Saw there was a recent post about neighborhood recommendations, but since my situation is different, I figured I'd make a separate post.

I (27F) just got a job offer in the Kirkwood area of St. Louis. I've never been off the east coast of the U.S., so needless to say, I know very little about St. Louis--my friend just says it's a lovely place. I plan to move very soon, in the next few weeks, and was hoping to find a cheap 2-bedroom house or apartment for my brother and I to split the rent.

I've always lived in small towns or suburbs (only lived in a city for four months when I studied abroad in Paris), so I'm nervous about moving to a city, especially one I've never been to before. That said, I'm excited! I've heard so many wonderful things about the place.

My main question is: Where should I move that's commutable distance (like 20 minute drive) from Kirkwood, that has relatively cheap rent but is a safe neighborhood? I love to visit parks, and I'm planning on getting a dog so I'd love a nearby dog park (though not vital), but other than that, I don't really have any preferences about the location.

Some other questions, if you don't mind:

• What's traffic like in St. Louis? Is rush hour bad?
• What's the easiest way to make friends in St. Louis?
• What's the general vibe of people in St. Louis? Are they friendly? Is there anything I should avoid or definitely do when in St. Louis to get along with people?

And I'd love recommendations for places to go and events to go to this summer! Thanks so much!