If you could live anywhere in Missouri? (St. Louis, Springfield: homes, theatres)

[ozarksboy]

To the poster who mentioned Alex Pizza, I say AMEN. And MSM/UMR/MUST is a great school full of the brightest young minds in science, engineering and technology.

To the poster who mentioned the lack of a Trader Joe's in Rolla, I must point out that we have a wonderful shop called Chefs Pantry that offers products not found in a typical supermarket, plus a health food store called Foods for Health that also offers a wide range of tasty stuff.

These places, Alex Pizza, Chefs Pantry and Foods for Health are all locally owned, not chains, which I think is a strength. I agree with the editor of this magazine: The Ozarks Chronicle/From the Editor

PLUS, we have three farmers markets each week in Rolla alone. There are farmers markets in St. James, Salem, Waynesville and other communities around us, too. Of course, if you move here, you'll likely put in a garden and grow a lot of your own fresh produce.

If you're thinking about moving to Missouri and want country life with some of the extras that city life offers, primarily in the arts, then take a look at Rolla and Phelps County.

[rollagirl]

I have to say that as soon as I can move from here I will....and most of this is related to job issues....So I guess I really didnt answer your questions. But for me, that's everything. Why live somewhere that's beautiful, interesting, low crime, good housing, and all that if there are no jobs to put money in you pocket to pay the bills. Where would I live....I want to rent everywhere til I find a good place. Since I used to drive big truck, I've been in all the state(48) except 4....RI, ME, NH, SD. I hope to do some "rock" digging in Montana and some other places. But kids and husband you know.

[rollagirl]

Originally Posted by kearney_the_black_lab

Lee's Summit is a nice city.

I've heard that it's a good city. But I also think that it's a for higher income mostly....a suburb of KC.

[rollagirl]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

Anywhere in the Ozarks is great, but we've got it best right here in Rolla, halfway between Springfield and St. Louis on I-44. It's home of the state university system's science and technology school, and that enhances life a lot. The university brings world-class speakers, performers, musicians and theatrical productions to town. We've got streams to float and trails to hike nearby. Fishing and hunting are great pastimes. Traffic in town is heavy from about 7:45-8:05 a.m. and again at 4:45-5:05 p.m. It's a wonderful place. I suggest these websites to find out more about the area: KDBS Publishing LLC/The Ozarks Chronicle/The Ozarks Home & Garden
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The middle and jr high chools suck. I've been in Rolla for 5 years and can't wait to leave. It's just not a place for me. But many like it. I guess it depends on what your looking for.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by rollagirl

I have to say that as soon as I can move from here I will....and most of this is related to job issues....So I guess I really didnt answer your questions. But for me, that's everything. Why live somewhere that's beautiful, interesting, low crime, good housing, and all that if there are no jobs to put money in you pocket to pay the bills. Where would I live....I want to rent everywhere til I find a good place. Since I used to drive big truck, I've been in all the state(48) except 4....RI, ME, NH, SD. I hope to do some "rock" digging in Montana and some other places. But kids and husband you know.

You have to visit NH and ME! Those areas have some great small towns, spectacular scenery, rugged mountains, and an Atlantic coastline. The best way to see the two states is to fly into the Manchester, NH airport and then rent a car to explore the coastal areas and the north country up in the White Mountain National Forest area. The mountains are not as tall as in the West but the vegetation is almost always green whenever it is not covered by snow in the colder seasons.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by rollagirl

The middle and jr high chools suck. I've been in Rolla for 5 years and can't wait to leave. It's just not a place for me. But many like it. I guess it depends on what your looking for.

Just curious - why in your opinion are the MS and JHS not so good?

What are you looking for [besides a better/different job]?
Well, w/ that said, what kind of job are you [and your husband] looking for?

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by Plains10

You have to visit NH and ME! Those areas have some great small towns, spectacular scenery, rugged mountains, and an Atlantic coastline. The best way to see the two states is to fly into the Manchester, NH airport and then rent a car to explore the coastal areas and the north country up in the White Mountain National Forest area. The mountains are not as tall as in the West but the vegetation is almost always green whenever it is not covered by snow in the colder seasons.

Yes! The White Mtns are absolutely gorgeous - very scenic. However, be careful at the Manchester airport - I thought I would have no troubles flying in and then back out of there on a trip to Boston; HA! Landed, go the rental car, etc., and as custom w/ me, looked around, figured no problem on the return... Was very upon returning a few days later, when there was massive and multiple lines leading into security. Thankfully, was able to bribe an agent into letting me go through faster as my plane was about to leave. Anyhow, again, that is a beautiful area.

[ORexpat]

Nobody likes Grundy county?

Ouch! That hurt!

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by ORexpat

Nobody likes Grundy county?

Ouch! That hurt!

lol,,, well, Crowder State Park is nice...

[ozarksboy]

Rolla is one of the top 101 towns to live in if you like the outdoors, according to a new book. There's a brief mention of it on The Ozarks Chronicle blog (broken link).

Rollagirl, you're right, the job market doesn't seem to be very good right now. There have been press reports, too, that utility rates are higher than anywhere else in the state. I don't know anything about the quality of the schools. I thought they were good, but my kids have been out of school for so long that I've lost touch.

I like the life here. It's beautiful, but Rollagirl is right, making a living can be difficult, but it's probably no worse than anywhere else.