Yeah, there is nothing wrong with south county center, it is typical suburban America interchangeable with virtually every other large Midwestern city. I've been in the STL and Chicago areas my entire life, never felt unsafe doing anything in either city. Dont let all the bad press and media scare you into ignoring a city with 3 million people, lots of free museums and great pinball. One other thing to check out in STL is City Museum. Totally unique piece of living art downtown. Also one more endorsement of Chuck and CP pinball, make sure to check it out by the end of the year.