"I walked all the way from East Saint Louis. /I never had but that one, one thin dime. /I laid my head in a New York woman's lap. /She laid her little cute head in mine." (- Blind Willie McTell, "East St Louis Blues")
The city of East St. Louis, IL, has a rich musical history. It's been home to some awesome blues and jazz musicians, including bebop pioneer Miles Davis and ragtime blues legend Blind Willie McTell. Even Tina Turner began her career singing in the nightclubs of East St. Louis. You might not experience the same international success as Tina after you spend an evening crooning at the karaoke, but you can still have a great night out in the legendary blues and jazz clubs that still exist here.
There are some fantastic bargains available on rental homes, including serviced apartments
"I walked all the way from East Saint Louis. /I never had but that one, one thin dime. /I laid my head in a New York woman's lap. /She laid her little cute head in mine." (- Blind Willie McTell, "East St Louis Blues")
The city of East St. Louis, IL, has a rich musical history. It's been home to some awesome blues and jazz musicians, including bebop pioneer Miles Davis and ragtime blues legend Blind Willie McTell. Even Tina Turner began her career singing in the nightclubs of East St. Louis. You might not experience the same international success as Tina after you spend an evening crooning at the karaoke, but you can still have a great night out in the legendary blues and jazz clubs that still exist here.
Moving to East St. Louis
There are some fantastic bargains available on rental homes, including serviced apartments. When you go to view rental properties, take the usual things with you (proof of income, etc), but don't feel you have to rush into signing on the dotted line. The vacancy rate here is much higher than in most US cities, so it's a renter's market.
Neighborhoods in East St. Louis
Edgemont:Edgemont is one of the best neighborhoods in East St. Louis, with plenty of studio apartments for rent close to shops, bars, and eating establishments. You'll be slightly further out from St. Louis than you would be in other neighborhoods.
City Center: East St. Louis city center has a vacancy rate of over 20 percent, so you should have no problem renting an apartment here.
State St/N 69th St: Moderately priced neighborhood.
Living in East St. Louis
Many people in East St. Louis ride the bus, while others drive or share a ride. A car is always useful for city living, but you could rely on public transport in East St. Louis if you needed to -- plenty of people here manage it. Try to find a secure parking area for your vehicle. East St. Louis has a lot to offer to new residents, such as inspiring exhibitions by emerging artists, experimental theater, and, of course, that fabulous musical heritage. You can see blues bands and local rock groups perform every week if you want to. Aspire to playing the blues yourself? There's no better place to get started.