Are you relocating to St. Louis from out of town? Welcome to a city where community spirit, affordable living, and rich history come together to create a truly unique place to call home. At All-Star Moving, we’ve helped countless families make the transition to St. Louis, and we have the scoop on what to know before you arrive.
Understanding St. Louis Geography
When people talk about “St. Louis,” they’re usually referring to both St. Louis City and St. Louis County combined. Understanding the layout of the area will help you figure out where to settle:
St. Louis City sits along the Mississippi River and features vibrant urban neighborhoods like Tower Grove, Soulard, The Hill, and Lafayette Square. All of those cities in South St. Louis offer walkable streets, historic charm, and restaurants with fantastic cuisines.
St. Louis County spreads west and includes suburban communities with excellent school districts and family-friendly amenities. Areas like Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Clayton, and Ladue offer a balance of suburban living with urban accessibility.
West St. Louis County extends further west with communities like Ballwin, Chesterfield, Town & Country, Wildwood, and Creve Coeur. This area is known for spacious homes, top-rated school districts, and abundant parks and recreational spaces. West County offers a suburban, family-oriented lifestyle with newer developments, plenty of green space, and attractions like the Butterfly House and nearby state parks.
St. Charles County is across the Missouri River and has seen significant growth over the past few decades. It offers more affordable housing options while still being part of the greater St. Louis metro area.
The Commute is Actually Pretty Ideal
One of St. Louis’s best-kept secrets? The commute. Thanks to well-designed freeway systems, you’re never too far from anything you need.
The Highway 64 corridor through Clayton places you about 10-20 minutes from most major destinations.
The Highway 44 corridor provides excellent access for South City residents. Whether you’re commuting downtown, heading to the airport, or meeting friends across town, St. Louis’s layout makes it manageable.
School Districts Worth Knowing
Education is a big deal in St. Louis, and the region offers outstanding public and private school options:
West County is home to highly-rated districts including Parkway West, Parkway South, Parkway Central, Ladue, and Clayton schools. All of these are known for strong academics and robust extracurricular programs.
North County features districts like Hazelwood Central and Hazelwood East, while St. Charles County includes Fort Zumwalt and other growing school systems.
The Lindbergh School District is particularly well-regarded, offering excellent programs from elementary through high school.
For private school families, St. Louis offers excellent parochial and independent schools, many with alumni who stay connected for generations!
The Question You’ll Get Asked
Fair warning: if you’re moving to St. Louis, prepare yourself for the most St. Louis question of all time: “Where did you go to high school?”
This isn’t just small talk, it’s a cultural phenomenon. St. Louisans use this question as shorthand to understand your background, which neighborhood you’re from, and potentially discover mutual connections. While it can feel odd to newcomers (especially if you didn’t attend high school here), locals see it as a way to build connections and find common ground. Don’t take it personally. It’s just how we roll in St. Louis.
The Food Scene You Can’t Miss
St. Louis has a food culture all its own, and there are a few local staples you absolutely must try:
Imo’s Pizza – St. Louis-style pizza is its own thing entirely. It consists of an ultra-thin crust, gooey Provel cheese, and always cut into squares. People either love it or don’t get it. But it’s a rite of passage for newcomers.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – A St. Louis staple since 1929. The “concrete” (frozen custard mixed with toppings and served upside-down) is legendary. There will be a line, especially in summertime. But it’s worth it.
Gioia’s Deli – Known for their hot salami sandwiches, this local favorite has won national recognition for their Italian-style sandwiches. Their original location is on The Hill, which is a unique neighborhood founded by Italian immigrants. This area carries on its rich Italian culture with authentic cuisine passed down from generation to generation.
Don’t forget to try toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style BBQ while you’re at it!
Attractions That Make St. Louis Special
St. Louis delivers when it comes to family-friendly fun, with world-class attractions. And a bonus is, that many of them are free:
Forest Park – At 1,371 acres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s home to the St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, The Muny (America’s oldest outdoor musical theater), and more.
St. Louis Art Museum – Located within Forest Park, this is one of the top art museums in the country, with free general admission and collections ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works.
The Saint Louis Zoo – One of the only free zoos in the country, it is home to exhibits like Big Cat Country, the Penguin & Puffin Coast, and Jungle of the Apes.
Missouri Botanical Gardens – A breathtakingly large garden oasis featuring everything from Japanese gardens to seasonal exhibits.
The Magic House – An interactive children’s museum perfect for families with young kids, located in Kirkwood.
St. Louis Science Center – Offers general free admission with interactive exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and a planetarium.
Butterfly House – Located in Faust Park in Chesterfield, this tropical conservatory features hundreds of butterflies for visitors of all ages.
Laumeier Sculpture Park – A free outdoor sculpture park where you can explore large contemporary art while walking through natural landscapes.
Grant’s Farm – A beloved attraction where families can meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, feed friendly goats, and enjoy a guided tram ride past free-roaming deer, bison, and elk. Along with other animals to surprise you throughout your visit.
Gateway Arch – St. Louis’s most recognizable landmark, this 630-foot Gateway Arch offers stunning panoramic views from the top. The tram ride up is an adventure in itself.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery – Take a free tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery in South St. Louis, where household names like Budweiser and Bud Light are made. The tour includes a peek at the ornate 1892 Brew House, a look at the famous Clydesdales, and yes, a tasting at the end.
We’re a Sports Town
Sports run deep in St. Louis, and locals take their teams seriously:
St. Louis Cardinals – Baseball runs through the veins of this city. Busch Stadium downtown buzzes with energy during the season, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement.
St. Louis Blues – Our hockey team that brought home the Stanley Cup in 2019. Blues games at Enterprise Center are electric.
St. Louis City SC – Our MLS soccer team plays at the new CityPark in Downtown West.
Game days bring the community together, and there’s nothing quite like the energy of a Cardinals game on a nice summer evening.
The Community Spirit is Real
One of the things that sets St. Louis apart is how community-oriented the residents are. St. Louisans tend to stay here, put down roots, and build lasting connections. You’ll find neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, and community events all year-round. People are genuinely friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
Cost of Living That Makes Sense
Compared to cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, St. Louis offers a significantly lower cost of living. Housing is affordable, whether you’re buying or renting, and you’ll find that your dollar stretches much further here. The median home price is below the national average, making homeownership accessible for many families.
Let All-Star Moving Help with Your Transition
Moving to a new city is a big step, but All-Star Moving is here to make your transition to St. Louis as smooth as possible. Whether you’re moving to a historic home in Webster Groves, a condo in Clayton, or a suburban house in St. Charles County, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to make St. Louis your home? Contact All-Star Moving today and let us help you start your adventure.
