Where to live in Missouri (Kansas City, St. Louis: home, employment, good schools)

[cdarbe]

My husband and I are planning on moving to Missouri, but we don't know where to move. We'd thought about sprinfield but my husband doesn't want to be around the traffic. He possibly wants to live in a mid-size town with good employment possibilities, but I would like to live in at least driving (15-30 miles) distance of a major city. We're huge campers and hikers, and love water sports. Any suggestions????

[Darren Stewart]

With your description I would really consider Springfield again, yes there are traffic issues in town but if you can get 20 to 30 minutes out there may be some nice alternatives that you can live with.

Your camping and hiking and water sports interests make me suggest 15 to 30 minutes south of Springfield closer to the lakes in Branson area but then again that far north of Springfield you have Stockton and Lake of the Ozarks isnt that far.

Just my two cents, I have lived in the area since 85, born here but grew up everywhere else and when my father retired we chose home here in Springfield.

Best of luck with the move its a big decision, each of the small towns around Springfield have free information from their local chamber of commerce and many will provide free relocation packets, be warned sometimes your name will get passed on to a business as a new comer if you do that, I know I sometimes ask for them being a banker, but I am also on our local Chamber Board here in Ozark, Missouri, however if you don't wish your info to be shared with anyone else simply tell the person at the chamber office and they will honor the request.

Hope this helps.

[Someone1515]

You could try Joplin. It is a smaller city about 70 miles west of Springfield. Traffic here isn't as bad as it is in Springfield. Tulsa is only 110 miles while Kansas City is 150 so if you want to go to a major city it isn't that far of a drive. There are quite a bit of outdoor activities that can be done in the area. We have a few campgrounds and rivers that are good for fishing. If you like to go boating or any type of other watersports you can get to Grand Lake fairly easy.

[Carlidin]

Central Missouri is a good option. Columbia is a decent sized town with lots of job opportunities (3 colleges, 3 hospitals, manufacturing options). Lots to do as far as shopping, entertainment. Good schools. It is located about 1 hour away from the Lake of the Ozarks which is a 54,000 acre recreational lake area. There are also lots of small towns surrounding Columbia if you would prefer to live in a smaller community while having access to the ammenities of a larger city. It is also located in the center of the state, a couple of hours drive from either St. Louis or Kansas City if you would like to take a day trip for even more entertainment options like major league sports teams - St Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs. The major problem we have is deciding which team to root for. HA! And when they both play in something like the World Series (has happened once), it is even more difficult to make a choice.
If you would like more information feel free to contact me. I don't live in Columbia but in a smaller town close to Columbia and commute there to work daily at the University of Missouri.
Carolyn