Economy
St. Louis metro area is said to account for about 45 percent of all the economic activity in Missouri. St. Louis is home to some Fortune 500 companies – Express Scripts (health care and pharmacy), Emerson Electric (electronics), Centene (insurance), Peabody Energy (mining and crude oil production) and Ameren (gas and electric).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the St. Louis metro area has a Gross Domestic Product of $145.9 billion. The private sector industries that have contributed to the GDP the most are Manufacturing, Financial Services, and Education & Health Care.
As reported by Economy.com, some of the economy strengths are its highly diverse industrial structure, the favorable business and living costs and the city’s strategic location near major highways and the Mississippi River.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the city has a job growth of 1.8 percent (2010 to 2013) and an income growth of 3.9 percent (2011 – 2012). St. Louis has one the lowest cost of living compared to other Midwest cities and 11.1 percent less than the U.S. average. That low cost of living gives the city the highest “real” income of $47,610 compared to Kansas City ($45,802), Nashville ($45,582) and Indianapolis ($42,767).
Moving to St. Louis Suburbs
There are 79 different neighborhoods and each one has its own distinctive charm.
Downtown is really the heart of the city. It is not only a business hub, but a focal point when it comes to recreation and tourism. It’s perfect for you if you would like to be in a live-work-play community.
Ladue, Clayton, Central West End (CWE) are for those who seek luxury. These affluent neighborhoods offer one of the most desirable and pricey properties. CWE is a chic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, Victorian homes and high-rise apartment buildings that are located near many commercial venues.
If you are looking for a rental, you should scout Soulard and, University City. First-time home buyers should scope Southampton out. This locale is a hip neighborhood suitable for young couples and families. It’s conveniently located near Missouri Botanical Garden, Forest Park and Grant’s Farm.
South Grand and the nearby blocks are a real melting pot. These are the most ethnically diverse areas. The largest Bosnian population outside Europe resides in Bevo and Benton Park West has a large Latino community. The Hill is a famous Italian-American suburb home to many renowned restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores.
If you are looking for some “green” neighborhoods, then look for a home at Forest Park Southeast, St. Peters and St. Charles. Lake Saint Louis has two lakes which are open to residents, offering water sports and other outdoor activities. Wildwood is near some great hiking and biking trails, with Castlewood State Park, Route 66 State Park, and Babler Memorial State Park located conveniently nearby.
Transportation
Buses: Greyhound Lines performs 16,000 bus departures on a daily basis to 3,100 destinations in the United States and Canada.
Railroads: BNSF Railway and Amtrak both serve the city.
Public Transportation: MetroLink and MetroBus can help you navigate easily within the city.
Airports: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport provides fast access to the city.
Utilities
- Gas: Laclede Gas Company
- Electric: AmerenUE
- Water: City of St. Louis Water Division
- Telephone: AT&T
- Trash & Recycling: City of St. Louis Department of Streets
- Wastewater and stormwater management: Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
- Satellite: DIRECTV
- Cable/Internet: Charter Communications
Education
There are some excellent schools, colleges and universities for students to attend after moving to St. Louis.
Elementary Schools: Kennard Classical Junior Academy, Elias Michael Elementary School, Sappington Elementary and Truman Elementary are some of the great elementary schools in the area.
High Schools: Some of the best high schools include Metro High, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy and Lindbergh Senior High.
Higher Education: College students can choose from a number of higher educational institutions including the University of Missouri–St. Louis, St. Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, Ranken Technical College, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and St. Louis Community College.
Тhe Fun Corner
- The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot tall monument, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s tallest arch. It is built as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. The Arch is actually the highlight of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and has become a worldwide famous symbol of St. Louis.
- Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is established in 1859 and spans over 79 acres – one of the oldest public gardens. It has 25 demonstration gardens within the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, a Chinese Garden, Boxwood Garden and an expanded Victorian garden complete with a topiary maze and observatory. In addition to the re-created tropical rain forest housed within the Climatron geodesic dome, MBG includes an English Woodland garden and the largest traditional Japanese Garden in North America.
- Missouri History Museum
In the museum, you’ll see artifacts from Colonial St. Louis, the Lewis & Clark expedition, the Civil War and the opening of the American West. There are galleries which feature icons like “Lucky Lindy,” Miles Davis, Tennessee Williams. “Seeking St. Louis” tells the region’s story with cutting-edge displays and exciting interactive exhibitions with thousands of artifacts.
- Saint Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is home to more than 18,000 exotic animals, many of which rare and endangered species. Set in the rolling hills, lakes and glades of Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is always a great place to have fun.
- Route 66
St. Louis is the largest city along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles, and there are a number of sites related to the Mother Road within the area. Some of the streets have new names, but all of these locations are part of the Route 66 journey. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Wayside Motel, The Museum of Transportation and the Route 66 State Park are must-see.
References:
www.stlmag.com
www.zillow.com
www.bizjournals.com
www.stlouis-mo.gov
www.missourieconomy.org
www.explorestlouis.com
Also Read
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment