St. Louis Summer Events

Summer Events In And Around St. Louis When most people think of St. Louis Missouri they think of the arch that marks the Gateway to West, but there is far more to this city and the surrounding communities that simply an arch. St. Louis is an exciting city that offers locals and visitors alike a variety of things to see and do from dynamic concerts to fun festivals. Summer is a great time to visit St. Louis and the surrounding area, as these communities offer a wide range of fun and excitement from quiet movies under the stars to loud and fun filled festivals and blazing Fourth of July fireworks. From the city of St. Louis itself to smaller outlying communities such as Alton/Grafton and Herman/German Town you will have an amazing time. Whether your think is cruising down a river or dancing in the street, the St. Louis area will have activities that appeal to you regardless of age or interest. St. Louis Proper The city of St. Louis itself has a number of events that are extremely popular. The Range Red Bicycle Tour that begins on June 1st and is held on Saturdays through to August 31 is a great way to get some exercise, see the beautiful riverfront and lean a little about St. Louis history including information about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Underground railroad. Visitors to the city over Independence day aren't going to want to miss the O'Fallon festival, which takes place from July 2, to 4 2013. Visitors to the festival can enjoy the music of both Country and rock bands, a carnival complete with midway, children's activities, crafts, food and of course a parade. Surrounding Communities Of course as exciting as St. Louis is, the surrounding communities also offer a wide variety of activities for you enjoy. The Alton/Grafton area offers several movie nights, concerts, and of course a 4th of July fireworks display. There is also a summer flea market where shoppers can get some great deals as well as day cruises complete with dinner. Belleville Illinois, which sets right across the river from St. Louis offers a number of professional performers in concert through out the summer while in Herman/German Town you can join in the community 4th of July celebration complete with food, fun, and fireworks or visit the Cajun concert held on July 12 through 14th 2013 where you can enjoy real Cajun music as well as authentic Cajun Cuisine. Herman/German town also offers locals and tourists alike to the Berries, BBQ, and wine trail and their August Sausage making class. Granite City, Illinois offers a Melting Pot Open air market on July 13. It's a great place to shop for local arts and crafts and pick up some of those collective items you have been looking for. For those who enjoy fine dining you aren't going to want to miss visiting Chesterfield August 31 for the Forks and Corks. This upscale and free event features the finest cuisine from local restaurants.

Latest Home Value Trends for the St. Louis Area

According to Zillow's most recent Real Estate Market Report, home values in the U.S. decreased 9.9% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to the second quarter of 2007
Led by Fenton, MO with a loss of 8% and the median home price at $181,000.
Next is Foristell showing a 7.1% decrease and the median price at $254,000.
Additional St. Louis, Missouri cities;

Valley Park Down 5.9% Median Price $176,000
Eureka Down 5.8% Median Price $223,000
Ballwin Down 5.5% Median Price $224,000
Maryland Hgts. Down 5.1% Median Price $158,000
St. Louis City Down 4.4% Median Price $143,000
Webster Groves Down 4.0% Median Price $235,000
Manchester Down 4.0% Median Price $208,000
Chesterfield Down 2.7% Median Price $353,000
St. Charles Down 2.3% Median Price $187,000
St. Peters Down 2.2% Median Price $168,000
O'Fallon Down 1.2% Median Price $205,000

While most home owners are in denial, this REPORT proves it's true:
According to Zillows just-released Q2 Homeowner Confidence Survey, 62% of U.S. homeowners believe their home's value has increased or stayed the same in the past year. Surveying 1300 home owners Zillow In reality, 77% of U.S. homes have declined in value over the past 12 months!

Although some news in the last few days has shown promise, I think we have a little ways to go before the market begins to start showing gains.