Relocating to West Plains, MO (Springfield, Ozark: rental, new house, purchase)

[Mizzou]

My husband, 16 yr. old daughter and I are thinking about relocating to the West Plains area. We would like to purchase around 150 acres of hay/pasture ground to raise black angus on. My husband is also a builder. We have heard that the West Plains area is growing. Is there still a market for building new houses or rental property? Is there a need for remodeling or just general house repair work?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Mizzou

My husband, 16 yr. old daughter and I are thinking about relocating to the West Plains area. We would like to purchase around 150 acres of hay/pasture ground to raise black angus on. My husband is also a builder. We have heard that the West Plains area is growing. Is there still a market for building new houses or rental property? Is there a need for remodeling or just general house repair work?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Yes, the area is growing at a modest pace. Population growth is occurring faster than job growth, however. Also, West Plains is MUCH further removed from the Springfield/Branson growth corridor which stretches south from Greene County into Christian and Taney Counties. West Plains is located in the Ozarks with the Mark Twain National forest nearby. The surrounding areas are very scenic and quite rural. However, Howell County and the surrounding areas will likely see "steady" levels of growth as that area tends to be more popular with retirees.

The current demographics indicate that:

The population increased 4% between 2000 through 2006.
The non-farm job growth decreased by 0.1% between 2000 through 2005.

Here is the census data for Howell County: Howell County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

[fessparker]

I am a remodeler from West Plains, it is a very competitive area to be in this business, however having said that we would not live anywhere else. People here are very conservative...(read Frugal) and tend to shop for every bargain they can. If your husband is a real craftsman and not just a guy with a hammer and a truck, he can find work here. If material possesssions and a fast pace of living is your cup of tea then you would not like it here. But if you like a relaxed and friendly town, you would like it here. FESS

[Cali BassMan]

How long to get from West Plains to Lake Norfolk and Bull Shoals???

[MoNative34]

Norfork 1/2 hour.

Bull Shoals 1 hour.

It looks closer on the map, but the two lane roads and terrain make the trip longer.

[OA 5599]

Originally Posted by MoNative34

Norfork 1/2 hour.

Bull Shoals 1 hour.

It looks closer on the map, but the two lane roads and terrain make the trip longer.

Yup, US 160 and MO/AR 101 are very curvy roads. The upper end of Norfork is the closest to West Plains on 160, the lower ends are further away, as the speed limit in 101 is 45 or 35 once you get close to the lake.

I couldn't care less about the lakes myself...the best part about that area of Missouri has to be the North Fork, Eleven Point, Jack's Fork, and Current Rivers!