St. Louis is often mentioned as one of the cities in the U.S. with a high crime rate.

I believe it's important to understand this aspect properly before moving, so I've put together an honest overview. Rather than simply labeling areas as dangerous, identifying which neighborhoods are risky and which are relatively safe can lead to much wiser choices.

According to FBI crime statistics and publicly available data from the St. Louis Police Department, St. Louis City has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In particular, areas with concentrated violent crime are in the northern and some central parts of the city. Specifically, neighborhoods like Carr Square, Jeff VanderLou, Wells-Goodfellow, and Walnut Park have consistently reported high crime rates. It is not advisable to walk alone in these areas even during the day.

On the other hand, there are definitely neighborhoods that are considered relatively safe. Areas in western St. Louis County such as Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood, and Ellisville are known for their low violent crime rates and quiet residential environments. Within St. Louis City, Clayton, Ladue, and Town and Country are classified as relatively safe upscale residential areas. Those who prioritize safety while being close to downtown often look at the Central West End and Midtown areas.

The St. Louis Police Department operates a public crime map linked to CrimeMapping.com. By searching for a specific address, you can check recent crime history within a certain radius, so I recommend looking up potential addresses before moving. It's more accurate to check at the block level rather than judging solely by neighborhood names.

Vehicle-related crimes require caution throughout St. Louis. The city is one of the places in the U.S. where car theft and theft from vehicles occur frequently. Regardless of which neighborhood you live in, it's essential not to leave visible items like bags, electronics, or cash in your car. When parking, try to choose well-lit areas whenever possible.

The Korean community generally resides around Clayton, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Creve Coeur Lake. This area is relatively accessible to Korean amenities such as Korean churches and grocery stores, making it a psychologically comfortable place for newcomers.

I'll share a few safety tips for going out at night. The northern areas of St. Louis City require particular caution after dark, and it's advisable to avoid walking alone in downtown after late-night crowds have dispersed. It's also important to develop the habit of checking your surroundings when getting out of your car after parking. Understanding that St. Louis is not an entirely dangerous city, but rather one with neighborhoods that have distinctly different characteristics, can help you live safely here.