St. Louis Apartments - Rediscovering One of the Midwest’s Best Cities

It took some time for me to appreciate St. Louis. I had heard many great things about the city from friends who had visited, or even by people who were raised there, but when I went, I didn't find the city very interesting. It turns out I was wrong.

Forget for a moment your preconceived notions of St. Louis. Consider it anew. The entire country is working hard to pull itself out of the recession. St. Louis is using its formidable economic muscle to turn the coming years into a time of prosperity and growth. But to set aside preconceptions, you have to understand St. Louis' culture, politics and economy.

The second largest city in Missouri, St. Louis was named for King Louis IX of France, and has deep cultural ties to its German and French ancestors. The city is known for its Victorian tendencies, including a strong work ethic and pragmatism that still define it today. The result of its work ethic has endowed St. Louis wit numerous companies and organizations, many of which are world-class leaders in their respective industries, and have largely contributed to the wellbeing of the area's population.

The 'Gateway to the West' city has over 40 Fortune 500 companies. It also serves as corporate headquarters to numerous successful businesses whose names and brands are internationally recognized. Largely a manufacturing city, St. Louis also has a formidable health care industry and is home to giants in the railway car industry.

All of this production keeps the jobless rate in St. Louis low. The residents here pride themselves on taking stock with companies, with many families committing generations of workers to one company alone. There are numerous cultural attractions, including restaurants and museums, concert halls and art galleries, wine bars and public parks. The residents stroll the streets and take in the sites, happy for where they live and satisfied with their surroundings.

Even as the country reels from the effects of a devastating recession, St. Louis remain confident and proud. This comes from its strong work ethic and love of place, two qualities that will make this midwestern city a place to be in the 21st century.

About the Author:

Michael Russell writes about a variety of subjects, including real estate, modern architecture and environmentalism. This article discusses living in St. Louis. For more information about
St. Louis apartments, visit Apartment Finder.