I Drove Through Downtown St. Louis. This Is What I Saw.

[@NickJohnson]

Here's my entire Unboxing America Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF

[@BlacKryptonian]

Great job of providing a positive perspective of my home town. I love St Louis but sometimes we are viewed in such a negative manner. So thank you for showing the world our beautiful, great city!

[@pugiguess6548]

BlacKryptonian yes

[@tfFlyer-e9w]

Well when you’re at 100 murders for every 100k people that’s to be expected

[@rebekkahdruck1392]

Your city ROCKS. I say that as a true Baltimoron. ;^>

[@stl0268]

Todd Fields that’s East St. Louis. Downtown St. Louis and counties like St. Louis county and St Charles county are nice

[@schwenda3727]

In recent years, I started wondering if all of the bad reputation actually helps our region in terms of a cost of living balance. Look at a very great many of the most desirable areas in this entire country and what do most of them have in common? Living costs high enough to where one likely has to clear no less than 6 figures to COMFORTABLY live in said areas; literal millionaire net worth worst case scenario (both numbers in precovid value). The rest are quite likely just barely getting by with what many would call a “decent” job worst case scenario one rent increase and/or financial mishap away from being homeless if not already there.

[@crazeyjoe]

One place that seriously needs to be visited for those who have not been to St. Louis is a district referred to as "The Hill." This is the "Little Italy" of St. Louis which is in the southwest section of the city. It has manygreat restaurants as well as great architecture. MLB Hall of Famers Yogi Berra (as a player) and Joe Garagiola Sr. (as a broadcaster). They both grew up in the Hill district and lived across the street from one another and were life long friends! Some areas of North St. Louis County (the city of St Louis is not part of St. Louis County for those who do not know. Oddly enough and as far as I know, Baltimore is the only other city that is not part of the county outside the city limits (Baltimore County) that shares the namesake as the main city. On a side note, the most affluent communities in St. Louis County are Ladue, Town & Country and Frontenac.

[@CJColvin]

Also Don't forget St.Charles Missouri part of the St.Louis Metro area as well the small towns in St.Louis County like Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and Maplewood.

[@victoreous626]

Memory lane here. I attended Horton Watkins High in Ladue. My brothers live in Ladue, Town & Country and Ballwin. Dad passed, but lived in Wild Horse (Chesterfield) and mom lived in Olivette. Geez, I miss the area. I joined the NAVY in 75 and met a girl in San Diego and stayed here since....

[@crazeyjoe]

@Raschaud Farmer Actually, Philadelphia is in comparison to San Francisco. They are both a combined city/county government. St. Louis and Baltimore are a city government only. St. Louis county and Baltimore county excludes the cities with the same name and contain numerous suburbs of their respective metro areas.

[@ariesram1890]

Yes i agree. I use to live on Arsenal St.. And Sublette And i loved that area .

[@kellymarsh9814]

I live on "the hill" in st louis. Great place!

[@rheitafeager3435]

My city born and raised! Thanks for the positive vibes!

[@TheEricHart]

Thanks for coming to my hometown! I love it, but we get a bad rep. Go Cards! Go Blues!

[@NickJohnson]

I know y'all don't deserve that! It's cool where you live!

[@CJColvin]

Amen to that brother.

[@CJColvin]

Go Cards and Go Blues brother.

[@TheGodYouWishYouKnew]

Mr. Kong I’ve been to both Detroit and St. Louis. While they both suck, St. Louis is better.

[@CJColvin]

@@TheGodYouWishYouKnew Yep totally agree.

[@debragroovy5236]

Ran a couple of red lights. If you are not from here, you'd fit right in!

[@NickJohnson]

I am not and I did!

[@rebekkahdruck1392]

We ALL do it. The people setting those lights are IDIOTS. ;^>

[@andrerobinson7]

lol, those were yellow not red

[@traveljibaro9325]

Saint Louis is underrated! I’m from Chicago and a Cubs fan and I liked it... lol... Best thing is the best attractions are free. Plus the the City museum for the kids is just insanely fun!!

[@NickJohnson]

Cool!

[@daver8521]

Downtown St. Louis is quite safe. There is an excellent and inexpensive public transportation system. Hotel prices are reasonable. Many, many nice restaurants. But don't stray too far from downtown or the tourist areas!

[@NickJohnson]

Yes I've heard. I didn't. Until I crossed the river 😉

[@robertlind1511]

Ladue and Chesterfield are nicer than St Louis

[@jerryjohnson4625]

A man was shot to death in his car at the arch steps this week . Yeah , pretty safe.

[@justinzeid212]

@@jerryjohnson4625 Yes. There is crime in St. Louis, just like there is in any other city. It's just not nearly as dangerous as it's made out to be. Crime can happen anywhere. And of the violent crimes that do occur, 90% or so are not random. The suspect and victim knew each other before the incident occurred.

[@allexxo_]

@@jerryjohnson4625 hope you read that comment small-minded yt

[@onurgerlek1211]

I am not from St. Louis and never been to U.S.A in my life. But i do many research as I am curious about American culture&style. I really like St. Louis, cuz I fell in love with the architecture of the city. It smells history and I like it :) One day, I hope so to be able to going there and walking on at Delmar Loop, or hanging around in Soulard streets like a boho :) By the way, Go CARDS !

