Want to move from Alaska to Missouri

[DocGSD]

Originally Posted by STLCardsBlues1989

And Missouri has a really big meth problem, but I think it's all over the state.

According to the news, the meth problem is much better than it was three years ago. Gov. Blunt has passed some harsh laws preventing the free purchasing of componets. It makes everyone show ID. I would be intrested to see the Uniform Crime Report for 07.

Coming from NY and having lived in Atlanta and ALB in the past 7 years, I can say through my experience, the drug problem is minor in MO compared to those places IMHO. From what you see of course.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by KasilofJen

Hello everyone!!

I haved lived in Alaska for the last 14 years and I am thinking about moving to Missouri. I want to move, because we have 3 small children and all of our family lives in the lower 48. I lived in Branson for a little while after high school, but really don't want to live there again..even though it was pretty. I am thinking about Missoui because it appears to be pretty rural. My husband is retired, but I am still working (there is a large age difference). What are are your thoughts? Any ideas?
What are the schools like? I am thinking about southeast Missoui. I want to move closer to family but still be a days drive away. haha Any input would be appreciated.

I love Missouri, don't get me wrong. But if I were independently wealthy and could live anywhere that wasn't by the ocean...I'd pick NW Arkansas, around Jasper. It's just unbelievably beautiful there.

As for Missouri. I really like the areas around Ava and Gainsville. Not sure about the school situation since I don't have any of those. I'd stay away from the bootheel myself. I lived in Doniphan for a bit and found it a little tooooooooooooo "different" if you know what I mean. YMMV

20yrsinBranson

[STLCardsBlues1989]

My Home Ec teacher went to teach in Ava.
I don't know how good the schools are, though.

[CalOrGal]

Well let me tell you my opinion. I live in So Oregon for 15 years (moved there from So Cal) and moved here to SE Missouri 2 years ago. We live in a town called "the gateway to the ozarks". There really isnt much here. We have a Walmart, Kmart, Applebees, Home Depot, Walgreens, Office Depot, Big Lots and Kroger and that about all the major stores. There are bugs, bugs and more bugs. I miss walking through the grass in my barefeet. You cant do that here because the chiggers will get ya. If you live in a more rural area you have to put up with seed ticks. Ticks the size of poppy seeds that attack in multiples. Then there are the mosquitos. I know they are everywhere but here they are worse. Cant forget about the poisenous snakes either. Copperheads, cotton mouths and water moccasins. Yuck!
When we lived in Oregon we loved being outdoors all the time. We spent our summers camping and swimming in the river, bbqing in the evenings and watching the occasional thunderstorm blow in and out. We dont camp anymore because the heat and humidity is suffocating. There isnt a river near by that isnt either filthy with mud and full of snakes. And then there is the weather...ice storms, heat, humidity, thunderstorms..hmmmm...lets just say that I loved watching the lightening and listening to the thunder lull me to sleep. The magnitude of the storms here is huge. The thunder rattles the house off the foundation (no chance of sleeping) and the lightening is so bright it turns the street lights off at night and kills any cell phone service. And let's not forget the tornado watches and warnings. They scare the hell out of me. One of the biggest surprises we found is they tax the heck out of you. Not only do you pay property tax on your real estate but your personal property as well....cars, trucks, trailers, campers, boats, livestock, rec. vehicles, etc.
Wow, I think I sound like an ad for all the reasons not to move to SEMO. The upside...affordable housing and great schools, compared to So Oregon. Rent is cheaper, houses for sale are cheaper, land is cheaper and property taxes are cheaper. The schools are better. They remind me of the back to basics learning I learned growing up. They do however paddle kids if they are bad. Hmm, not something I would allow them to do. And this place is also smack dab in the middle of the bible belt. If you dont go to church at least once or twice a week there is something wrong with you. We have found a great church but we dont go ALL the time. The men here are super friendly but the women seem to have a constant case of PMS. My husband agrees with me on that one....lol...
So, when deciding where you want to move to, do your research. We moved only because my inlaws moved here from So Cal and my husband wanted to be near them. I yearn for the west coast. I dream of going back there some day. But my kids do have a great group of friends, we live in a real safe neighborhood and like I said the the schools are great.
If you like culture, shopping, nightlife, or any kind of life..lol...I wouldnt recomend SEMO.
Oh yeah, and if you live in the county expect a dog to be dumped on your road atleast a couple times a week. I have never in my life seen a more dog unfriendly place as this area.
I'm stuck here. You dont need to be.
I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

[kris1176]

