St.Louis Area Is Attracting Asians

The St.Louis Post - Dispatch reports:

The pursuit of a library science degree brought Ling Thumin to the United States from China about 17 years ago.

The degree led to a job with the St. Louis County Library, where Thumin, 53, spearheaded an effort to reach out to the growing number of metro area residents of Asian descent.

"I feel St. Louis is the best place for foreigners. We lean on each other for support," Thumin said. "Places like New York - the people are not as friendly."

Asians who have recently settled in the St. Louis area said they were attracted by a steady job market, the relatively low cost of living and, in growth hot spots, like St. Charles County, an abundance of new housing. Many also came to the area to study or work at universities or join relatives already settled here.

High real estate prices deter population growth and family formation.