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@alicehahn7464]

Thank you! Someone who finally appreciates the beautiful and historical city!❤

[@austinj.8981]

I live just west of St Louis in the Chesterfield area and I love St Louis. Despite its bad reputation as filled with crime, that can be skewed a lot and that can be changed with laws and time. There is so much to do if you know where to go and it is a unique city. From the Arch to Forest Park, to Union Station and elsewhere, there is something for everyone and you can fall in love with the city if you stick around. It’s a gem of the Midwest in a way, with both shiny and dull parts. It’s not perfect, but neither is any other city, St Louis is well.....uniquely St Louis...

[@iv4n1989]

Austin DABOSS i lived 4 months in st louis for landscaping work and actually loved living there when i was there.. i was staying in overland mo.. by the way im from texas in rgv

[@Hollowlujah]

Because you are in Chesterfield there is barely any crimes there lol come down delmar area like deep down

[@austinj.8981]

Hollowlujah I mean there is some crime and I have been to Delmar before but not been there at night or anything. I acknowledge the fact that there is crime and I think without the crime, St Louis would be much more appreciated for what it has to offer....

[@iv4n1989]

Hollowlujah that’s true i gone to delmar and havent had any issues with no one but is like any other place theres always crime in all Cities its just take precautions

[@langhamp8912]

I moved away last year from St Louis. There's at least five free things to do in St Louis every single day of the year, and I'm not including the free museums.

[@Rommie26]

Also even tho St. Louis gets a bad rep for being the murder capital and boring, they sure do have a beautiful downtown I bet the locals hope to keep it a secret from Californians lol

[@NickJohnson]

California people find out about everything eventually;)

[@karlbunge1359]

St. Louis is one of the more underrated large cities in this country. I think that it’s ghetto side is worse than other cities but not as bad when compared to the likes of Cleveland and Detroit or even Milwaukee. All in all, I’d say it’s one of the better Midwest cities, along with Chicago, Des Moines, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

[@Rommie26]

Karl Bunge Minneapolis is the best in the mid west! Overall city wise if were including suburbs

[@DC05570]

Too late!!! I moved from Los Angeles and became a resident last year-am lovin’ bein’ part of the huSTLe and buSTLe😜

[@johnmackshighlights8103]

Karl Bunge yes it we can improve it with smart business people to make the tough decisions that need to be made with the new wheel and aquarium and other grate places we will thrive and compete intel then we will keep sucking

[@jopiaspieder1184]

St Louis is more like a big town then big city but even though it has its run down bad parts, there's alot of history in St Louis

[@dashielbradley8106]

250+ years worth

[@CJColvin]

Exactly mate just like Kansas City Missouri is despite it being wayyyyyyyyyy bigger than St.Louis Missouri.

[@dashielbradley8106]

@@CJColvin no sir you're wrong on that account. It's over million plus in st.louis as a whole. St.louis city is independent from st.louis county. And also kcmo is like 181 years old. 2 of Missouri's oldest cities are in st.louis county

[@CJColvin]

@@dashielbradley8106 Thats true the St.Louis Metro Area is 2.8 Million residents while the Kansas City Metro Area is 2.1 Million residents.

[@russbear31]

@@dashielbradley8106 You need to read a history book. St. Louis County does not have 2 of Missouri's oldest cities. Have you ever heard of Ste. Genevieve, MO? It's 50 years older than St. Louis. And dozens of little towns near St Genevieve are older than St. Louis.

[@theringoffire67]

Around the 1:30 mark you pass right by the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis. One of the nations 12 district reserve banks, and home to a free Inside to the Economy museum.

[@NickJohnson]

Wow if I knew that I would have asked for a raise!

[@carolhodges9899]

I’d never been to St. Louis, but now I’m intrigued. Looks beautiful. I was surprised that, on a beautiful sunny day a week away from Christmas, there wasn’t more activity. Seemed rather quiet.

[@theringoffire67]

Carol Hodges the downtown area is mostly where people work, it only gets really busy during sporting events or conventions or fairs/parades. St. Louis attractions are spread out so some are downtown, many are in Forest Park, or the Loop, the Hill, Sulard, or other areas in the greater metro. It’s fun, inexpensive, and light traffic.

[@NickJohnson]

Me too Carol.

[@ariesram1890]

If you plan on visiting don't go deep in north st.louis, or north st.louis county!

[@kellymarsh9814]

Everyone goes to the counties to shop now.

[@PhilipMReeder]

@@ariesram1890 Also avoid areas southeast of Tower Grove Park.

[@Vivalarosa45]

If your ever in St.Louis I recommend going to the Budweiser factory. It's FREE at a certain time of day and you get to see where the beer is made and get free beer. There's also Chocolate Chocolate candy factory. It's a tiny tour but you get delicious free chocolate samples.

[@drewsmith3673]

Go around Christmas and you get to see it with all the lights on, and you get 5 free sample beers! Brewery Lights and the Brewmaster tour are both worthwhile.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@automnearctique8512]

An enjoyable video to watch to an ambient track. What I like about this city is that it retains much of its overwhelming prominence of architectural heritage, rather than being deprived of its spirit like some places and replaced with a soulless modern architecture. Your video also captured the spirit of the city in a comfortably realistic manner, without making it overly kitsch.

