I think downtown St. Louis is an underappreciated place to live, especially on Washington Avenue where all the restaurants and nightlife are. There are plenty of food options whenever I feel like eating out, and the walk to the Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the CityGarden is extremely enjoyable. There are two grocers also within walking distance. I love living downtown.
There isn't much to do downtown. It's great to be close to the law school, and that's a perk for 1Ls bc lots of your classmates will also be downtown, but if you want to be closer to the grocery store, free museums/zoo, bars, & restaurants, try to find a place in/near Forest Park, Brentwood, Soulard, or Central West End. Rent is also higher downtown, but you're paying to be close to the law school & friends who also live downtown.
As a young woman, I don't feel safe walking alone downtown after sunset. I have a couple night classes, but I carpool w friends.
I love the green space downtown though; the arch and City Garden are perfect for walking/running. Ultimately, I'm happy I chose to live downtown bc it helped me connect to SLU's community better, but I wish I would've been prepared to drive/uber more when I wanted to do fun things .
Downtown overall can be a bit loud sometimes smells bad. A lot of things are within walking distance but must pay to park everywhere if you drive anywhere. Safe in the daytime but would not walk around alone at night. No parks or any children-friendly activities in the area, but okay to walk pets.
Downtown has a bad reputation, but if you're vigilant you'll be fine. Generally don't walk alone at night or if you do at least don't wear earbuds so you're aware of your surroundings. You will likely be approached by unhoused people but 90% of them are harmless and just want some change to buy food. All of my neighbors are great people.
Downtown has so much potential but it is a fixer-upper. There's some nice coffee shops and plenty of corner stores within walking distance as well as Schnuck's. You couldn't possibly get closer to the Arch or the Old Courthouse. Sidewalks can be really bad in some areas, not accessible for wheelchair users. People say downtown is dangerous but mind your business and you'll be fine.
Overall, I don't like living downtown. It's nice during baseball season, and I occasionally enjoy running at the Arch park, but that's about it. The area does not always feel safe, although the apartment has fob-access and a doorman, which helps. Moreover, I feel far from campus and other students, which is the biggest drawback. The food and bar scene is pretty good I suppose.
I haven’t had any bad experiences but I as a female I do not feel safe walking after 5/6 when it’s dark. There’s usually a lot of people out at those times on some day but I prefer to stay inside. Community store down the street and lots of restaurants or places to eat nearby.
It's downtown STL. The building is secure and has 24/7 security at the front door. The building locks-down at 6pm and requires pin-code to enter. Outside the building...might help to pay attention and stay off your phone.
