Montclair

Price range: ~$1,200 for a one-bedroom/one-bathroom;  ~$1,500 for a two-bedroom/one-bathroom; ~$1,800 for a two-bedroom/two-bathroom

Pet policy: Pets allowed

Amenities: Gym and shared laundry located in building; rooftop terrace, study spaces and game rooms also available to all residents

Parking: Uncovered and covered parking available

Walk: 10 minutes, door-to-door

While visiting St. Louis to find housing, I went on 12 apartment tours before deciding on Montclair. The key feature that stood out to me was proximity to classes (second only to the Core Apartment Residences). In addition to being across the street from both Barnes Jewish Hospital and Forest Park, I like the Scandinavian room designs and the friendly front desk attendants who provide security and manage package delivery. Property managers have their headquarters within the building, so the maintenance staff is quite responsive. Montclair is a very popular choice among WUSM students, and living close to many of my classmates makes social gatherings convenient. All residents have access to the rooftop terrace (which our class often uses to host events), as well as communal game rooms, study spaces, a gym with cardio machines, and card-operated laundry in the basement. The only drawbacks are the fact that — despite recent renovations — the building itself is somewhat old, and being so close to the hospital, you’ll hear more ambulance sirens. (Rooms on one side of the building are more exposed to street noise but have gorgeous window views of Forest Park; the other side is quieter but has no view.) Overall I’m happy living here and definitely planning to renew my lease next year! 

I was able to become so close with my main friend group partly because so many of us live in the same building, making it super easy to stop by in the evenings to catch up, watch a movie, make dinner, or even study together. Even in the beginning before friendships had developed, the Montclair crew could coordinate to go to orientation events together and things like that, which definitely helped! Plus, I’ve gotten to get to know the M2s that live in the building as well, which was an unexpected perk.