[@NickJohnson]

Thanks!! I try

[@thomasfreitag3532]

I live in Norway with my Norwegian wife and family, but St Louis is my hometown. Thanks for the trip back home. I wish I was sitting next to you, I’d show you some major gems of the city: the train station, City Hall (you almost drove by it), St Louis Cathedral, Lafayette Square, Forest Park, Central West End, for starters. Then I’d take you to The Hill for Italian and Ted Drews for the world’s best frozen custard. We’d sit down at Francis Park and bat the breeze in the afternoon, then hit the Loop for the evening. I’d give you a tour of the Brewery, then go out to Kirkwood to my brother in law Frank Kane’s steakhouse, Citizen Kane’s. I’d take you through all the little neighborhoods that make up St Louis and that give the city the feeling of one big neighborhood. The challenged neighborhoods - yes, many people there have it tough; and it’s true that St Louis City, which is a separate entity from the municipal area, has seen a steady decline in population. But the metropolitan area of St Louis is a thriving city of nearly three million (I think), with beautiful residential areas, communities and parks. and people. Those who know St Louis love St Louis. Thanks again for the tour!

[@NickJohnson]

Next time! I'll be back!

[@flamesniper126]

Nice tour. Downtown area looks decent and the gate way arch is a marvel to see

[@CJColvin]

It's awesome my man.

[@orarkdes859]

Great video. I appreciate all the work you put into making them.

[@NickJohnson]

I try to do the best job each time :)

[@louislamonte334]

One of the biggest tragedies of all these once-great American cities is that the vitally-needed, eco-friendly and economical streetcar systems were foolishly ripped out. The streets look empty, zero pedestrians and shoppers walking. Even in the wintertime these streets once bustled with shoppers, pedestrians and life. Now cities are pockmarked with vacant lots, parking lots and parking structures. I'm told that many American cities are attracting more downtown residents because of many younger people's desire to live in a walkable city. Re-installation of streetcar systems would ensure this!

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

There’s the real treasure in the shadow of the arch: the Eads bridge- the world’s first steel- tube arch bridge and the place where the mystery of caisson’s disease (“the bends”) was discovered which had a profound effect on bridge building and diving. St. Louis should be proud of the bridge and its place in engineering history.

[@deanjohnson1736]

STL is such an amazing city! It is hard for people without visiting to comprehend how many cool areas there are, especially since they have 3 skylines ..downtown, CWE and Clayton! Awesome.

[@TheLifeofBridget]

Please do more of these. This was very enjoyable.

[@NickJohnson]

Oh I am :) like today is another one!

[@paullewis2413]

Thanks for the upload. There’s no denying the city has many great buildings both modern and from the late 19th/ early 20th c. However from a European’s point of view it’s surreal with no one in the streets as thought it’s been abandoned. Sure it’s mid Winter but even allowing for the cold there is an unreal atmosphere about it.

[@tellurics7368]

Paul Lewis he said it’s ten in the morning on a weekday. People are at work 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@NickJohnson]

I liked it actually!

[@JillRandallRN]

It's the day after Christmas so unless you live downtown like me, you're probably not gonna be there, especially until nightfall when the restaurants and clubs come to life. I love that it's not more populated. Compared to packed cities like Chicago, it's a ghost town, which is one reason I love it here!

[@PhilipMReeder]

@@JillRandallRN Not trying to be picky but he said it was filmed on Wednesday the 18th. I think one additional reason there's so few people is that because it snowed the day before, many people who come from the county probably were still buried in deeper snow than the city got, and roads are icy. They called in to work probably.

[@PhilipMReeder]

A few years ago the downtown (where he filmed) area was more bustling because therw was a large bus stop on Locust street at 5th and most passengers boarded or got off there. Unfortunately that stop was near the U.S. Federal reserve building. After 911, the street was closed to motor vehicles and made a pedestrian walkway. Metro eventually reorganized the bus lines to use the Metro rail location near Union Station as a hub for all buses. THAT is where many of the missing people disappeared to although on a cold winter day after 4 inches of snow, they likely stayed home.

[@kick-n-itwithshng9223]

My home town! Still beautiful!❤🤗😇

[@NickJohnson]

You know it 😉

[@CoolManCJ2]

Kansas City MO is better.

[@pavese1379]

@@CoolManCJ2 Definitely, St Louis has the highest murder rate in the USA

[@ryanspangler4569]

Me as well. St Louis my whole life, I’ll die here

[@ryanspangler4569]

So what

[@mdstmouse7]

now take a tour of east st Louis

[@CocoTaveras8975]

mdstmouse7 Um..you sure about that 😬😬?

[@mdstmouse7]

@@CocoTaveras8975 I wouldnt but he might haha

[@NickJohnson]

Oh I did that's coming out Saturday

[@crazeyjoe]

Yeah, they need another victim, uh, I mean vacationer, lol!

[@crazeyjoe]

@@NickJohnson Word has is that the streets of East Saint Louie were swept nice and clean, just for your video visit!

