St. Louis was founded in 1764 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It became known as “the Gateway to the West” because of its use as a major transportation center for river and railroad traffic. The metropolitan area currently has a population of over two million.
Washington University School of Medicine, located in the district known as the Central West End, overlooks the 1,400-acre Forest Park. Many cultural activities are available in the city and county: St. Louis Aquarium, History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center and Planetarium, Municipal Opera, National Museum of Transport, Fox Theatre, and Missouri Botanical Garden. St. Louis is home to the world class St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, hosting guest concerts and soloists from many foreign countries. There are two major league sports teams: St. Louis Cardinals (baseball) and St. Louis Blues (hockey).
In addition to a variety of excellent restaurants, St. Louis offers many diverse neighborhoods for living; both city and suburban styles are available. Apartments and condominiums in the Central West End are within one mile of the Medical Center complex. In addition, the Metro Link provides access by commuter train to the metropolitan area. It is quite possible to live within walking distance of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Other close areas offering a more suburban type of living include University City, Clayton, Brentwood, and Richmond Heights.
Close to the Ozark mountain range and many tributaries to the Mississippi River, St. Louis has the admirable characteristic of providing sophisticated metropolitan living surrounded by beautiful countryside. A short 30-minute drive from the city can offer fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping, long bike trails and hunting.
Most newcomers to the city, with or without a spouse and family, find living quite affordable. Most of the house staff at the Medical Center complex feel they can live quite comfortably.
For specific questions about our residency program, please contact: Amy Jones, 314-362-5722, or email: jonesa@wustl.edu.
Please visit http://visitor.wustl.edu/stlouis.html for further information about living in St. Louis!