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Just a rivers width away from the Gateway to the West, these affordable St. Louis suburbs east of the Mississippi won’t break the bank.
“Why in the heck would anyone want to be moving to the Metro East? “
Well…
We enjoy our four distinct seasons here in the Metro East; Spring is typically our wettest season, and Summers are hot and humid, with the hottest months being July and August.
Fall is mild with lower humidity; our winters are drier and can be cold and snowy, with temperatures sometimes below freezing. We may have an occasional tornado threat, but never a hurricane or forest fire.
St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the most influential cities in the Midwest. It is home to the St. Louis Cardinals, Budweiser, 16 companies in the Fortune 1,000, and 10 Fortune 500 companies – the largest Fortune 500 city in the United States.
St. Louis Fortune 500 Companies
Fortune Magazine recently released its 2018 Fortune 500 rankings
https://missourieconomy.org/industry/fortune_500/index.stm
· Express Scripts Holding
· Centene
· Emerson
· Monsanto
· Reinsurance Group of America
· Jones Financial
· Graybar Electric
· Olin
· Ameren
· Peabody Energy
Big cities generally have more jobs available for people with higher skill and education levels. You don’t have to max out in a mid-level position; you can keep growing and advancing your career.
While living downtown might be out of your price range, there are plenty of other options across the Mississippi River that will still give you all the big-city access you need.
The Illinois Side of the Mississippi River
Known as the Metro East, it is a region in Illinois that comprises the eastern suburbs of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. These areas have thriving communities with a variety of affordable housing options.
Many Metro East residents choose to live on the Illinois side and commute to the St. Louis area for employment because of the cheaper cost of living as well as the opportunities for growth in communities such as Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, and Troy.
Others are willing to take less in pay to live and work in these suburbs in exchange for a 5-minute commute to work.
School districts and several private and parochial schools provide wonderful education to our children.
Lewis and Clark Community College, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, McKendree University, and the many colleges and universities in St. Louis make higher education accessible to the residents of the Metro East.
There are approximately 36 colleges /universities and 6 community/junior colleges within 50 miles of Edwardsville, IL.
Here are 8 most popular and affordable St. Louis suburbs east of the Mississippi.
1. Alton, IL 62002
25 miles north of St. Louis, MO, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is Alton, Illinois.
It is here where the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers converge, and the national scenic roadway brings spectacular scenery as it bends along the bluffs for magnificent miles as you drive along the byway and its historic communities.
Alton is a small town with big history, recreational opportunities, and business prospects.
Alton’s location and historical heritage make it a popular destination for touring historic areas, antique shopping, wedding venues, receptions, and honeymoons.
Many housing blocks were built in the Victorian Queen Anne style and earlier architecture.
Numerous residences on the hill/bluff have sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
2. Collinsville, IL 62234
Collinsville is located mainly in Madison County and partially in St. Clair County.
It is approximately 16 miles from downtown St. Louis and is the site of the world’s largest ketchup bottle (Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower) and the world’s horseradish capital.
Known for its large ethnic Italian population, Collinsville hosts an annual Italian Fest and other festivals throughout the year.
This is where you will find Splash City Water Park and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
3. Edwardsville, IL 62025
If you are in the market for a neighborhood full of parks, plenty of amenities, highly rated schools, and close shopping areas, then this city is for you.
The county seat offers an array of housing from historical, luxury, new builds, and mature subdivisions with a small-town vibe.
This popular growing area is just east of Interstate 255, with an estimated 30-minute drive to downtown St. Louis.
4. Glen Carbon, IL 62034
Located 19 miles northeast of St. Louis is the Village of Glen Carbon, also located in Madison County, Illinois.
The Village borders the bigger town of Edwardsville. Although the village does not have much shopping of its own, Edwardsville is within a 5-minute drive from most areas of Glen Carbon.
The village operates 3 parks and hosts an annual Homecoming Festival and Glenfest.
This community is part of the Edwardsville School District and has a long-standing tradition of excellence in academics.
5. Godfrey, IL 62035
Godfrey is a village over 36 square miles located approximately 35 miles north of St. Louis.
Situated on the southwestern boundary of the village is a wall of limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River, creating scenic river views.
The 300-acre John M. Olin Nature preserve and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary are along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
Most of the village remains supportive of agricultural uses or remains in a natural state.
6. Granite City, IL 62040
Granite City is the 2nd largest city in the Metro East and Southern Illinois region. It is a unique community adjacent to the Mississippi River and located in an ideal location.
It is just a few minutes from the action of downtown St. Louis and major interstate highways, making it perfect for commuters.
Bordering Granite City is:
- The 2,960-acre Horseshoe Lake State Park
- Two eighteen-hole championship golf courses
- And the city’s crown jewel, 74-acre Wilson Park.
The scenic view of Downtown St. Louis and the iconic Gateway Arch is seen by many residents who use the trails for biking, getting outdoors, and staying active.
The Village of Pontoon Beach and Mitchell comprise the 62040 zip code. This area tenders housing from historical, luxury, new builds, and mature subdivisions.
7. Maryville, IL 62062
The Village of Maryville is approximately 18 miles northeast of the City of St. Louis and adjacent/north of Collinsville, IL.
The Village has exceptional access to major roadways, with interstates 270, 255, and 55, as well as Illinois Routes 162, 157, and 159 – making commutes quick and easy.
The beautiful 7-acre lake, Drost Park, has a boat ramp, several pavilions, walking trails, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and playgrounds for enjoying nature.
This community has top-rated private schools and is part of the Collinsville School District.
8. Troy, IL 62294
The City of Troy is adjacent/east of Maryville, approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and is fantastic for those working and commuting to Scott Air Force Base.
Although Troy is a growing community that sits on the crossroads of Interstates 55, 70, and 270, it offers its residents a laid back relaxing lifestyle.
Flourishing from its humble beginnings as the area’s first stagecoach stop for travelers to and from St. Louis, Troy is blossoming with luxurious family homes, as well as a 55+ community.
A thriving neighborhood paired with a private country feel and has everything within reach.
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