Originally Posted by CalOrGal

Well let me tell you my opinion. I live in So Oregon for 15 years (moved there from So Cal) and moved here to SE Missouri 2 years ago. We live in a town called "the gateway to the ozarks". There really isnt much here. We have a Walmart, Kmart, Applebees, Home Depot, Walgreens, Office Depot, Big Lots and Kroger and that about all the major stores. There are bugs, bugs and more bugs. I miss walking through the grass in my barefeet. You cant do that here because the chiggers will get ya. If you live in a more rural area you have to put up with seed ticks. Ticks the size of poppy seeds that attack in multiples. Then there are the mosquitos. I know they are everywhere but here they are worse. Cant forget about the poisenous snakes either. Copperheads, cotton mouths and water moccasins. Yuck!
When we lived in Oregon we loved being outdoors all the time. We spent our summers camping and swimming in the river, bbqing in the evenings and watching the occasional thunderstorm blow in and out. We dont camp anymore because the heat and humidity is suffocating. There isnt a river near by that isnt either filthy with mud and full of snakes. And then there is the weather...ice storms, heat, humidity, thunderstorms..hmmmm...lets just say that I loved watching the lightening and listening to the thunder lull me to sleep. The magnitude of the storms here is huge. The thunder rattles the house off the foundation (no chance of sleeping) and the lightening is so bright it turns the street lights off at night and kills any cell phone service. And let's not forget the tornado watches and warnings. They scare the hell out of me. One of the biggest surprises we found is they tax the heck out of you. Not only do you pay property tax on your real estate but your personal property as well....cars, trucks, trailers, campers, boats, livestock, rec. vehicles, etc.
Wow, I think I sound like an ad for all the reasons not to move to SEMO. The upside...affordable housing and great schools, compared to So Oregon. Rent is cheaper, houses for sale are cheaper, land is cheaper and property taxes are cheaper. The schools are better. They remind me of the back to basics learning I learned growing up. They do however paddle kids if they are bad. Hmm, not something I would allow them to do. And this place is also smack dab in the middle of the bible belt. If you dont go to church at least once or twice a week there is something wrong with you. We have found a great church but we dont go ALL the time. The men here are super friendly but the women seem to have a constant case of PMS. My husband agrees with me on that one....lol...
So, when deciding where you want to move to, do your research. We moved only because my inlaws moved here from So Cal and my husband wanted to be near them. I yearn for the west coast. I dream of going back there some day. But my kids do have a great group of friends, we live in a real safe neighborhood and like I said the the schools are great.
If you like culture, shopping, nightlife, or any kind of life..lol...I wouldnt recomend SEMO.
Oh yeah, and if you live in the county expect a dog to be dumped on your road atleast a couple times a week. I have never in my life seen a more dog unfriendly place as this area.
I'm stuck here. You dont need to be.
I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

I think you just described the Bluff....LOL...right?

I live between Doniphan and Poplar Bluff. (not sure what the person meant when they said Doniphan is to "different"...LOL..not disagreeing, but not quite following.)

Also, live here because of family.

She's right...lol..there's not much to do. We've developed a love for Nashville...four hours away, but hey, it's that or stay here and play Bingo or detick yourself...lol

Honestly, it IS beautiful...the area is gorgeous. The wildlife is plentiful. I can back up the tick information...lol..I live in a rural area and you have to wait until November to walk anywhere that hasn't been sprayed for ticks...or (as I've learned) cover yourself with skin-so-soft...I don't know if they can't get a grip and slide off or if it smothers them..lol..but it keeps them away pretty well.

I'm originally from Louisiana...born and raised (until age 11) in the Northshore area...that is where I will always call home. I am a proud coonass.. My father is a retired Union Boilermaker as are my brothers...we've traveled the country, so I've "lived" all over the place, including Texas, all over California, and all over Virginia...among other short stays in other states.

But, if you are looking for beauty...don't mind bloodsucking critters and like to hunt and fish...you may like it here. If you like to do anything other than eat and watch movies....the Bluff may not be your place.

[ozarksboy]

Could I persuade you to consider looking into what northern Arkansas has to offer?

[JakieBear]

Hello Future Newbie;
I'm from New York orig. and currently Pennsylvania and have just closed on a place in Laclede, Missouri ( Linn County )Laclede, Missouri - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and was there over this past weekend and the serenity is so refreshing.

I have a son 10, his pic is in my profile and he can't wait to move there for good in Jan., he meet the neighbors and made friends fast, so i am greatful that this will help his adjustment, just as yours will have to make should you deside on moving to Mo., you just are going to have to be mindful of a different pace and maybe a lack of some services, but for what i have seen and meet, i'm very content and happy to be relocating there.

It's a good time to move, the housing prices are down and during this phase, you'll save a great deal of funds.

Sooo, check out the link, maybe this will help, on my end, i wanted the small town, i like the one on one with the locals, you really don;'t have that in NY for the size and the hectic pace, hope this helps.

Good Luck;
Best Wishes;
JB

[sunshineann]

I'm originally from Pennsylvania. I moved here to Mo. about 6 years ago. Culture shock. Actually more like people shock for me. I use to be an outgoing bubbly person. Someone mentioned earlier about the women..boy thats the truth. Because in 6 years, i have maybe 2 friends. And thats not from a lack of trying. I live in Clinton Mo. As far as the schools in this area, and with the "no child left behind" the schools are not what they should be in my opinion. I do like being close to the lake. And the chiggers...watch out. lol
your going to have your good and bad with any place. Theres going to be one person to say yah and one to say Nay. Good luck to you.

[Silvermouse]

Originally Posted by sunshineann

I'm originally from Pennsylvania. I moved here to Mo. about 6 years ago. Culture shock. Actually more like people shock for me. I use to be an outgoing bubbly person. Someone mentioned earlier about the women..boy thats the truth. Because in 6 years, i have maybe 2 friends. And thats not from a lack of trying. I live in Clinton Mo. As far as the schools in this area, and with the "no child left behind" the schools are not what they should be in my opinion. I do like being close to the lake. And the chiggers...watch out. lol
your going to have your good and bad with any place. Theres going to be one person to say yah and one to say Nay. Good luck to you.

I gave you a rep for being so honest!

[sunshineann]

Thanks Silvermouse...I too am in the process of moving, and i value everyones honest opinions, wether bad or good. I think what everyone needs to remember on here is that its just that..opinions. Doesnt make them right or wrong.
Good luck to those looking to move...and i wish ya all a good move.