I’m late to this thread so IDK if you’re still interested but here goes:
My daughter has been accepted to Saint Louis University. I have no problem with her going there. I’m from St. Louis so let me provide some boots-on-the-ground perspective.
I have many friends and family who went there (most in the 1990’s). Some of my friends kids go to SLU currently. That area which is referred to locally as “midtown” is actually much improved from when I was young.
In the 1970’s it was a no-go zone. The areas just north and south in particular were a disaster. In the 1980’s, they filmed some scenes of the movie “Escape From New York” outside of the old Fox Theater. What does that tell you!? Well, shortly thereafter, the Fox was completely rehabbed and has been open as “The Fabulous Fox” for 40+ years. It’s an amazing venue and slightly north of there is Powell Symphony Hall. It’s still sketchy beyond that headed north.
The area south of there which we called “Vandeventer” or “McRee Town” was still awful until about 20 years ago. It has since been transformed by a new IKEA and a bar/restaurant area called “The Grove”. There’s even a new Top Golf right there.
Now, all of that said, these areas are still “the city”. They are subject to car break-ins and other random criminal acts. I wouldn’t wander around off-campus at night. But the campus is great. Again, I have no problem sending my daughter there. It’s her choice but I’d be happy if she did. It’s a great school. If anyone has further questions, let me know. Good luck to everyone.