[@jerryniswonger1115]

St. Louis is really an undiscovered gem and the true gateway to the West. The city has problems as all older industrial cities have but it’s historic, has beautiful downtown and sports complex, outstanding zoo and botanical gardens and home to Washington University and the St. Louis University, two of the finest universities in the NATION. Also, St Louis is not recognized as it being in a dream location for logistics. This a major River hub at the point where the Missouri River and Mississippi River converge. Also several major interstate highways intersect in St Louis , I 55, I 44, I 70, I 64 all converge in St. Louis. The city is also at the heart of the country’s railroad network. St. Louis is underrated and an undiscovered gem. The metro areas cost of living is slightly below the national average and housing is affordable. Everyone focuses on Texas and the two coasts yet beautiful cities like St Louis get a bad rap. Hopefully corporate America will soon discover the gem that St Louis really is.

[@IndianaCrane]

That downtown looks awesome!

[@NickJohnson]

It is Indiana crane!! We should visit it together next time I go!

[@CJColvin]

It sure does buddy.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@jasongreggbaker9883]

I've been too St Louis, Mo Back in the early 90's & i had a Nice Time while i was there in Downtown & in laclede's Landing I was Amazed by Looking at The Gateway Arch & The City in The Background off The Riverfront

[@ethanlewis2963]

Living in the Collinsville area I’ve been to dozens of Cardinal games, even tho I’m 13 I can still see the beauty of St Louis and downs.

[@NickJohnson]

Do you know who Pedro Guerrero is?

[@ethanlewis2963]

Not to informed but I know the name

[@tonyjohansson7567]

An enjoyable video of a beautiful city. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jonlouis2582]

Looks pretty nice to me. Thanks for the tour.

[@NickJohnson]

Hope you learned something like I did!

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@CharlieB_93]

My home! I drive downtown every day and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such little traffic

[@NickJohnson]

I know I got lucky!

[@michaelmerck7576]

It's amazing how visible the arch is throughout the city

[@NickJohnson]

Like a giant!

[@lm1314]

A new building is not suppose to be any taller than the Arch so as not to block the view of it. Sadly the new courthouse does not follow that for can obstruct the view. From my stepdad's old place of employment you use to be able to see the fireworks on 4th of July but alas the courthouse now blocks the view. From someplaces far away you can see the Arch for railroad tracks cut a view. Pretty cool.

[@andreww1212]

15:30 looks pretty quaint and clean. Being from NYC it reminded me of downtown albeit a little more quiet and wide open which is a good thing. I didn't expect such a built-up city for the Midwest. I'll have to visit sometime. I'd love to see that arch.

[@tinkmarz1]

I've heard it said that St. Louis is the farthest west eastern city (and Kansas City the farthest east western city), and when looking at the culture, history and architecture I find that makes sense. St. Louis used to be a very densely populated city...at it's peak in the 1950's of 856,000 in 64 square miles (in comparison San Francisco peak population of 750,000 per 62 square miles). Much has been torn down downtown as well as the rest of the city since the mid/late 60's. And you may find this interesting...St. Louis garment district was second only to New York City. And about the Arch...I find it odd that it isn't given more respect. Not only is it an amazing work of sculptural art, it also an engineering marvel. In building it, the two legs began to rise, and if when they met if the last piece was more than 1/16th of an inch off, it would have been a failure. Needless to say, it was a success. I hope you're able to visit us soon...!

[@stacysmom3825]

Most of the people who are saying don’t go to East Saint Louis and probably not even from saint Louis, I have been there times during the day time and it’s not even that bad. Just bad during early morning and night.

[@tamolynmckinzie8963]

This is the best and one of the clearest most informative videos. Keep it up. Thanks

[@craigroberts6439]

A while back we lived in St Louis for 11 years....still one of my favorite places. Lots of history.

[@NickJohnson]

It's nice downtown

[@craigroberts6439]

Rock Nouveau yup that’s me...after St. Louis spent 23 years in Los Angeles mainly network voice over. Still at is doing TV all over...I’ve been the station voice for ABC 30 now for 17 years...now live in Las Vegas. Thanks for asking about me.

[@craigroberts6439]

Rock Nouveau I worked at KSLQ for a very short time...not a happy experience...good friends with Don at the time....in all my years in this business Metheny was the biggest asshole I ever met however having said that he was a decent PD. His stations usually sounded good...the man had absolutely zero people skills...hated by nearly all employees. At the time he was a drunk and heavily into coke. His problems probably stemmed from that. Did you or do you work in the business? Loved my time at KXOK and KHTR. Left to go to KFRC in San Francisco.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@midwestfarmerleduc9256]

Thank you for this video I remember in the 60s going downtown to do Christmas shopping all the windows had movable mannequins and I love the trains going around in circles to the mountains.

[@gusplays3145]

That train exhibit is still running at the Museum of Transportation, along with some really neat locomotives and such!

[@andrerobinson7]

Alot has changed since 1959

[@wawalker1]

I worked in St. Louis in the 70s, but haven’t visited much since. I recognized much of downtown, including 3 that I worked at. Thank you for the virtual visit.

[@SuV33358]

That arch is beautiful.....you guys are lucky

[@andrerobinson7]

No incidents since 1965

[@simondiamond4380]

Thanks Nick for the tour - it’s actually a nice city, particularly in winter. Maybe one day I’ll get there.

[@NickJohnson]

the sun was out that day.

[@justenjoy8459]

Thanks Nick for giving us tour of St. Louis from your car👍👍. Keep em coming.

