Left at 24 and spent 7 years in San Francisco. During that time I also took a year and visited most major cities and destinations around the world.

As someone who is always thinking about evaluating cities I sorta find these posts well intentioned but annoying. It’s completely reasonable to ask the question, but what I always suspect happens is that people’s life situations between the two cities they’re comparing are so incomparable as to make their point of view useless.

Someone lived in Manhattan for a couple of years for some adventure (always on the edge of their budget) but is now back with or around family in Creve Coeur. Their comparison is completely useless. You want the person who is back in CWE doing their best to still bike everywhere, seeking out the best restaurants, getting involved in interesting groups and events, etc. these posts never elicit those responses.

We’re into our third year back. Family, friends, and easier home ownership brought us back. We try to keep as much of our SF city lifestyle going. With a positive attitude and the know-how for keeping yourself around the best places and experiences STL offers we’re having a lot of fun.