The “Gateway to the West” is a thriving metropolitan area of 2.8 million people that retains the friendly character of the Midwest. The fun and culture of a big city are readily available, but living in St. Louis is easy and affordable.
THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE is located in the city’s eclectic Central West End neighborhood, full of sidewalk cafes, coffeehouses, shops and affordable housing. Forest Park, located adjacent to the medical center, is a haven for those seeking cultural and outdoor activities. At 1,300 acres, it is among the nation’s biggest city parks — 500 acres larger than New York’s Central Park — and is home to art, history and science museums, an outdoor musical theater and the Saint Louis Zoo, as well as a variety of athletic facilities, picnic areas and a system of scenic lagoons and waterways.
St. Louis offers a significantly lower cost of housing than the nation’s major coastal cities. In this family-friendly environment, residents of all ages enjoy a substantial number of free attractions year round. St. Louis is a sports-minded city that enthusiastically supports St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey and a number of semi-pro teams. The Missouri Botanical Garden offers beautiful displays year round. The St. Louis Symphony is among the country’s best, and several first-rate theater companies practice their art here. The Fox Theatre presents Broadway shows, dance performances and concerts. Blues, jazz and rock bands are hot attractions in local clubs, and a large outdoor venue draws major concerts. Annual festivals celebrate regional beer breweries and wineries, hot air balloons, Earth Day, African arts, Japanese culture, international films, Mardi Gras, wine, Scottish games and Strassenfest, among other interests.
Outdoor activities can be found within and around the metropolitan area; bike trails line both the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and the Ozark mountains and river valleys are perfect for backpacking, camping, fishing and canoeing. St. Louis’ central location makes exploring nearby cities easy and inexpensive.