laanngo wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 5:20 pm
How are the other city amenities, like the Arch, MLB, NHL, and Forest park? To the extent you have time for them as a law student?
STL can grow on you, if you have an open mind. It is a midsize midwestern city than can feel big or small depending on where you’re coming from. If you come in from NYC, DC or LA looking for similarities, you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.
The best feature is, definitely, the low COL. You get great bang for your buck on rent, going out, dining out, etc.
If you’re a sports fan, then STL is a great place to be. The Cardinals are perennial contenders and the Blues just won the Stanley Cup last year. There is also a brand new MLS team in town, which should be fun.
The weather is pretty good. It’s scorching hot and humid briefly during the summer, but the trade off is more mild winters.
Otherwise, there’s actually lots of cool things to do in STL. Forest Park is an amazing place for running/walks and other events, there are some of the best barcecue restaurants in the world around town, the Anheuser Busch brewery tour is cool, the zoo is world class, and the city museum is one of my all-time favorite museums. The Arch grounds were recently renovated and turned into a national park. I’ve not been there since, but have heard it’s pretty impressive.
There is some pretty good hiking outside of STL, such as Castlewood State Park. The Lake of Ozarks are also a couple hours away. I personally really enjoyed the disc golf scene in STL, as there are tons of fantastic courses in the area. Missouri is a huge gambling state, and if you’re into that sort of thing, the STL casinos can be a good time.
There is a decent selection of neighborhoods to vary your nights out. The CWE is upscale, the Loop has more of an “undergrad” feel, and the Grove have a lot of character. Soulard has an awesome Mardi Gras celebration. The Hill is known for its amazing Italian food. Clayton (a suburb) also has a nice little downtown scene. In downtown STL there is Washington Ave. for a more “adult” experience and and Ballpark Village for the sports crowd.
I began really enjoying STL during my 2L year and was sad to leave after 3L.