Where in Mo? (Springfield, Nixa, Ozark: rentals, condo, house prices)

[Cali BassMan]

Hey Luvb

You should definatley visit first, Missouri, espessially rural missouri is not what your use to....
You must be ready for an extreme cultural shock from what your use to. If your outside of a city there will be farm equipment driving down the road. Some of this equipment makes a CalTrans truck look like a tinker toy, and guess what? they don't go fast, and often there isn't room for them to pull over or you to get around, it's just the way it is, you will have to slow your pace of life down.. Now, I know that sound great, but as a 30 something Cali grown person it might be hard to do...
and the people in Missouri look you in the eye and speak to you, No they aren't trying to get over on you or pull some kinda scam, that's just the way alot of them are...Not like the typical California Sheople that walk by with thier head down and won't look at you...
and the kids play outside, yes outside without adults lingering over them..thier are alot of hunters and fishermen, and woods and animals...I know this still sounds good but what about bugs and snakes? Bugs the size of hummimgbirds and little tiny ones that you can't see that makes you itch...and snakes all over and turtles....
And you'll have to be ready for weather.. now I'm not talking about the weather we have, you know, nice 48 weeks out of the year, and then 4 weeks where it gets down to a miserable 45 degrees, Missouri has 4 real seasons, that means some hot humid summers, and some cold frozen winters...
Most everyone on this board is real nice but sometimes they might paint a picture that is a little to pretty for us California folks......LOts of West Coast people move here, hate it, and then try to move back...Remember Cali is easy to move from, but hard to move back to...
So if I was you I'd visit the in-laws alot when they move, look around alot to see if you like what you see. and be sure and visit in all the seasons....
Oh by the way, I love Missouri, and plan on moving there when I retire, I too have relatives in Missouri, and have been bringing my wife out here at all different times of the year so we can get a feal for it... I honestly don't know if I could have made the move at 30 yrs old though, I'm looking to retire here....

[OA 5599]

Cali BassMan is very right. You'll likely experience some major culture-shock coming form Southern California, especially if you move to outstate Missouri. It won't be as bad in one of the lager cities, but even St. Louis is a very different place than LA. I've been living out of the state for a couple years now and even get a little culture-shock myself when I go back to my small hometown. It is totally different than Austin even. You should also know that Missouri is a pretty un-diverse place, most towns in outstate Missouri are 95+% white, and thats one of the first things I notice when I'm back in MO. Again, coming from CA that will likely be a pretty big shock to you. You may also be shocked at some of the poverty in the smaller towns...it depends on the town, but in some 25-30% of the population is living below the poverty line. If you aren't used to being around the culture of poverty, it may be a little shocking. I personally miss Missouri and may move back because I think it is a great state, but it is not for everyone.

[kareybear]

Everyone gave good info. I was born and raised in California and I would never move back to California. Missouri is wonderful place for family. I live in Macon,Mo which is the Northern parts of Missouri and everyone is friendly and the school here is Great. I love the feel of Missouri and scenery here is beautiful. I sure don't miss the traffic in California. Urghhh I hated it. The prices of home is fantastic and it comes with Land. Missouri is by far different than Calif but a good different. You should visit just to see for yourself.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

All the California to Missouri people need to start a Facebook group.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by STLCardsBlues1989

All the California to Missouri people need to start a Facebook group.

About a year and a half ago, Mrs. Chilicook started a newcomers coffee club...it's amazing how many of us end up being "from" California.

Most of the people I work with are retirees or families looking for a different lifestyle, less than 20 percent are from California. Lots of transplants from the upper midwest, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas.

We're a moving bunch of people, us Americans.

[kareybear]

We don't need facebook group. We got our group right here.

[luvbnmom03]

Hey guys, we're coming out for Presidents Day! It'll be a quick trip, hubby will meet with St. John's recruiter (didn't take long for them to call hubby once resume was posted!) So wish us luck and hopefully we'll be neighbors soon!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

St. John's in Springfield?

I just ask cause there's a St. John's Mercy near St. Louis also.

[Inoxkeeper]

Originally Posted by luvbnmom03

Hey guys, we're coming out for Presidents Day! It'll be a quick trip, hubby will meet with St. John's recruiter (didn't take long for them to call hubby once resume was posted!) So wish us luck and hopefully we'll be neighbors soon!

Good Luck! If it's St. John's near in Saint Louis, Fenton may work out for you guys.

[luvbnmom03]

St. John Springfield area. Any suggestions on what communities to look into while there. Granted we'll be there for just a short period, but during the kids spring recess, we planning on going back out there to spend more than just a few days.