Greenfield - Lockwood area? (Springfield, Bolivar: transplants, for sale, homes)

[JDGreen]

Anyone from, or know anything about the Lockwood and the Greenfield area regarding living there?

While they have had a reclining population in the last couple years they still spend more on education than most other cities in Mo. (hopefully that's not why they have a decline in population. (kids get smart and leave)

I like the location, close to Lake Stockton and not to far from Springfield. Hopefully it's not an oven in July & August.

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by JDGreen

Anyone from, or know anything about the Lockwood and the Greenfield area regarding living there?

While they have had a reclining population in the last couple years they still spend more on education than most other cities in Mo. (hopefully that's not why they have a decline in population. (kids get smart and leave)

I like the location, close to Lake Stockton and not to far from Springfield. Hopefully it's not an oven in July & August.

Greenfield is minutes from the Lake. Very nice camping there. I'm not sure about the education, I would think you would have to pay teachers better to teach in such a small town. Lockwood and Greenfield are small towns. And I hate to break your heart but July and August are HOT!!! HUMID!!! But get you some AC and go to the lake frequently and your set. Most of us Missouri transplants do adjust to the heat.

[JDGreen]

Thanks for the reply Molly,

I'm told he entire state of MO spends less per student than the U.S. average, but the statistics show that all SW MO towns & cities spend about the same per student per year, now this is only for towns and cities in SW MO, I haven't researched the entire state.

There is no place I really prefer in the Midwest and south in July & August, except may inside with air conditioning.

I'm not sold yet on the Lockwood-Greenfield area, I will be there in a couple of weeks to check out everything from Springfield north to Bolivar, and from Lockwood east to Fair Grove, so any other thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

I also really like the Brighton area, all the homes are on 2+ acres.

Thanks again.

[Mollym313]

I think SW Mo school system is lagging...no doubt about it. Unfortunately with the "no child left behind act" I think there is a manipulation in the actual statistics. The rural areas are poor (for the most part) how the same could be spent on all students equally is mystifying. I honestly do not think much of some of the teachers here...I feel they do not belong as educators of our youth.

[alex3413]

I am from the Greenfield area. It is definitely very close to the lake, and the lake is absolutely gorgeous (it is where I spent most of my summers). Because of all the "fingers" in the lake, it is very easy to find property close to an access area.

The properties are not all that great. Although there are plenty for sale, most will be "fixer-uppers" in town, or out of town. The scenery outside the town is very pretty.

The people take awhile to warm up to newcomers, but you will find that in any small town. Once they get used to you, its like you have been friends since birth. Everyone is very friendly and you won't pass a person that doesn't say hi or give you a wave.

The education system is not the greatest, but most of the teachers are very dedicated to their jobs. There are some wonderful teachers there that will do anything to help their students and they will do everything they can to better educate them. Your kids will easily be able to get some one-on-one time with the teachers (thats often needed after a transition such as moving to a new area). The school sports bring the community together. The football team is great, though its 1A. (A movie called "The Rivalry" was recently made about the football team.) Even though they are a small school, most of the sports are fairly decent--especially the football team, the cheerleading squad, and basketball. Many students are awarded athletic scholarships for college.

You will have to check out the town yourself. It can be beautiful, and it can also be unappealing. Those born and raised there love the town, but newcomers sometimes find the square and town lacking.

Lockwood also has quite a bit to offer.

The heat has never really been a problem. It doesnt get too cold in the winter and it doesnt get too hot in the summer. When its warm, people head to the pool or the lake.

[JDGreen]

Thanks for the info. I've already found a spot spot and moved between Brightom and Bolivar. It'S GREAT TO BE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!