St. Louis and its people have accomplished a lot in its 200-year history. They’ve helped make advancements in culture, art, athletics, architecture, music, and definitely, food. This city is situated in the middle of the country, on the Western edge of the state, right where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers merge.
Top Reasons to Move to St. Louis
The problem is that St. Louis is often overlooked and underrated in terms of livability and being an overall great place to live. So, what is the city known for? Well, a few things that come to mind are the 1904 World’s Fair, steamboats, transportation, the Gateway Arch, baseball, shoe factories, breweries, and historical landmarks.
Regardless of what it’s been known for in the past, St. Louis has a rich history and an ambitious present. And if we can get more people to move here, we can turn it from “The Gateway to the West” to the “Gateway to the Future.”
In fact, this is the perfect time to move to St. Louis, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are. After years of decline, the area is undergoing a transformation that’s set to bring research facilities and new jobs while also rejuvenating the city’s abandoned industrial areas to attract tourists.
So, whether you’re relocating for school, work, or a new start with your family, you’ll come to love everything that St. Louis offers! Let’s get right to it and discuss the top reasons to move to St. Louis, Missouri.
#1 St. Louis is Home to the Best Food
From unique takes on pizza and pasta to barbeque and world-famous beer – when it comes to gastronomy, St. Louis is one of the most underrated cities! In fact, St. Louis is known for its distinctive cuisine, which reflects the city’s history and cultural influences.
Some popular dishes from St. Louis include:
- St. Louis-style pizza: This type of pizza is thin-crusted and rectangular, with a sweet and tangy sauce and toppings such as Provel cheese (a blend of cheddar, swiss, and provolone), bacon, and Italian sausage.
- Toasted ravioli: This local favorite is a type of fried ravioli that is breaded and fried, then served with marinara sauce.
- Gooey butter cake: This rich and indulgent dessert is made with cream cheese and butter and has a gooey center and a crispy crust.
- BBQ ribs: St. Louis is known for its barbecue, and BBQ ribs are a popular choice, with a sweet and tangy sauce and a smoky flavor.
- Imo’s pizza: This St. Louis-based pizza chain is known for its unique style of pizza, which features a thin, cracker-like crust and a sweet sauce made from Provel cheese.
- Gerber sandwich: This sandwich, named after its creator, a St. Louis baker, is made with sliced ham, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing and served on rye bread.
In addition to these dishes, St. Louis has a wide range of restaurants and dining options, offering cuisine from around the world.
#2 St. Louis is Home to the St. Louis Cardinals
Need we say more?
The St. Louis Cardinals are members of the National League Central division of Major League Baseball (MLB). The team has a long and storied history and is considered one of the most successful and well-known baseball teams in the league.
Some reasons why the St. Louis Cardinals are considered great include:
- The team has a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1882, and is one of the oldest teams in professional baseball.
- The Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, the second-most in MLB history, and have made 19 appearances in the World Series, more than any other National League team.
- The team has a loyal and passionate fan base and regularly ranks among the top teams in the league in attendance.
- The Cardinals have a strong farm system and are known for developing and cultivating young talent, which has contributed to the team’s success on the field.
- The team has a reputation for being well-managed and well-coached and has consistently been competitive in the National League Central division.
The St. Louis Cardinals are considered one of the best teams in professional baseball, and their rich history, tradition, and success on the field have earned them a loyal and dedicated fan base. So, there’s no way you can live here and not become a fan!
#3 Low Cost of Living
One of the reasons why St. Louis is a popular place to live is its low cost of living. Compared to other major cities, St. Louis has a lower cost of housing, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses, making it an affordable place to live and raise a family.
The median home price in St. Louis is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to buy a home. The city also has various housing options, including historic homes, modern apartments, and new developments, to meet a range of needs and budgets.
In addition to housing, the cost of living in St. Louis is lower for other essential expenses, such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation. The city has a number of grocery stores and markets offering a wide range of products at competitive prices, and the cost of healthcare is also lower than the national average.
St. Louis also has a good public transportation system, including buses and a light rail system, which makes it easy to get around without a car, further reducing the cost of living.
Overall, the low cost of living in St. Louis makes it an attractive place for people on a budget and contributes to the city’s appeal as a place to call home.
#4 Lots of Housing Options
St. Louis has a wide range of housing options to meet the needs of different people and budgets. Some of the housing options available in the city include:
- Single-family homes: St. Louis has many neighborhoods with a variety of single-family homes, from historic Victorian mansions to modern new construction.
- Apartments and condos: The city has many apartments and condo buildings, offering a range of amenities and styles to suit different preferences.
- Townhomes and row houses: St. Louis has many neighborhoods with townhomes and row houses, which offer a more urban living experience.
- Lofts: The city has a number of converted industrial buildings that have been turned into trendy loft apartments, offering high ceilings and exposed brick walls.
- Senior living communities: St. Louis has many senior living communities offering assisted living and other services for older adults.
In addition to these housing options, St. Louis has many programs and initiatives to help make housing more affordable and accessible for low-income residents, such as low-income housing tax credits and down payment assistance programs.
#5 St. Louis is Home to Many FREE Attractions!
