You might think that Black Jack, Missouri, is named after the famous card game, but it's actually named for a stand of majestic Blackjack oaks growing near the banks of the Missouri River.
Today, Black Jack is currently a lovely little sleepy suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. However, it hasn't always been a settled, suburban town. In fact, the town has some history! Black Jack was a stopover for farmers on the route to 1840s St. Louis, then located 12 miles to the south. In 1865, a postal station was established on Halls Ferry Road. A blacksmith and a wagon wright soon moved in, and the village began to draw more settlers. Meanwhile, the thriving metropolis of St. Louis blossomed to the south. In August of 1970, area residents voted to incorporate the city of Black Jack. Today, almost 2,600 people call this little 2.6-square-mile plot of land their home. Even though today there are a lot of people and a lot of businesses here, residents also appreciate nature at the sprawling, 75-acre Harold J. Evangelista Park.
Moving to Black Jack
Before you move, you'll need to make several very important preparations. In addition to normal moving concerns (securing and packing boxes, renting freight transportation, filing your change of address forms, etc.), you will need to consider which parts of the community you'll want to become involved in. There are a host of suburban amenities in town, including four schools and several nearby parks. Use the geographic location of these amenities to determine where you'll want to live -- then, use an apartments locator to find available rental homes in these areas. You can choose to make appointments with management companies or realtors, then view these properties yourself. When you do go to view properties in Black Jack, make sure you bring proper paperwork. You'll want to have IDs, bank statements, tax returns, proof of income, a letter of employment, and more if you want to rent a place you love on the spot.
Neighborhoods in Black Jack
Since Black Jack is such a small city, every neighborhood is accessible with relative ease. That being said, there are two different neighborhoods to consider finding a rental home in Black Jack -- Old Jamestown and City Center. There are also more specific housing options within those neighborhoods to think about before you move to town.
Old Jamestown: this neighborhood is located in the upper northeast corner and has direct access to State Route 67. This makes it an extremely handy place to live for those who plan on commuting. As one of the more affluent neighborhoods, there are fewer apartment complexes to choose from here, though the area features many house rentals.
City Center: located directly to the west of Old Jamestown, this neighborhood houses the majority of civic buildings and businesses.
Apartment Complexes in Black Jack
Whispering Lake Apartments: Whispering Lake Apartments features a full gamut of 1 bedroom apartments for rent, 2 bedroom apartments for rent, apartment homes, and luxury apartments. One bedroom apartments begin at a very reasonable price, and then escalate as you add up to 5 bedrooms for a premier apartment of choice. Regardless of size, each recently renovated garden-style apartment features spacious closets, ceiling fans, fully applianced kitchens, and in-unit laundry facilities. The clubhouse features a sparkling pool with sun deck, as well as a fitness room and billiards room. This is a fenced community, so security is virtually taken care of. Facilities are pet-friendly with additional deposit.
Madison Aspen Woods: Madison Aspen Woods' units features 1 and 2 bedroom apartments as well as 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes, all of which are equipped with in-unit laundry appliances, modern kitchen appliances, and central air. The community features a pool, clubhouse, and even a playground for the kiddies. Prices are comparable to those of Whispering Lake, though the price ceiling is obviously lower on account of the smaller units, which are also accepts cats and small dogs.
Cross Keys Apartments: This complex is a slightly older but well-maintained and recently renovated apartment complex offering 1 and 2 bedroom apartment rentals. Units feature modern eat-in kitchens with access to on-site laundry facilities. Also includes carpet, a patio or balcony, and central air. The grounds also feature a courtyard, which is a great way to meet your new neighbors.
Eadstone Ln/Flagstone Ct and Old Halls Ferry: located directly south of Old Jamestown, these neighborhoods also feature a wide variety of rental houses, ranging from 2 to 6 bedrooms. Located directly north of I-270, these neighborhoods are also an excellent choice for the frequent motorist. You can also enjoy beautiful 52-acre Dunegant Park, or shoot the links at nearby Eagle Springs Golf Club.
Living in Black Jack
If you've decided to live in Black Jack, expect to end up in a quiet suburb of a big town. But, just because it's quiet, doesn't mean there won't be anything to do! In fact, there are many fun things to do in your new hometown! Hit the Shoppes in Cross Key for a fun and memorable boutique experience, or head to Jamestown Mall for a huge assortment of popular and offbeat shopping options, including Mars Best Barbeque and Peace of Cake. Shopping not your thing? Eat at one of the town's local restaurants! You might be in Missouri, but you can enjoy la dolce vita by grabbing a slice at Angelo's Pizza--or see if you have the luck of the Irish over lager and a savory cottage pie at Meyer's Country Cottage and Irish Pub. And don't forget: St. Louis is just a little ways downriver! St. Louis is, of course, a world-class city. This means that you can find world-class entertainment in it! Watch a memorable football game at Washington or St. Louis University. Take a ride to the top of the breathtaking St. Louis Gateway Arch. Attend a Cardinals Game! Or, see the memorable menagerie at the Saint Louis Zoo. If you like culture, there's more than just animals and sports, luckily. You can check out the musical stylings of the world-class St. Louis symphony or find the St. Louis Art Museum, Kemp Auto Museum, and St Louis Science Center. With so much to do and see, you'll wonder why you didn't move to Black Jack sooner!