[@catalystv7520]

St. Louis is pretty nice

[@NickJohnson]

at least the downtown part.

[@kevinl4687]

Pretty much the whole corridor Dow highway 64 from Clayton to downtown is nice and has lots of tall buildings. That is also where Forrest park, Washington university, and at Louis university are. There is a lot of urban decay in the city but it is not as bad as it used to be.

[@ryanspangler4569]

The whole city is beautiful, been here my whole life

[@makaramarshall9371]

But when you get in the gettoooo chlie

[@rustyegg2383]

Man I live in east St. Louis don’t come here it’s not a good place

[@TheBigdutchster]

St. Louis is a pretty nice town. There are bad parts on the near north side and some questionable areas on the south side. I have bicycled all over and never had any problems. Busch Stadium is really nice but expensive, but I imagine that all major league stadiums are expensive. There are many things to see and do there.

[@adawg2015]

Could you ever do a tour of Springfield MO about 220 miles southwest of St. Louis or 165 miles southeast of Kansas City home to Bass Pro Shops, French’s Mustard, and O’Reilly Auto Parts?

[@NickJohnson]

one day adam :)

[@demps1bm1]

I'm not sure how many people realize that East Saint Louis, Illinois is a different city in a different state. When people say stay away from East Saint Louis they mean do not cross the river into East Saint Louis. This is analogous to the relationship Chicago has with Gary, Indiana. The east part of Saint Louis, Mo. is the downtown section that you showed. Yes, it is a nice city -- very underrated in my opinion. The North side has a reputation for being run down, but there are lots of cool neighborhoods and restaurants. The Hill, the Italian section, is especially nice. This is also a tremendously historic city. In its day, Saint Louis was much more prominent -- with a population of nearly 850,000 it was larger than both Boston and San Francisco in the 1950's and 60's. The Olympics and the Worlds Fair were held here.

[@refillingthecup6750]

I enjoyed the tour! Thanks!

[@CocoTaveras8975]

Refilling The Cup Yeah it was very informative :)

[@NickJohnson]

Hopefully you learned something too!

[@tsf5-productions]

Back in October, 1975, I saw some of St. Louis and visited the Arch and Lambert Airport. I was looking for the headquarters of Brown Shoe Co. (Naturalizer Shoes and many other brands they did) Never found them...but I did visit in St. Louis the zoo. Back then, it was fairly safe from crime. My actual reason to visit St. Louis was to visit Belleville, Ill. As to the NL Cardinals...they have for many decades been my favorite team. I was so impressed with the 1960's Cardinals and pitcher Bob Gibson. Nice tour of the downtown areas in this video.

[@christinacody5845]

Brown Show Co. Was based out of Washington Avenue.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@deannahenderson1199]

Not all St. Louis is bad. Just up in the city and the north/east side. The suburbs are actually decent areas

[@ChiposNine]

The suburbs are the reason the city is in the shape that it is. All the wealth rushed out west, leaving parts of the city impoverished. This intern lead to crime, further population loss, and urban decay. Most of the city is in much better shape than what people are lead to believe by headlines and crime statistics. I encourage everyone to visit the City: go to Lafayette Square/ Soulard and ogle at the beautiful architecture, walk the streets of Downtown and visit the many boutiques and restaurants, catch a play or concert in Midtown, shop for name-brand goods in the Central West End, get delicious food from all over the world in the Grove/ South Grand. The city is so much more than just the suburbs, and people must start realizing that.

[@loyaltonotredame2160]

@@ChiposNine YESS

[@rebekkahdruck1392]

Awesome video, Nick! As a Baltimoron, I'm truly impressed with St. Louis as a city. My first view of it was from the Great Mound at Cahokia, and from there, I just drove around it peripherally, but I'd love to see more of it on a future trip. Your excellent video just whets my appetite.

[@NickJohnson]

Glad you liked it. I'll be coming to your hood eventually 😉

[@rebekkahdruck1392]

@@NickJohnson -- Oh, Bawlmer is THE definition of a "mixed blessing." I can easily guide you, as few can, to the best and the worst. You'll probably need to make it a 2-3-parter for an accurate job! ;^>

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@ethomas1995]

Brilliant! The eye view level of this perfect film footage are exactly how I see when I drive these very streets. I used to work between Locust/Washington over 15 years ago; & would wander up Washington thinking of how much potential it could have with reinvesting. The city has aesthetically gotten a lift in the last 7-10 years.

[@ChrisVuletich]

My wife and I visited St. Louis about 6 months ago and decided we needed a change. So within 2 months of the visit we got a loft off Washington Ave and we absolutely love it. All my coworkers tell me, "10 years ago you would NOT be saying that." I think we came to St. Louis at the perfect time.

[@ethomas1995]

Ten years ago, there actually was some vested interest as new restaurants were starting to pop up with loft renovation simultaneously. There was a cafe I'd pop in for lunch break during earlier-mid 2000; yet they didn't last before the boom.

[@CJColvin]

Downtown St.Louis, there's the Arch.

[@Dangic23]

My buddy plays baseball there....cool. Yadiel Molina, from my Mother's hometown of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico.

[@NickJohnson]

YOU KNOW YADI!??

