Historic, lively, and feared, when Saint Louis City (STL) is mentioned, many words come to mind. STL hosts a myriad of events throughout the year. Whether you go to see a show at the Muny in July or wild lights at the Zoo in December, the city has much to offer. So why is it feared and outright avoided? The Gateway to the West has a complicated history of crime, but that doesn’t mean the whole city should be bypassed.
In terms of safety, St. Louis is no more dangerous than any other major metropolitan area. With the addition of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and other safety measures the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has implemented, crime has decreased 50 percent in the past decade. The RTCC is a section of the SLMPD headquarters where officers monitor a complex network of cameras placed around the city. With the cameras, officers can detect crime, catch criminals more efficiently, and respond to crime scenes faster. In addition, neighborhoods such as The Hill and Tower Grove have the same crime rate as Des Peres, proving that not everywhere in the city should be feared. Any place where humans live has the potential for danger, does that mean you shouldn’t ever leave your house?
It’s ridiculous to live so close to a major metropolitan area and never explore it. If you don’t visit St. Louis, you’re missing out on so much, whether that’s a hockey game at Enterprise Center, or great food at Blueberry Hill, you’ll never know if you don’t try it.
In my life, I’ve seen cities from Rome to Tornonto and I haven’t found a place in the world that even comes close to replicating the energy of downtown St. Louis. The city fosters an environment that is truly unique. The cultural roots from immigrants who settled here centuries ago are still seen throughout the area. That’s what honestly makes a trip downtown worth it. You get to see cultures fused in ways you can’t see anywhere else in the world.
To conclude, being downtown doesn’t have to be scary. As long as you stay vigilant of your surroundings and understand what parts of the cities should be avoided, you should have a safe, enjoyable trip.
