Van Buren (Springfield, Poplar Bluff, Mexico: house, to buy, school districts)

[zeldaII]

Hi all!
I grew up in SE MO and have been living in the Colorado and now New Mexico areas for over 20 years. I recently went back for a family reunion on Current River and now I'm missing MO terribly. I would love to buy a home in the Van Buren area but the only obstacle I can see is employment. I would be willing to drive as far as Poplar Bluff. My background is computers and network administration. Surely I can find something in this area correct?

[ShadowCaver]

Maybe w/ a school district, or local business that requires/demands computers, such as an electric co-op? Start up or join a computer repair shop? Best of luck - that area is definitely wonderful... [except the new US60 bridge over the Current River - there is now just a cold feeling when traveling over the river there, no sense of being a part of it - just a disconnect...]

[nmnita]

ShadowCaver has some good ideas. In fact, here in our little town (NM byw) our great computer guy left about a year or so ago. Where did he go? MO. He went back to work for a company but I don't remember who. I know he was going to be doing traveling and I think it had to do with cable in some way. He ran our only coumputer repair shop in town. the guy he sold it to isn't as knowledgable or he appears not to be and not nearly as friendly. Boy do we miss Paul.

anyway, I am sure you can find something. I would write to a few companies, like he said maybe school districts etc. You might be surprised.

Good luck,

Nita

[zeldaII]

I was definitely thinking school districts for computer work and advertising for computer repair an instruction in the local papers (within 40 mile radius). I know what you mean ShadowCaver about the bridge but if you ever drove the old Springfield to Poplar Bluff road then the divided highway is a welcomed site.

What town in NM nmnita? I'm in Taos. I think if one can make a living in Taos one can make it anywhere. I came here without a job three years ago and have manages to make a decent living by Taos standards.

I think what we will do is first buy a home, then transition to Van Buren. Worst case scenario I will have to work in a bigger city but I will still have a nice little home on the river and my family near by.

[ShadowCaver]

zeldaII - yea, have been on both the previous and then new divided highway on that route, and the new section is indeed a definite improvement . Just wish that the bridge designers/engineers could have used some artistic license, and couple some form w/ function, as I've seen elsewhere. This is just a slab of concrete, w/o any sight lines or 'togetherness' with the beauty of the river/area there. Anyhow, sorry, a bit off-topic from your query - in any case, again, best of luck! Oh, another idea - wonder if possible to work out of your house, w/ your type of computer background? Have you seen that 3geeksandamouse type of computer/data work?

[kyla]

We just moved to Van Buren, and bought a small restaurant, Hungry Owl Steakhouse. It has a great feel to it, and we are happy with our choice. It is a thriving town, and you needn't go to Poplar Bluff very often, which we like! I hope you find something in the area job wise, good luck!

[zeldaII]

Well, we bought house here in Van Buren last October and moved here in December. We have been here 5 months and love it. I found a job in the computer field. I provide hardware support for Dell. I would actually be making really good money if I didn't have to pay for gas.

I read that the Hungry Owl re-opened. We will have to check it out.

We are going to float this weekend if they open up the river. It's still at flood stage.

[ShadowCaver]

Flood stage - yea, that's a good time to float - white waterrrrrrrrr!

Indeed, will have to ensure that Hungry Owl is in my sights next time bopping about that area...

[OA 5599]

Glad you hear you made it there and found work. The Current River and the whole area is awesome...I just spent today and Saturday on the Jack's Fork and it makes me miss the Ozarks terribly! The river was high though...real easy when you just cruise over all the rocks!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I'm glad you found some work there. My brother-in-law's family lives in Van Buren.