[@Dangic23]

@@NickJohnson Yes. My Mom and his Dad worked together for over 12 years. My younger brother played little league baseball with Yadi. I played with his middle brother Jose. Yadi always stayed humble. A friend of mine posted a picture where Yadi himself was raking a baseball park last week , in a rural area where he played little league.

[@AJ42K]

How many autographs do you have from him?

[@Dangic23]

@@AJ42K I've never been an autograph person. Lin Manuel Miranda"s family is from this same town. He has been going there frequently lately. I joined the military in 2000, so I e been living around the world since. Have only visited Puerto Rico 3 times since.

[@bubbahyde3564]

Thank you for coming to the hometown, brother!

[@Trolleybus13]

My curiosity started with St Louis Blues, and this city really grew on me for some reason. Hopefully I have enough money someday so I can visit it. And for now I have to make do with videos like this, so thank you for posting it!

[@georgemurphy2579]

A very large city with sizeable buildings, too. Very nice!

[@andrerobinson7]

Pretty good video about my hometown with lots more to see. Fabulous fox Theatre, The Muny, Forest Park, The Planetarium, St Louis Aquarium, Bush Gardens, Union Station, Powell Hall, Grandel Theatre, Sweetie Pies, St Louis Zoo, .

[@juniorking3604]

st Louis is not bad. the downtown area has beautiful buildings and amazing parks. the grand arc is impressive. it's a great landmark that visitors must see. and the river side area is interesting as well. it worth visiting tough the city's reputation on safety seems negative.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements. a new mayor coming

[@chrisdingsdale7400]

Great video. St Louis is a great place to visit! Interesting, tons of history and really friendly people - I had a great time there ( visiting Brit opinion ). Will definitely return!

[@wawalker1]

I used to work in downtown from 1976 to 1979. You passed the Federal Reserve Building. My first full time job in “data processing” now known as Information Technology as a programmer (now known as a developer). When I informed my co-workers that I was moving to Chicago, they gave me hard time because of the gangsters. But downtown Chicago is safer than St. Louis. St. l. Used to have more corporate HQs then. Now it’s mostly a branch town. I lived in Madison County, IL and commuted. What a drag that was. Could only commute by car. At least working in Chicago, I commuted from the burbs on a train. Now I am happily retired! Whoop, whoop!

[@stevenmorton2059]

Downtown isn't bad at all, and is one of the safer areas of the city. The dicey areas are on the north side and the inner suburbs on the Illinois side of the river. The south side of the city is ethnically and culturally very interesting. It's definitely worth a look.

[@NickJohnson]

Thanks Steven

[@georgemurphy2579]

The stadium is beautiful!

[@JillRandallRN]

... Except it's Washington Avenue, not street. (I live there.) But nice tour of the city. St Louis has much to offer, and I'm tired of the focus being on all the negatives.

[@andrerobinson7]

Thank you

[@CalamityAmity30]

I love St. Louis

[@NickJohnson]

Me too!

[@CJColvin]

Same here mate.

[@jeffwebb2966]

Thanks Nick, but you missed Union Station, probably one of the most beautiful train stations in the U.S. Also, city hall and the old post office which is one of the few large empire styled buildings remaining in the US outside of DC. Glad you came tho, St. Louis has wonderful architecture.

[@JenialB]

You caught St.Louis on a beautiful day!🌼 Thanks for sharing your experience.👍

[@billbirkett7166]

What's surprising about St. Louis is that it has some very charming neighborhoods outside of downtown, I'm thinking of one called Soulard (I think) and then the area east of Washington University of St. Louis. And the area northwest of downtown. I am from the Detroit area and lived in the city of Detroit for a time (rather recently in fact). There is a lot in common that Detroit and St. Louis share, but St. Louis is often overlooked or the focus is just on the downtown. I think St. Louis is overall a really charming place, in spite of some of the blight.

[@Dilberto88]

I was there in June 1999. I did not want to go outside at night. I stayed at the Mayfair, on 8th and St. Charles. Coming from the airport through North St Louis was a eye-opening scene: building after building was deserted and boarded-up. I felt like I was in Detroit....

[@NickJohnson]

It's really bad if you exit the highway to try and not miss a flight

[@AW-pl3ou]

Thank you for this video, I lived in St Louis for two years in the downtown area back in 2012 and 13 had a nice 1,300 + sq/ft loft for $750 a month. Now the same unit is $950 not bad. You brought back so much good memories. It was dangerous back then especially walking at night. Now I live in Greensboro my apartment in 2014 was $580 now it's $780 not so good.

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@davidjackson8522]

Why did you completely ignore Central Library and Soldier's Memorial?

[@mamaharper8883]

Love my city

[@loyaltonotredame2160]

@@mamaharper8883 me to have you ever been to that city museum its fricking weird man

[@andrerobinson7]

you saw that

[@tokenstandpoint93]

Ahhh back when I lived in Collinsville, Illinois a little over 10 years ago. People always told me to go to St. Louis on the weekends if I wanted to do anything exciting.

[@NickJohnson]

Yes that's really all there is to do in the general area I suppose

[@tadecker82]

...like dodge bullets. 🤔

[@tokenstandpoint93]

@@tadecker82 I grew up in NYC during the 80's and 90's. St. Louis was a cake walk.

[@bexybubbles5580]

If you ever come back don't forget the nationally recognized graffiti wall & art sculpture park. You can drive down the wall & see all the large cool artwork.

