St. Louis has become as famous for its role in medicine and biotechnology as it is for its universities, parks, zoo and giant arch. Whether the "Gateway" city is your destination for school or for a career, there are two neighborhoods you should look at if you are thinking about renting an apartment.

Central West End

The central west end is a popular place for college students not only because of its proximity to Washington and St. Louis Universities, but because of its famous nightlife as well. Bars, cafes, and eateries are plentiful making it a great area for relaxed study sessions or social gatherings. If bars and drinks aren't your thing, the central west end is also close to attractions like the St, Louis Art Museum, the zoo and Forest Park. There isn't a lot of parking in the Central West End so it would be wise to bring a bike for warmer weather commuting and use the metrolink in the winter. Or, look for apartments with reserved parking areas.

Rent in the Central West End can be as low as $400 or as high as $1000. If you plan on spending a lot of money on rent, it may be better to actually buy a condo instead of renting an apartment. Most students will need parental assistance to accomplish a task like this, but there are several reasons why it makes sense if you can afford it. For example, the mortgage payments you make are tax deductible, you can probably rent out a second bedroom to help cover those mortgage payments, you will get more space for your money, and it can be a good way for young students to build up credit. Not to mention that the property will probably appreciate during the years at school.

Clayton

Clayton is another beautiful neighborhood to consider if you are moving to the St. Louis area. It is only a couple miles away from St. Louis and it is full of well-educated people. Rent is more expensive in Clayton than in the Central West End and the population is a little older than college students so it would be a better place to relocate after graduation if you land a job in the area. There are also houses for sale in Clayton, but they are very expensive. If you don't know how long you plan on staying, an apartment might be a wiser choice.

Because of its proximity to the city, Clayton attractions include downtown St. Louis, the Cathedral Basilica, several sports venues, shopping districts, Shaw Park and the Botanical Gardens.

There are many other neighborhoods around St. Louis that you could choose from too, but these are two of the favorites so you might want to give them a little consideration when you are looking for St. Louis apartments.