Going to be moving to Ft. Scott, KS. can you tell me about it? (Overland Park: to rent)

[silverhaired51]

My family that lives in Ft. Scott could not give much information. But wanting to buy a nice house in town, they live in the country. Need at least 4 bedrooms. Can you help? Thanks

[GraniteStater]

Yes, the town is located along highway 69 and is well to the south of the KC metro area. Fort Scott has had very poor economic growth the past several years and has lost a lot of jobs. Therefore, I would wager that home prices are rather depressed in the area. You could probably find a nice home for under 150K in the area. Bourbon County has also lost population the past several years because more people are moving to find jobs in urban areas closer to KC and elsewhere because the county has lost quite a few jobs. Also, the town has under 8,000 population.

[superduty]

Even though there may be fewer jobs, I don't hear about people having that much trouble finding jobs in Fort Scott. They just built a new walmart this year, and a new Hospital a few years ago. A new Walgreens is being built and a Taco Bell came to town within the last year or so. These large companies do extensive demographics before investing money for new development, so you can bet growth will follow. You can buy a large victorian home and live in a good safe area. Most cities you either can't afford the victorian home, or it's in an area you would be scared to drive through. There are many people that enjoy the small town, easy going atmosphere so much that they make the 80 mile commute to Overland Park(kansas city) everyday for work. I have considered it myself, but I continue to live and work in Kansas City.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by superduty

Even though there may be fewer jobs, I don't hear about people having that much trouble finding jobs in Fort Scott. They just built a new walmart this year, and a new Hospital a few years ago. A new Walgreens is being built and a Taco Bell came to town within the last year or so. These large companies do extensive demographics before investing money for new development, so you can bet growth will follow. You can buy a large victorian home and live in a good safe area. Most cities you either can't afford the victorian home, or it's in an area you would be scared to drive through. There are many people that enjoy the small town, easy going atmosphere so much that they make the 80 mile commute to Overland Park(kansas city) everyday for work. I have considered it myself, but I continue to live and work in Kansas City.

It is good that a few new companies and restaurants are opening because the census data paints a rather bleak picture over the past several years. Between 2000-2004 Bourbon County registered a decline of -22.7% for all non-farm employment according to the census data. The total percentage of the population living below poverty also increased to 15.2% in 2004, the most recent data available. I can not believe that some people would consider commuting from Fort Scott to the KC metro every day. That would be a long drive and would cost $$$ in gas costs. Franklin and Miami counties have been increasing in population as more people move there to "escape" the big city. Southeast Kansas might get some economic development help related to the new casinos they want to build, especially in Cherokee County.

[silverhaired51]

Well, I have made up my mind about moving to Ft. Scott, I am not. I know that in all towns, and cities you have problems. But from everything I have heard, seen, and read, it made my mind up.

[prairiestone]

hi i recently purchased a small piece of land outside the fort scott area in bourbon county.. in which i hope to build there within the next 2 years... i was impressed with the uniqueness of the town with its brick streets also the scenery and natural beauty.. i am hoping the county will prosper more.. possibly with ethanol prodcing plants or a future in green products.. i always preferred living out in the country.. but i do hope the area swings back with some growth

[NorthGeorgiaGal]

My husband and a friend are going to visit Bourbon county on a hunting trip in November and are in need of somewhere to rent. They will be there two weeks and are looking for an old house or hunting cabin with a small kitchen so they can cook. I am not having much luck finding anything. Does anyone know of somewhere?

[AnywhereElse]

There are jobs if you are interested in retail or fast food. The housing market is grossly overpriced considering the population is declining. Taxes are sky-rocketing here. You don't want to put tags on your car in Bourbon County. Both charges for water (which we distill because of the quality) and sewer have just went up. They let everything kind of go for a long time and now they decided with the economic downturn that it is time to do everything at once. We have a new City Manager, Economic Director, are losing our head of public safety, etc. There have been a scandal or two over government/Chamber related issues. It is a town in turmoil and the only industry they are interested in appears to be bringing in tourist dollars - this is nothing but. As my name implies "AnywhereElse".

[silverhaired51]

AnywhereElse, if you are not happy there why not move? Taxes are high everywhere, not just in Ft.Scott. If people want to move there, because they like the area, or the town don't talk it down.