Jackson/Cape girardeau areas? (St. Louis, New Madrid: how much, movie theaters, schools)

[ceylona]

We're considering the possibility of a move to Cape Girardeau (or the surrounding commutable areas) if my husband's excellent job offer pans out, and if we like it.

I've seen the college student point of view, but feel as a family we have far different needs in a community, and would love a family perspective of the area.

I'm interested more in quality schools, places to take the kids for fun, shopping for Mom, safety of the area, probability of flooding in certain areas or other natural disasters??? I hear earthquakes are a concern?

Thanks for your views.

[ShadowCaver]

Greetings - just posted a few links in a thread for a nearby area, might be interested in the following if not already seen:

Regional tourism site: Visit Missouri's River Heritage Region - Southeast Missouri
Cape G's online paper: seMissourian.com

As far as quakes, yea, not if but when such does happen, the entire region will be affected. However, there is some quite interesting debate in the geological community over just how much a threat there really exists... in a small nutshell [and with very much extreme exaggeration on my behalf to put this in perspective ] side 1 says that everyone should flee now, that its gonna be a doosy when it happens again with much property and life damages, whereas side 2 says not much at all to fear as the rocks down below are chilling and the threat of another/similar bout as the 1811-12 series is way overblown.

Can find more details here: Magnitude 2.2 - SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI (broken link) and the map tab also
With latest rumblings here: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program » Map Centered at 37°N, 90°W
and more pertinent thoughts here: Earthquake Topics - New Madrid Seismic Zone

More shaking info here too: Earthquake Topics - New Madrid Seismic Zone

For flood info, might wade through the following: FEMA: Information for Homeowners

Overall, it is a good community.

[moosesmom]

Hello!

I have lived in Cape Girardeau all my life and am now raising my own family here. If I were relocating to Cape, I would consider moving to the nearby and very commutable town, Jackson. It's small, but is great for families because it is safe and the schools are good. I would send my children to any of the parochial schools for the best education. As far as children entertainment there are some good, clean parks, movie theaters, a conservation center, bowling allies, kids concerts at the Show-Me center, i. e. Sesame Street, etc. Good shopping is limited. There is a Kohls, Target, a mall with JC penny's and Macy's and some teenager stores, Sears Grand, Coldwater creek, and, of course, wal-mart, kmart. As far as flooding, stay away from the river and you will be fine unless it rains like 2ft, which it happened to do this year. St. Louis is only 1 and half hours away so if you get too bored you can always go to STL. The drive there is easy and short. Hope this helps!