Waynesville/St. Robert area (Rolla, Fort Leonard Wood: rental, crime, house)

[matdec]

What do you all know about the Waynesville or St. Robert area? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

[recycled]

These are two well known, almost infamous towns to any active or former Army people who did boot camp or AIT at Fort Leonard Wood (like me), or who had a permanent duty station there. These two towns are 99 percent oriented around FLW, with regards to residents and businesses. Not a whole lot going on there outside FLW, several decent restaurants and a few typical GI bars and clubs. I stopped by there last year, and things had cleaned up a a lot from the 1970s. You got a job lined up around there, or are you headed for boot camp?

[matdec]

Son in law is going to be stationed at Ft Wood. I had heard good and bad about the area. My two grandkids will be going to school there.

[stacydmeyer]

I live in Waynesville. I can tell you that Waynesville schools are very good schools and have very good sport programs. Both Waynesville and St Robert are growing along with the Fort. Just like person had replied earlier, both cities are in the process of city wide clean ups which is making the citys as whole a pretty nice place to live. If your son in law is used to big cities then he might be disapointed because these cities are not real large but it makes learning the area and getting around real easy. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[matdec]

Thank you stacydmeyer. I had heard that it was a really rough area and did not want my grandkids to have a hard time there. Lots of bars and crime.

[stacydmeyer]

There are bars and sure some crime but I can't even remember when a crime was mentioned as happening in this area. I must say overall it is safe. I have two children of my own and if their safety was an issue I would have moved a long time ago. As for the bars, I must say that this area being attached to the Fort really doesn't have as many bars as someone might think. There are maybe 6 bars where the military folk go and enjoy themselves and then in Waynesville there are two or three small local taverns. It really is safe! His children and him might live on post also. I don't have anything bad to say about this area but the one issue I know of is the on post hospital. It takes forever to be seen and the treatment is not what you would expect. I hope this helps. Oh, you might look online for the Waynesville Daily Guide, our local newspaper and check the police reports for yourself. Oh, speaking of police, there are MP's, St Robert Police department, Waynesville Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriffs Department and because the courthouse for Pulaski county is in Waynesville, you often see the highway patrol. All areas are well patroled! If more info is needed then please ask!

[matdec]

Thank you, I had heard there were a lot of drug arrest there, but I guess drug users are everywhere. Thanks for your help!

[kc97drvr]

Here is a link that depicts the area in the ,70's and early '80's. Might be that way still with all the adult businesses in the area.



crimemagazine.com/fortjpo.htm

[Bulldoglvr]

Originally Posted by stacydmeyer

I live in Waynesville. I can tell you that Waynesville schools are very good schools and have very good sport programs. Both Waynesville and St Robert are growing along with the Fort. Just like person had replied earlier, both cities are in the process of city wide clean ups which is making the citys as whole a pretty nice place to live. If your son in law is used to big cities then he might be disapointed because these cities are not real large but it makes learning the area and getting around real easy. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Hi Stacy,

What about flooding?

I'm thinking about buying a rental property there.

Thanks

Dan Carrison
Los Angeles

[ShadowCaver]

Having lived in the Rolla area for quite a few years, had spent some time in the Waynesville/St. Robert areas - they are very scenic, w/ beautiful rolling hills, clear streams of the Gasconade and her tributaries, and much wildlife. As to flooding, yes such can/will/does happen, but w/ knowledge of the streams and a good topo map, should be able to build above suspect areas. lol,,, house were lived was on a rural gravel county road, with wet weather streams crossing it either side of the property... numerous times had to call into work to say that could not get out due to water . One time tho, was on the opposite side, and w/ the 4x4 GMC truck had at the time, crossed them so could get home - had water actually going over the hood,,, Was also fun taking my canoe and floating this stream when it got up to that level too... a creek that normally was dry most of the year. Which btw, this part of the Ozarks is famous for, its 'sinking' or 'losing' creeks [where water goes underground, and can actually feed a spring many miles away, "crossing" ridges]. Sorry , back to the topic - yes, there is crime and meth, as unfortunately too many areas have, but, overall good schools and nice area.