Moving out of STL... Need your help finding a place! (St. Louis: renting, bad credit)

[imanomad]

Hey guys,

New to the forum and looking for some advice

I'm currently living in the St. Louis Area and I really miss the "country" living/lifestyle. Sure the big city has it's ups, but I really enjoyed the "simpler" lifestyle, if you know what I mean.

I've lived in MANY different places in my life (I'm 24 and have lived in roughly 12-14 places. Mainly in 4 states) and I've always liked the "country". I'm single with no children. Love country music

What I'm really looking for is a town/community no bigger than 6000-7000 people. I'd like it to be "somewhat" close to a bigger city (not St. Louis Big though). Can't do the farm thing (though I'd probably love it) because I have asthma and allergies pretty bad.

Things I'm looking for in a town... Hmmm.

- I like nightlife, so hopefully it has something to do after dusk.
- I don't want any big stores there (ie: walmart)
- At least a couple pubs/bars to play pool and relax after work
- Opportunites for employment (no college degree)
- Bad credit, so will be renting (maybe contract for deed?)
- More girls than guys preferable... haha
- People around my age is definately a plus!
- A hospital somewhat nearby
- Cost of living, below national average, is a plus
- Just things to do in general... Hate being bored, but hate the city life!

Oh yah, and one more thing... If anyone has seen the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" with Reese Witherspoon or "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray... Those type of small community with diners, friendly people, etc.

Does a place like this even exist? haha

Thanks,

I'm A Nomad.
(Jeff)

[ShadowCaver]

Hmmm,,, couple real quick thoughts, given your overall prefs:

Farmington-Park Hills-Desloge-Bonne Terre-Frederickton area...
Jefferson City area...
Cape Girardeaux-Sikeston area...
Poplar Bluff area...
Mountain Grove to West Plains area...

Interesting question you pose,,, will think some more and some others will have additional great advice too.
Give the above areas some thought, and let me know if any of those tickle your fancy at the moment, and then can go from there too maybe?
Or do you think that ya might have a pref for a certain overall area of the state already?

[MoNative34]

Jeff, I would advise someone your age against moving way far away from a big city. Smaller towns generally lack a lot of nightlife and single people. The majority move away after high school and the ones who stay are married. Most friendship circles go way back to childhood and breaking through those cliques isn't easy. The cost of living is low, but the pay is also low and local jobs are more scarce.
I know this because I moved to the country from St. Louis at age 26. My job is in KC 40 minutes from here and that's also pretty much where I go for entertainment and nightlife.
Living fairly close to a metro increases your employment and social opportunities big time and I'm glad I live fairly close to one. Otherwise, there just wouldn't be much to do after the sun goes down.

What do you think about Pacific, Wright City, or Troy?? Small town, yet close to jobs.

[TGS]

Originally Posted by MoNative34

Jeff, I would advise someone your age against moving way far away from a big city. Smaller towns generally lack a lot of nightlife and single people. The majority move away after high school and the ones who stay are married. Most friendship circles go way back to childhood and breaking through those cliques isn't easy. The cost of living is low, but the pay is also low and local jobs are more scarce.
I know this because I moved to the country from St. Louis at age 26. My job is in KC 40 minutes from here and that's also pretty much where I go for entertainment and nightlife.
Living fairly close to a metro increases your employment and social opportunities big time and I'm glad I live fairly close to one. Otherwise, there just wouldn't be much to do after the sun goes down.

What do you think about Pacific, Wright City, or Troy?? Small town, yet close to jobs.

I agree with this idea. However, he could also move to a small town close to Columbia, which has a decent amount of jobs. Ashland, Rocheport, New Bloomfield, Hartsburg, or Fayette would be right up his alley. Fulton and Jeff City are also nearby and have a good amount of jobs.

[monique.archer]

The "Charmichael" house Melanie pretends is her home is really at Berry College in Mt. Berry, Georgia. This house, called Oak Hill, is a Georgia historic landmark and was the original home of the college founder, Martha Berry.
Just a little trivia for you =)