Should I move to Missouri? (Kansas City, St. Louis: house, buy, community college)

[LoveJesus]

We live in Colorado and are thinking of moving to Missouri in 4 years after we get 20 years retirement here. I would work as a Substitute teacher and my husband would try to get an Instructor job at a Community College. What we are the most interested in is the much cheaper housing. Also, we don't like the dryness of Colorado and want to move to where there are more lakes and rivers. Tornadoes scare me the most when I think of moving to Missouri. Does the south end of the state get the most tornadoes?
Thank you.

[Versatile]

More than anybody wants! Don't let that stop you though. As many tornados in other states. IMO Give or take a few!

[onjicamnden]

My husband and I are also considering a move to S.W. Missouri, we live around Chattanooga Tn. We used to live in Colorado Springs though so I know what you mean about the dryness. I am a bit worried myself about the humidity, for I have read a few comments about it being unbearable. I would think that would mean the place would be very green though. Right? Yea, I agree with you on bieng afraid of the tonadoes, expecially with this most recent ordeal (the little girl getting killed by one). How sad.

[Versatile]

I didn't say that i am not scared of Tornado's. I have been thru several and seen an F-5 (Finger Of God) and i am scared of them too.Anyone that has been thru one will tell you the same or they are lying or a mental case.
As long as you use common sense then about 99% (maybe more than)of the time you will be just fine. You can't do that with an Earthquake! I consider low level flooding to be more dangerous overall.

[Ozarks21]

I may be a mental case. I've been through several tornados (no personal losses) and I am not afraid of them. I am thrilled by them. The last one that came near enough to see, I watched it from my back porch until it came near enough to cause the wind to blow from inside my house out toward me. I admit that got my adrenaline up, but I never felt what I would describe as fear. I was excited.

As for the comment about humidity, I cannot imagine that Springfield is more humid than Chatanooga.

[onjicamnden]

Originally Posted by Ozarks21

I may be a mental case. I've been through several tornados (no personal losses) and I am not afraid of them. I am thrilled by them. The last one that came near enough to see, I watched it from my back porch until it came near enough to cause the wind to blow from inside my house out toward me. I admit that got my adrenaline up, but I never felt what I would describe as fear. I was excited.

As for the comment about humidity, I cannot imagine that Springfield is more humid than Chatanooga.

Your either a mental case or pretty darn brave, huh? No I grew up in Abilene, Tx. and we had a few scares their, tornadoes can definatly bring some excitment. If I heard that one had been spotted anywhere near me though I can't say I wouldn't be freaking out , but I guess thats what cellars are for. Plus I have three small children and I want them to be safe of course.
I hope it's not much more humid then Chattanooga. It just seems that alot of people on here really have a problem with that and the bugs in Southern Mo. Guess they should move to Colorado.

[Jcoon]

The housing prices are worth the move. There is good affordable housing. As for the tornadoes....well one just learns how to live with the possibility. Having lived in the midwest most of my life....I'd say I still have only seen 4 in my whole life even though they have been through out the area. As well, as long as you learn how to live with the threat...being prepared in the event of....a family can be safe. One know or buy a home with a safe place in case of tornadoe.....two have a storm radio if not living in the city....and three keep all valuable paperwork/items in a safe or storm safe place. I think knowing how to live through the threat keeps most people safe.

[RhondaHMo]

We couldn't wait to get back after spending 15yrs in the MOST humid state on the planet...Texas. Can't get worse than that! I don't recall that much humidity as a kid, but then you play outside in anything! It's been a bit of an adjustment getting used to the winter this year, but we love the idea of being back in 4 distinct seasons again!

-Rhonda

[Indy4570]

I am moving to Missouri, in fact I can't wait to get there! I have my land smack in the middle of the Ozarks and love it! I am a tad concerned about getting a well as I am a poor boy but I will live in a shack to see the views and live in the peace. My wife says "god lives on my mountain" I go to google earth every day just to look at it, waiting for the day I no longer have to leave it. Oh yeah, the house I lived in as a child was completly removed and disintegrated by the worst set of tornadoes I can recall. All six people who lived there just after my family moved out were killed. Those tornadoes that swept through at least three states were called "The Palm Sunday Tornadoes" It happened in 1969. several sets of "double" tornadoes as well as singles ripped across northern Indiana into Ohio. a book called "the mighty whirlwind is a good read.

[mogirl90]

Try Mexico! We are in a valley, so we almost NEVER get tornadoes...they just seem to skip right over us. we've never actually been hit by one in the 17 years I've lived here. It's about a half hour north of Columbia, 2 hours west of St. Louis, and 3 hours east of Kansas City.