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How big is St. Louis? What is the quality of life like?
St. Louis metropolitan area statistics:
2.7+—population in millions
8,649—size in square miles
14—universities and four-year colleges
One of the very top—“Most Affordable Places to Live” according to Forbes magazine
1,400—number of high-tech companies
2nd lowest—cost of living among major metropolitan areas
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What is there to do in St. Louis?
St. Louis is alive with activity. There are music clubs and dancing, comedy clubs, and poetry readings. Theater ranges from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to art films, from Broadway shows to leading regional productions. On campus, Edison Theatre brings in dramas, dance, and music productions. Art museums and galleries bring the best in the world—past and present—to St. Louis. The music scene reflects St. Louis’ best in jazz, blues, rock and roll, and performances of the symphony. And St. Louis shops and restaurants cater to every taste. No city is more sports-minded than St. Louis. St. Louis is home to the Cardinals Major League Baseball team, the Blues National Hockey League team, and the Rams National Football League team. Professional, college, and amateur teams receive the full support of the city’s avid fans and add to the excitement of St. Louis.
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What activities are within walking distance of campus?
Within a short distance of the campus you’ll find:
- 17 movie screens (with more accessible by free public transportation)
- 1 public ice-skating rink
- 2 golf courses
- 3 drugstores
- 74 restaurants
- 2 ice cream shops
- 2 bookstores
- 3 music shops
- 1 concert venue
- 1 boathouse (with rowboats and paddleboats)
- 9 art galleries
- plus 2 art museums, history museum, zoo, science center (all with free admission)
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What attractions are located in Forest Park?
Between the University’s Danforth and Medical campuses lies Forest Park. Its 1,300 acres contain the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Science Center, and many other free attractions. Students use the park year-round to bike, golf, in-line skate, play tennis, or pursue other activities.
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What is the weather like in St. Louis?
St. Louis has four seasons with relatively mild winters and summers that will make you want to go swimming.
Coldest month: January—average daily high: 38 degrees F.; average daily low: 21 degrees F.
Hottest month: July—average daily high 91 degrees F.; average daily low: 71 degrees F.
Normal total precipitation: 38.75 inches
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What is St. Louis’s geography like?
Located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, St. Louis enjoys gently rolling terrain with occasional high bluffs. St. Louis is located slightly east of the geographic center of the United States and within 500 miles of 1/3 of the nation’s population and businesses. The city’s elevation is 564 feet.
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How far is St. Louis from...?
There’s plenty to do in St. Louis, but students who wish to venture farther find the city’s central location a great asset. Other interesting places to visit are less than a day’s drive away, including:
- Chicago—5 hours
- Kansas City—4 hours
- Memphis—5 hours
- The Ozarks (for boating and camping)—3 hours
- You can get to either coast in just a couple of hours by air.
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Will I need a car to get around town?
Freshmen living in the residence halls are not permitted to bring a vehicle to the Washington University campus. With or without a car, it’s easy to get around the area, whether on foot or by bike, bus, or MetroLink, the city’s light rail system. MetroBus can take you to the Medical Campus and to University-owned apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. Getting to the airport is easy, too, via MetroLink or cab. All Washington University students receive a free pass providing unlimited access to MetroBus and MetroLink.
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