[@BillKing3456]

I have an old college roommate who lives in a suburb on the Illinois side and works in downtown St. Louis and sez everybody gets out of Dodge at 5 o’clock. I’ve heard the same said about Newark, NJ. Most of the streets you drove down looked like you could shoot a cannon down them and not hit anyone.

[@NickJohnson]

I know! I liked it. You could get around easily!

[@marthaphillips4827]

Very clean and modern with the. old i love the tutorial drives through the cities

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Martha it gets ugly after this - some bad areas coming up. But we can still all learn though.

[@marthaphillips4827]

@@NickJohnson i grew up in midwest lived in Omaha the cities are deteriating Seattle especially we lived there early 90s what a shock to see this thanks for your videoes Detroit wad a real shocker

[@II.am.Gold.]

Happy holiday guys

[@CocoTaveras8975]

ME 4eva To you too :)

[@NickJohnson]

You too and a safe and fun new year too!

[@jhuang230]

St. Louis is used to be one of the largest cities in United States. It is now a shadow of its former self.

[@davidblaskie8987]

Yes, at one time it was the eighth largest city in the U.S.

[@garyteague4480]

Liberal lead has taken it down from what it use to be although I’m from 100 miles west of St. Louis we still visit it because it does have a lot to offer

[@PhilipMReeder]

In the 1950's, its population was over 800,000, now it's just over 300,000. I'm originally from St. Louis. I live in SoCal since 2012. What many don't know outside St. Louis is that StL is NOT a part of St. Louis County. It is independent from the county. Yet the often quoted crime statistics about St. Louis include the "St. Louis Metropolitan area". Which is bogus. East St. Louis is not a part of St. Louis. It is not even in Missouri. Many here in SoCal cant fathom it. St. Louis City has a population of roughly the same as Long Beach. Except for the Downtown LB area (which NO NORMAL PERSON CAN AFFORD) the rest of it is a DUMP. Homeless and mentally ill people wandering the streets. And it is nowhere near as bad as LA and San Francisco.

[@larrymal]

@Fred Flintstone , how is Kentucky doing again?

[@Gdesign959]

@@monoXcide01 50 years

[@samerickaharris8051]

Most of the people that have something negative to say are not even from St. Louis .. worry about your own city .

[@samerickaharris8051]

reality check yes you do ! Bye

[@jsoo67]

From St. Louis and it's not as bad as it's made out to be, it's mainly in the Northern part or da hood and that's mostly due to gang/drug BS.

[@NickJohnson]

agreed.

[@ryanspangler4569]

Even that’s not that bad, come on

[@andrerobinson7]

Oh yes 690 feet

[@jsb06g]

St. Louis is great historic city. All it needs is a little more investment and people from the coasts would be flocking there driving up the cost of living. Keep it a secret. You see what happened to Nashville.

[@NickJohnson]

Great point

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@lesterandrews1894]

I was born and raised across the river in Granite city Illinois, It is a steal mill town , when I was a kid I would drive to St. Louis for work

[@jimmyleon2983]

St. Louis is a great city. Really cool video!

[@sarahtaylor9584]

My family used to live in Illinois/Missouri area we absolutely loved it. My dad got really sick & we had to quickly move from IL/ MO to the germy southwest Oklahoma.

[@bobell1023]

Lifelong St. Louisan here. I actually remember that snowy day - it was the last time we had a snow day at my workplace (an educational institution) before COVID showed everyone they could work remotely regardless of the weather and snow days became nothing more than a historic relic... A couple of observations: - The Gateway Arch is actually a monument to westward expansion of the U.S. (i.e., the Louisiana Purchase), not the western hemisphere. Big difference, as the western hemisphere would be an entire half of the globe. - Watching this video was the first time in my life I'd ever heard anyone call that the "Clay Bridge" - everyone calls it the Poplar Street Bridge. It's really a quite boring bridge. The Stan Musial/Veterans Memorial Bridge on the north end of downtown is incredibly pretty! It carries Interstate 70 across the river. - What you call Washington Street is never referred to as such, but rather, is Washington Avenue, more commonly known as "Wash Ave." It eventually turns into Washington Place, Washington Terrace, and finally, Washington Boulevard. But never Washington Street.

[@timothymacdonnell9079]

I was in St Louis a long time ago. Somehow I remember it being a lot more rundown, but that was in the 90s. Did you drive through all of downtown?

[@andrerobinson7]

No he didnt

[@darlacarter3459]

You drove by A Vandalia Tour Bus, I use to Drive for Them and Bi-State Transit.

[@newyorker2004]

Downtown St. Louis looks very nice. Hopefully, you go to the northern suburbs of St. Louis for the next time that you’re in the St. Louis area.

[@andrerobinson7]

west is better

[@RADIOWFC]

Thanks Nick that was great although it was hard to watch you drive on the wrong side of the road lol

[@NickJohnson]

There was construction!

[@RADIOWFC]

@@NickJohnson No mate I am from Australia we drive on the left lol

[@leosniechota1139]

Did you like Saint Louis, despite the unfortunate rap the city gets even though it can be disputed, it is my favorite city in america

[@leosniechota1139]

Hi There no you are just uncultured to STL

[@leosniechota1139]

The funny thing is that even the public school and private school kids still carry that pride with them in the suburbs

[@jamesmlchaelhall2944]

I was raised there I remember its always been quite in downtown like this.Not to many people out.I've lived in Denver since 1975 but Denver now is always to crowded out now due to to many people that have moved here in the last 8 years.

