Thinking of moving to St. Louis? Here’s what you need to know.
St. Louis, the biggest metropolitan area in the state of Missouri, is home to thriving industry, a wealth of Western European culture and lots to see and do. Named for Louis IX of France back in 1764 and made part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase, St. Louis rests along the Mississippi River as a major port city. It is divided into about 79 distinct neighborhoods.
Who's There?
A number of thriving industries have made their home in St. Louis. Transportation, health care, manufacturing and tourism are big players in the area's economy, with Boeing one of the top employers. St. Louis is a leader in medical and biotechnical research; it is home to the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital and the McDonnell Genome Institute, among others. The city is filled with diverse residents, many with Western European backgrounds, as well as the nation's largest Bosnian population.
What's Around?
St. Louis borders the Mississippi River on the east side (which separates Missouri from Illinois), the Meramec River to the south and the Missouri River to the north. The land is largely fertile prairie and is prone to rainfall, particularly in the spring. Downtown is the city’s hub of culture and entertainment and is known for its iconic 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, the tallest arch in the world and the tallest monument in the western hemisphere. The Arch is the centerpiece of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, one of the city's many parks. Meanwhile, Forest Park, the largest in St. Louis, is twice as big as Central Park in Manhattan. For those who need to navigate St. Louis' downtown and extensive neighborhoods, the public metro offers both rail and bus options.
What Do You Do?
There's plenty to keep you busy in St. Louis; the landmarks and beautiful green spaces alone are worth your time. For a cultural fix, have a meal at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the city, visit the ornate Cathedral Basilica or enjoy live jazz or blues. Speaking of music, the national award-winning St. Louis Symphony is one of the oldest symphonies in the United States.
