If you're thinking about moving to St. Louis, it might be helpful to think of the Dr. Seus's book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!". Because for the lucky residents of this city, there is never a shortage of activities, regardless of your budget. In fact, St. Louis may just be the freebie capital of the world, with over sixty different attractions offered to the public at no cost.

This vibrant city has experienced a gentrification of sorts over the past fifteen years, as young professionals flock back to the city-center to experience the lifestyle that their grandparents had when they populated this city during the Industrial Revolution and post-war years. With an amazing array of nightlife, dining options, boutiques, cultural events and the arts, more and more people are eschewing the suburbs in favor of living in a dynamic, architecturally significant urban metropolis.

The city of St. Louis currently supports a population of approximately 350,000 people. The average age of a resident here is 33 years old, with an annual household income of around $30,000 per year. As a major aerospace and defense capital, the largest employment sector in St. Louis is manufacturing, employing twelve percent of the population. Retail trade takes second place, with nearly ten percent of locals employed in this sector. Professional services, the sciences and technology round out the top three, with over five percent of locals working in these fields.

While the residents of St. Louis are a diverse group, they value education. Here you will find some of the top universities in the nation, including Washington University and St. Louis University. The University of Missouri at St. Louis is located here, as are the private schools Fontbonne College, Maryville University, and Missouri Baptist College. Among having some very fine higher learning institutes, St. Louis is home to two of the biggest and best school districts in the state of Missouri. The Parkway and Rockwood school districts consistently rank one of the best two school districts in the nation.

As the self-proclaimed "Gateway to the West" for its role in the nation's westward expansion, St. Louis is also the site of the famous Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in America, and the symbol of the city. While it will cost a couple of bucks to travel to the top of this structure to experience its amazing view, the Museum of Westward Expansion beneath is free.

So what else in this exciting city is free? Well, free attractions are a beloved tradition here, so you can check out the world-class Missouri Botanical Gardens, the nationally renowned St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Art Museum, the Science Center, and Planetarium, without spending a dime. You can also tour the Anheuser-Busch complex, officially the world's largest brewery, visit the famed Clydesdales at Grant's Farm, visit the petting zoo area at Purina Farms, or see the world's largest collection of mosaic art at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for free. In the spring and summer months, locals can even take advantage of free live theater. The Municipal Amphitheater, or "The Muny", offers national touring performances of Broadway plays and musicals. In accordance with its founders wishes, the upper seating areas of this beautiful outdoor amphitheater are free to all.

St. Louis also offers world-class dining options in its hundreds of chic supper clubs and sidewalk cafes. Nestled inconspicuously into elegant residential neighborhoods, you will find some of St. Louis' finest restaurants in places like downtown, Clayton, the University City Loop, South City, and the famed Italian district, The Hill. Whether you judge by sheer number or the variety of offerings, St. Louis is one of the better restaurant cities in the nation.

Music lovers will tell you that the only way to really get a feel for this city is to take advantage of its many live music venues. In fact, St. Louis is the birthplace of many forms of authentic American music, and home to the nation's oldest symphony orchestra. Visit the Loop to find out why Chuck Berry found his thrill on Blueberry Hill at the world-famous blues club of the same name. While you're here, check out the St. Louis Walk of Fame by reading the stars embedded into the sidewalk paying homage to famous natives. In the Laclede's Landing riverfront district, Mississippi Nights is a must-see. This is where top-selling bands come to play to an intimate club audience, often playing under a fake name to try out music for an upcoming album.

From its Opera Theatre to its smoky jazz and blues clubs, St. Louis is a music lovers' city. Music seems inexorably intertwined into the fabric of life here, so whether you choose to visit an elegant cabaret, see a national touring act, or check out the Next Great Thing, you'll find it here. For music and the arts, check out the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the St. Louis Shakespeare Company, Dance St. Louis, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, or the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

Of course, natives here are also wild about their sports teams. St. Louis is often referred to as the Greatest Sports City in America. Professional sports players say that there are no fans like the fans here. Win or lose, they turn out in droves and are very vocal and involved in their teams' successes. Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals are a beloved institution in this city. The NHL St. Louis Blues have just as much support. And football fans enjoy the city's St. Louis Rams--and are very opinionated about the football Cardinals' move to Arizona.

St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant, diverse Midwestern city, full of down-to-earth, intelligent and passionate residents. The recent gentrification has taken advantage of the city's significant architecture while creating modern living spaces for urban living. With no end to its recreational offerings, St. Louis is an ideal place to live for singles, seniors and families alike.

If you are thinking about moving, consider a move to St. Louis, Missouri. To learn more about this wonderful city, request our free relocation packet today!