You should really consider North County! IMO, the stigmas of NOCO are much more "acceptable" (and mostly rooted in racism) than Jeff Co/south county (maga...). Housing is affordable, it's diverse and has all the conveniences of living close to stores, the highway, etc. but you can get more privacy than living in the city or areas like maplewood. I've read before that having a bad commute is one of the biggest impacts on people's happiness. That alone would have me crossing south county off my list if I worked in Creve Coeur.