St-Louis only Police Officers is about 1,400
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• St-Louis’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• St-Louis’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• St-Louis’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in St-Louis

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its gateway arch and cultural diversity
• You might enjoy live shows at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), St-Louis  offers a dynamic nightlife scene with a variety of bars clubs and entertainment reflecting the city’s charm

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of St-Louis

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant dining scene with many ethnic options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 90 scattered around St-Louis
• The Popular Sports Team is St. Louis Cardinals
• Top Level Political Climate in St-Louis can be described as diverse and progressively leaning area focused on social justice
• St-Louis’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Louis Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: St-Louis Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know St-Louis has 80 Parks?
• Forest Park is St-Louis’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is St. Louis Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: St-Louis Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in St-Louis can be described as energized urban environment focusing on sports arts and history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in St-Louis visiting the arch picnicking in parks sports events
• The Cities people commute to from St-Louis are East-St-Louis 9 miles away Florissant 15 miles away Maryland-Heights 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about St-Louis or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on I-55. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   St-Louis’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Central West End is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby St-Louis are East-St-Louis 9 miles away Florissant 15 miles away Maryland-Heights 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   St-Louis has 22 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in St-Louis people have an average (positive or negative) $-6000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   7,500 homeless people living in St-Louis. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse and progressively leaning area focused on social justice could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to St-Louis.

Retiree & Senior Life in St-Louis

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax exemptions helping offset expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Bethesda Medical
• St Louis Senior Center features social programs health workshops and recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to St-Louis, Missouri?

If St-Louis, Missouri ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around St-Louis, Missouri, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!