The Hill in St Louis is still largely Italian, although few new immigrants. The Hill is the home of Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola.

I understand that even today when a home in the neighborhood goes up for sale, they just don't sell it you unless you last name ends in a vowel. It was rumored that for years, the St Ambrose parish priests interviewed prospective buyers and would not approve of anyone unless they were Italian.

I usually go for a dinner on The Hill when I go back to visit family. The neighborhood has not changed - perfectly manicured lawns, houses are very well kept, the fire hydrants are painted like Italian flags, the same restaurants and stores remain.....

I like neighborhoods that retain their heritage.

On the other hand, the Irish neighborhood in St Louis, Kerry Patch, is probably one of the worst ghetto's in the city. I drove by the house my grandfather lived in as a kid a few years ago and it looked like a crack house. In 20 years it will probably be re-vitalized and gentrified.