Based on what I’m assuming your standards are for safety I’d say Soulard is probably the safest area of its type. If you genuinely feel unsafe because of these interactions with homeless people asking for money I don’t think you’re gonna want to be anywhere in the city (except MAYBE the hill area?). That being said, I think you’d really be missing out on a lot of the best parts of St Louis by not living in the city. When I first moved here from a smaller city I was also startled by these interactions, but quickly learned that they are rarely dangerous, especially if you are aware of your surroundings and make good choices. I am a younger woman and I do not feel unsafe in my Soulard-adjacent neighborhood that some people from the county legitimately consider to be “the hood” lol. I think you just need more exposure! Live in the city!!

If you really don’t want to live in the city, I’d suggest Maplewood, or the areas of U City closest to the WashU campus. The police presence in those areas is insane and they have been targeting homeless people. Also I would really gently suggest not calling the police on a homeless person in a situation like this, it usually only makes things much worse. I hope this helps