St. Louis has many free attractions and activities for visitors and residents to enjoy. Some of the free attractions in the city include:
- Forest Park: This expansive park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and offers a variety of recreational activities and attractions, including hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Citygarden: Located in downtown St. Louis, Citygarden is a public sculpture garden with a variety of contemporary sculptures and art installations, as well as a fountain and landscaped gardens.
- The Gateway Arch: The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch that is the iconic symbol of St. Louis and the city’s most famous attraction. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch for free, and there are also free tours of the arch’s visitor center.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden: This beautiful botanical garden is one of the oldest and largest in the country and features a variety of gardens and plant collections, as well as a Japanese garden, a children’s garden, and a Victorian garden.
- The St. Louis Art Museum: The St. Louis Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in the country and has a collection of more than 33,000 works of art from a variety of cultures and historical periods. Admission to the museum is free.
In addition to these attractions, St. Louis has many other free activities and events, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor movies, that are offered throughout the year.
#6 The Great Doctors and Healthcare Systems
Often, we choose a new city based on certain criteria. However, what most people fail to consider is the quality of the local doctors and healthcare systems. It’s not something that’s discussed a lot, but as a parent to a child who requires specialized treatment, having access to reliable and knowledgeable doctors is paramount.
St. Louis is home to many esteemed healthcare systems, such as Mercy Hospital, Saint Luke’s, Barnes Jewish (recently ranked #1 in the city and 18th in the nation), and St. Louis Children’s. Yet, it’s also home to the Washington University School of Medicine.
This school is a highly regarded medical school that was founded in 1891. It has a long history of providing top-quality medical education to aspiring doctors. Washington University School of Medicine is known for its innovative research and cutting-edge medical treatments, and it is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the United States.
Washington University School of Medicine is affiliated with several hospitals and healthcare facilities in the St. Louis area, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. This allows students to gain hands-on experience and training in a real-world setting, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. And many of the top specialists double as professors – so it’s a win-win with experience and knowledge.
#7 The Rich Culture
If you love culture, you’ll love St. Louis! The city has a rich history and a vibrant arts scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions for you to explore.
For example, the Gateway Arch is a must-see for anyone visiting St. Louis. This iconic monument is the tallest arch in the world, and it’s a symbol of the city’s history and its role as the “Gateway to the West.” Plus, it’s a great place to take in some amazing views of the city and the surrounding area.
But the Gateway Arch isn’t the only cultural attraction in St. Louis. The city is also home to the St. Louis Art Museum, which has an incredible collection of more than 30,000 works of art from all over the world. Plus, there are many other museums and galleries to explore, so you’ll never run out of things to see and do.
And if you love music and the arts, St. Louis has plenty to offer there too. The city has a thriving music scene, with many different venues where you can catch a concert or other live music event. And there are many theater companies and performing arts groups that offer a wide range of productions and performances throughout the year.
Overall, St. Louis is a great place to be if you’re a culture lover! There’s always something new and exciting to discover, so you’ll never be bored in this vibrant city.
#8 There are Seasons
St. Louis has four seasons: summer, winter, spring, and fall. In the summer, it’s hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. In the winter, it’s cold and snowy, with an average of 18 inches of snow per year. In the spring and fall, the weather is mild and can be unpredictable.
The seasons in St. Louis are fun and changeable, and there’s always something to do outdoors, no matter the season. Though it takes some getting used to, compared to other regions such as Chicago – the weather isn’t so bad!
#9 The Strong Job Market
If you’re looking for a job, St. Louis might be the place for you! The city has a thriving economy with many different industries, so there are plenty of opportunities for people with all kinds of skills and experience.
For example, if you’re interested in healthcare, St. Louis is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country. This means that there are lots of job opportunities for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Or maybe you’re a tech-savvy person? In that case, you’ll be happy to know that St. Louis has a growing tech industry with many startups and established companies. This means that there are plenty of jobs available for people with skills in software development, data analysis, and more.
And if you’re more of a hands-on type of person, you’ll be glad to hear that St. Louis is also home to many manufacturing facilities. This means that there are jobs available for people with skills in assembly, machining, and welding.
Regardless, St. Louis has a strong job market with plenty of opportunities for people with all kinds of skills and interests. So if you’re looking for work, you might want to consider a move to St. Louis!
#10 It’s Centrally Located
St. Louis is centrally located within the United States. The city is located in the Midwest region of the country, and it is situated near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. This central location makes it easy for residents of St. Louis to travel to other parts of the country, and it also makes the city a hub for transportation and commerce.
St. Louis is located about 300 miles west of Indianapolis, 400 miles east of Kansas City, and 500 miles south of Chicago. This central location makes it a convenient starting point for road trips and other travel within the Midwest region of the country.
The city’s central location also makes it an important hub for transportation and commerce. St. Louis is home to the largest inland port in the United States, and it is a major hub for rail and trucking transportation. This means that goods and products from all over the country pass through St. Louis on their way to other destinations. And you have a great starting point no matter where you want to travel in the country.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there are many good reasons why you should consider moving to St. Louis. The city has a rich history and culture, a strong job market, high-quality healthcare, and a wide range of cultural attractions. In addition, St. Louis has a lower cost of living compared to many other major cities in the United States, which makes it an attractive place to live for people who want to save money on housing, food, and other expenses. So if you’re looking for a new place to call home, you should definitely consider moving to St. Louis.