15thWardSTL.org

I'm a single, 27 year old female considering to buy a house in Tower Grove South. I've lived in U-City, Dogtown, and South Hampton City area, so I am accustomed to a more urban lifestyle.
I have seen some great homes on Connecticut, just a few blocks from the park, close to Morganford. I love everything this area has to offer, close to the park, great local market, coffee house, a few restaurants, close to Grand, etc. Several vacant retail storefronts keep me hopefull that their is room to grow for this area. Can this really be a good investment? More importantly, i don't know if this area is safe enough for me. I've investigated and read some reports that have left me disappointed. I want to enjoy this area and what it offers but safety is my main concern. Any thoughts?

[15thWardSTL says: Thanks for considering a move to Tower Grove South. I wrote a post on crime a couple months ago called "Why I Live Where I Live". There were some insightful comments and interesting discussion as well. Perhaps I'm not the one to be giving advice, since I will be moving at the end of August - but it's not because of crime. I'm moving for family reasons, job, and schools.

Hook up with the Tower Grove South e-mail group to meet some more passionate and committed people who are working to make this neighborhood a better place to live.]

I love living in TGS, but if I was a young, single gal (which I am not) I would consider these points:

nuisance crime: car break ins, car theft, license plates and stickers being stolen

I don't think any of these types of crimes are worse in TGS than when I lived in the CWE or Dogtown prior to moving to TGS 5 years ago. Don't leave anything out in your car that anyone will want and you're chances of a break in will be less. I've had my stereo stolen at every address I've had even though my car is a beater (89 Corolla). My wife's newer/nicer car has never been touched. I park my car in the alley though which may increase its likelihood of being targeted. We've had things stolen from our yard before, but a pad lock on the privacy fence put an end to that.

violent crime: I personally never have felt safe walking anywhere at night, and that includes Dogtown and the CWE. On the commercial strips sure, but I drive to Grand or MGF at night because I don't want to have to walk back. I've never had a problem, but I think I would feel safer if there were actually more people walking around. When you are on your own 2-3 blocks from activity, anyone can jump out and get you. Most of the crimes I've seen like armed robbery happen to people at 2am a couple blocks off of grand. To feel safe if your own home, I would recommend a dog or an alarm.

All that being said, I almost never think or worry about crime in TGS.

Good luck.

Thanks for the response, you've been great help. I've signed up on the TGS email group and am looking forward to getting more insight!

I am a 30 year old female and I live between Morganford and Kingshighway - just a couple blocks South of TG Park, right around the corner from where you're looking. I live with my boyfriend and 2 dogs and have never felt unsafe in the neighborhood. Our neighbors are wonderful people and we all watch out for each other.
Anywhere you live there will be some sort of crime - the most important things are to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to take precautions to protect yourself and your property. I have an alarm on my house, I always park my car under the streetlight, I never get out of the car without looking to see who's around, I don't walk around after dark, and when I'm out walking I'm always aware of who's around (but usually I'm walking 2 big dogs so there isn't anyone we don't know around us...).
I think the neighborhood has so much to offer residents and there is so much revitalization happening on Morganford right now that it would be a shame to let a few bad elements influence your decision.