Abby Newsham and Jason Carter-Solomon, both lifelong St. Louisans, dive deep into the long-standing rivalry between Kansas City and St. Louis. They discuss the cultural differences, with Kansas City thriving while St. Louis faces stagnation despite its rich assets. The pair humorously tackle the infamous St. Louis-style pizza, explore urban leadership challenges, and share personal reflections on their neighborhoods. Their engaging conversation sheds light on how historical dynamics have shaped the identities of these two vibrant cities.
Kansas City and St. Louis present contrasting growth patterns, with Kansas City experiencing gradual growth and St. Louis facing significant population decline since 1950.
The personal narratives from the hosts reveal how diverse socio-economic backgrounds and geographical factors shape perceptions and opportunities in the urban landscapes of both cities.
Crime dynamics critically differentiate the two cities, as St. Louis struggles with the highest murder rate in the U.S., while Kansas City deals with comparatively lower crime statistics.
Deep dives
Contrasting Growth Trajectories
Kansas City and St. Louis showcase divergent growth trajectories, despite being located in the same state. St. Louis has experienced a significant population decline since its peak in 1950, dropping from over 850,000 residents to around 275,000 today. In contrast, Kansas City has seen gradual growth, currently housing over 500,000 people, thanks in part to its annexation policies and geographic expansion. This difference in growth highlights the varying urban development strategies and demographic shifts affecting the two cities.
Diverse Upbringing Perspectives
The podcast features personal stories from the hosts reflecting on their contrasting experiences growing up in St. Louis and eventually moving to Kansas City. One host recalls a childhood in North St. Louis, characterized by diverse social interactions amidst economic challenges, while the other describes growing up in suburban Wildwood, a more affluent area with a different community dynamic. These narratives illustrate how geography and socio-economic backgrounds can shape perceptions and opportunities within urban environments. Ultimately, these experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of the cities’ evolving identities.
Crime Rates and Urban Safety
The discussion addresses the crime dynamics in both cities, particularly focusing on murder rates as a significant indicator. St. Louis has achieved notoriety for having the highest murder rate in the United States, making it a central concern for residents and potential newcomers. Meanwhile, Kansas City also faces crime challenges, yet its murder rate is significantly lower, which may impact public perception and economic development in these regions. Understanding the complex factors contributing to these crime statistics is essential for addressing urban safety and revitalization efforts.
Social and Cultural Divides
A notable contrast exists in the social and cultural fabric of St. Louis and Kansas City, with perceptions of inclusivity and community engagement differing significantly. While Kansas City is described as more welcoming and open, St. Louis has established social circles that can feel exclusive or difficult to penetrate. This distinction is often attributed to St. Louis’s longer history and entrenched social structures, which may affect the integration of newcomers and their ability to contribute. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for economic and social vitality in both cities.
Architectural Heritage and Urban Revitalization
The podcast highlights the rich architectural heritage of St. Louis as both a blessing and a challenge in terms of urban revitalization. While the city boasts stunning historic buildings and vibrant public spaces, many of these structures face neglect and decay due to systemic urban issues. Kansas City, on the other hand, is noted for having less severe urban decay, though it lacks the same level of historic assets. The hosts discuss how leveraging architecture and commitment to public space improvement can be essential strategies for both cities moving forward.
This week, we take a little different tack and explore a time-worn Missouri rivalry: Kansas City vs St Louis. I invite two born-and-raised St Louisans, Abby Newsham and Jason Carter-Solomon to explore what is working and what is not with these two cities and metros.
These two regions dominate this part of the Midwest, but have entirely different cultures and growth trajectories. If you go back far enough to Joel Garreau’s “Nine Nations of North America” you may remember that he labeled Kansas City as the capital of the “Breadbasket” region, and had St Louis as a border city between the Breadbasket and “Dixie.”
Today, Kansas City is growing with sizeable numbers for a Midwestern city, and St Louis is fairly stagnant. What gives? Why is this so, since St Louis has such obvious assets? We explore this, as well as the horror that is St Louis-style pizza.
Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin’s Substack page.
Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here. If you’d like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5.