[@NickJohnson]

Maybe it was also cause it was cold and snowy so people stayed away?

[@loyaltonotredame2160]

when i watched this i was like hey! ive seen that before!

[@bufnyfan1]

I took a cab from the airport to downtown St. Louis. The cab driver and I were having a nice conversation until I asked him if he would ever take a fare from East St. Louis, Illinois--at that point, he simply said that he would never go there-as the likelihood of being robbed/injured wasn't worth any fare

[@FreeOpenTruth]

Go St. Louis!!! This is my hometown still!! I work downtown off Broadway and live on the Southside of the City in Lindenwood Park Area called St. Louis Hills!

[@michaelduttry182]

Been to many of the places you show. I have a brother in law that lives in Illinois not far from St.louis and went almost every day when visiting him.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

what a big assed town! Looks like a beauty. I like Kansas City, but this looks more elegant

[@NickJohnson]

the sun was out

[@SLAUGHTYBAUDFAUST]

In the chance any watchers of this video would visit St. Louis just avoid the entire north side above where the video starts of its kind of like driving through Gary, IN or parts of Detriot. Its is shocking & bizarre how quickly the city deteriorates going northward of that point! Also don't confuse East St. Louis with St. Louis. Different cities separated by a river. East St. Louis is like Gary, IN or the abandoned parts of Detriot.

[@Ash-uo8sp]

People, even though St Louis has a track record for the crime rate, most cities have a crime rate, some more well know than others. St Louis has a lot more things to offer and show, than just booze, the crime rate, the Cardinals, and the Blues. They've got places like the Cathedral Vasilica, which has the most BEAUTIFUL mosaic artwork ever, we've got the Science Center, which has some fun interactive models and giant anamatronic dinosaurs, a bunch of historical sites,the City Museum, a giant jungle gym, and much much more. They've also got a bunch of independently owned places around here, such Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, an awsome candy store, Crow Candy, yet another candy store but with ice cream consisting of 70% butterfat, Ted Drews, an old school ice cream stand that's been around since 1929, Fitz's, a bar and grill with its own line of sodas, and a bunch of microbreweries around here. We have the BJC hospital network, which is nationally praised, we got a bunch of tasty foods from here (gooey butter cake, deep fried ravioil, St Paul Sandwich), we've got a lot of major universities,(Washington University, UMSL, BJC School of Nursing) and, near WashU, we've got a street that actually made it onto America's Top 10 Streets list, Delmar Bularvard, which has a lot of independently owned clubs, restaurants, stores, and it has a trolley. So, as long as you keep your guard up and stay out of North St Louis and North St Louis County, you can enjoy this area. -A Southwestern Illinoisian

[@andrerobinson7]

And still working on improvements

[@refillingthecup6750]

I’m amazed at the lack of traffic!

[@margietucker1719]

And people....that tells you something.

[@mbatchelor]

Only time you see life in downtown St Louis is during sporting events and the annual Fair St Louis on 4th of July weekend, otherwise, people come down there to work, and Washington Avenue is a busy entertainment destination but the rest of Downtown St Louis on an off day out on the streets isn't all that busy on the average days, and you are VERY close to a VERY bad area, so safety is always a concern.

[@MikeBNumba6]

@@mbatchelor sounds like cleveland to be honest

[@NickJohnson]

It was pleasant!

[@elizabethkelley5260]

Probably taken at a time when there would be little traffic and people were hibernating.

[@fishinginindiana1904]

I lived in east St. Louis from 1967 to 1975 as a child. I witnessed and experienced violence on a level most people don’t experience in a lifetime true story folks.

[@williammorse8330]

On a cross country bus trip that took me through St. Louis in late '74, the bus went through night East St. L.... no one on the sidewalks, just about nothing open that I remember. Very eerie, but intriguing in a weird way to an outsider. While waiting to continue west, older men hustling me for spare change to get back to East St. Louis, being warned not to wander outside the bus station downtown (St. Louis). Yeah, young white kid standing out. Like Cairo, and Camden, NJ, race riots seemed to seal the fate of these once busy cities as the wealth (and whites) left. Drugs, fatherless boys, industry leaving..... like a war that was never officially declared. Glad you physically survived the violence, Baby Finster..... best of 2020 to you from Philadelphia, Pa.

[@YSLRD]

A good friend was a white boy in E St L in the 80's. Really bad stories.

[@williammorse8330]

@@YSLRD is your friend okay?

[@YSLRD]

@@williammorse8330 Yes. He came very clos to death with a punctured lung. By the grace of God he not only lived but was relased from the hospital in record time. Thanks for asking.

[@williammorse8330]

@@YSLRD that's great news, Joan.... thanks for sharing.

[@beverlyfowler340]

Thanks for covering my hometown....if interested, please explore some of the counties/suburbs of St.Louis, particularly University City(known as "the loop")....it is considered as the melting pot community; also, U stated the arch was built in 1965; the correct year is 1966.

[@sammyone2069]

It was started in 63 finished in 65 and opened to the public in 67.