What's there to most like about the Arch City metropolitan region? First, it's wonderful to be located in the heartland of the USA. With fiercely independent frontier-town roots, layered with Midwest modesty, St. Louis earned the nickname 'Gateway to the West' for good reasons. Now known for loyal sports fans and Blues music, let's count other highlights from these gentlemen who navigate various careers and cultures in the area.
Charlie Brennan
KMOX Host
"The generosity, ethics and accomplishments of the people -- basically, the unique social captial -- is what I've often thought I would miss if we ever left St. Louis. When it comes to helping others, St. Louisans will step up to the plate. Here, there's a quality of people you meet who have an old-school set of values regarding honesty and integrity. And there are so many with world-class talent in the fields of music, medicine, law and sports."
Mike Claiborne
St. Louis Cardinals Sports Broacaster
"The spirit of competition, whether it be in sports or business. So many cities have passed us by. But we've turned the corner in St. Louis, and are just trying to grow our community."
James Bommarito
Owner, Tony's restaurant
"It would be the region's great restaurants, especially Italian cuisines. I also enjoy the weather and the fact that we're a great sports town."
Doug Vaughn
KMOV Sports Anchor/Reporter
"Nearly everyone you meet is friendly. Most people are nice to one another and have the typical Midwestern trait of being courteous and polite. Not everybody, of course, but the overwhelming majority of people you come across, especially now that Stan Kroenke is gone, are very pleasant."
Tim Cunningham
Musician/R&B Saxophonist
"Originally from Lansing, Michigan, I've been in West St. Louis County since October 1994. I really like the area's diversity, and it's been a very welcoming place to live. People are generally kind and willing to assist others with whatever they can. I come from a fairly small town of roughly 126,000, then moved to Chicago in 1992, which was a huge change for me. It was so big, it overwhelmed me. My wife and I decided to give St. Louis a try because a college football teammate of mine was living here when playing for the St. Louis Football Cardinals. We found a home in two days, and have never looked back. I love it because it's not too small, and not too big. There are lots of things to do and you don't have to travel an hour to get there. Gotta' love St. Louis!"
Nick Ragone
Ascension Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
"The love of giving, community and sports stood out immediately to us (as former New Yorkers). St. Louisans are among the most charitable communities in the country. There's a real pride and devotion to helping others. It's really inspiring to be a part of it, and it caused us to put down deep roots and call this home. We're never leaving now."
Andy Strickland
TV Reporter/Radio Host/NHL Writer
"St. Louis has more to offer than most people realize. It's the creativity, art, music, food, schools, entrepreneurial ambitions and lifestyle -- plus the people making it happen. I love how easy it is get from point A to point B. It has everything I like about big cities, and the people are nice with Midwestern hospitality. You just feel comfortable here."
Travis Noble
Attorney At Law
"It's a great place to raise children.” This attorney is often touted as having the legal skill set to win cases others said couldn’t be won, and it's attributed to him caring about St. Louis and the people in his life.