looking for a nice town (Kansas City, St. Louis: attorney, buying, high school)

[Lake Junkie]

I agree that there are a number of good points here. That's what makes free speech cool.

And I think there's a balance between investigating and making a thoughtful and informed decision...and having a bit of the pioneer-style romance that goes deep into this country's roots! It is foolish to move to a new area without investigating wages, taxes, medical care & whether-or-not-the-local-grocery-store-carries-fresh-basil (assuming you can't live without that...)...but it's also foolish to let fear keep you from pushing off from the safe and venturing into the slightly-unknown future in a new area IF you are sure you have the guts and skills to make something work!

I, also, experienced a cold shoulder from certain members of the "from here" clique in my first year of life in SW MO. It took me a while to figure out where I fit.

I expected the slap in response to my suggestion that we regulate the growth...but honestly folks, unless somebody closes the immigration spigot tomorrow...this country will continue to grow and grow and grow and people will continue to look for that illusive American dream. A rational plan for growth could be our best option to keep from having unattractive results!

[Silvermouse]

Originally Posted by maagy

OK then .... what ur saying is .... I can go around MO and throw trash out my car window while driving any speed I want to, chop down trees in Mark Twain national forest

Um, I'm not sure where you got this - I was alluding to more regulation, not changing the laws we have now

Originally Posted by maagy

..Unfortunately, my hubby and I still will never be able to afford 1/2 mil for a home, I guess $3000. for a morgage pymt a month is just to much to swallow.

Now this just sickens me - that you are priced out of a place you have been all your life and obviously love. That's what I don't want to see happen here.

I don't know the solution. Maybe throw up a bunch of hog farms or, as Lake Junkie suggested, break bottles on all the border roads.

[Silvermouse]

Originally Posted by Lake Junkie

I, also, experienced a cold shoulder from certain members of the "from here" clique in my first year of life in SW MO. It took me a while to figure out where I fit.

Ha! In that town you wouldn't have fitted in unless your great-great grandmother had been from there.

Originally Posted by Lake Junkie

I.

I expected the slap in response to my suggestion that we regulate the growth...but honestly folks, unless somebody closes the immigration spigot tomorrow...this country will continue to grow and grow and grow and people will continue to look for that illusive American dream. A rational plan for growth could be our best option to keep from having unattractive results!

I thought you were wanting to tell me how many horses I could have.

No slaps from me on immigration. I agree whole-heartedly. I don't understand why the government won't do something. Don't they see what it's doing to the country? No one seems to care. It's sooo frustrating.

[maagy]

Originally Posted by Silvermouse

No slaps from me on immigration. I agree whole-heartedly. I don't understand why the government won't do something. Don't they see what it's doing to the country? No one seems to care. It's sooo frustrating.

Are ya'll talking about immigration into America or Missouri??? Illegal immigration is a huge problem!!! English is a second lanuage in some areas of urban California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. I checked into buying the Rosetta Stone for Spanish so i could talk to fellow employees at the last job i had in Cali but I couldn't afford it and rent .

[maagy]

Originally Posted by Lake Junkie

I agree that there are a number of good points here. That's what makes free speech cool.

And I think there's a balance between investigating and making a thoughtful and informed decision...and having a bit of the pioneer-style romance that goes deep into this country's roots! It is foolish to move to a new area without investigating wages, taxes, medical care & whether-or-not-the-local-grocery-store-carries-fresh-basil (assuming you can't live without that...)...but it's also foolish to let fear keep you from pushing off from the safe and venturing into the slightly-unknown future in a new area IF you are sure you have the guts and skills to make something work!

I, also, experienced a cold shoulder from certain members of the "from here" clique in my first year of life in SW MO. It took me a while to figure out where I fit.

I expected the slap in response to my suggestion that we regulate the growth...but honestly folks, unless somebody closes the immigration spigot tomorrow...this country will continue to grow and grow and grow and people will continue to look for that illusive American dream. A rational plan for growth could be our best option to keep from having unattractive results!

I agree ... we have (well, I have) been investigating all of the above with the exception of taxes and wages. I could care less about the taxes because there is no way MO could be more taxed than Cali (and we're willing to pay up anyways). My daughter was telling me that the state may be sending I.O.U.'s to folks for their income tax returns (could be a rumor or just my girl ranting like her mom likes to do ). It's in major trouble with a capital "T". And wages, I know the entire Country is in trouble with the economy some States less than others. The minimum wage in Cali is (drum roll) $8 bucks. Even the waitresses and waiters get that plus tips. And still single parents can't decide on milk or rent when it comes down to it. As long as I don't have to pay $1500 for rent plus utilities (which are around $600). I know others may need to worry about these kinds of things and your advice is warrented and should be followed.

As for the basil-in-the-grocery-store thing. Well I absolutely love bazil. I also love to grow it. But jicama thats another story, know idea how that ones grown (I think in the ground: a root maybe) I love my fruits and veggies and hate to go without (think I was a goat in another life). I am willing to go to any lengths for produce. If that means driving 2 hrs into a big city.....well so be it. Jicama is worth it.

In the last couple of years we've lived in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. It's all the same: low wages & lower taxes (even florida) The next jobs may take us to New Mexico, Nebraska, Ohio, Michigan, and God only knows where else ...... so I'd say MO is centrally located. I know other states are too, but family lives in MO.

Unfortuately I haven't "fit in" for quite some time. And just the thought of a home ...... I just can't describe it. I know eventually the people will or won't come around. Coming from a small town I am well aware that my hubby and I will be under a magnifing glass. We don't have anything to hide, so there won't be anything to see. Don't get me wrong I am a social creature just like any other, and would love to get to know the people I live around, but I'm not that pushy and would rather not socialize with the locals at first if there is animousity. After all it's not like I couldn't just go visit my in-laws in Laurie or my sister-in-law in Cole Camp if I need company. If I'm really lonely I could go visit my kids, it's only a couple of days drive. (Geez, I could talk myself right out of settling down if I keep this up.)

Joke:
Do you know why Mexicans wear pointed cowboy boots???

To make it easier to climb the chain link fence! (hardi har har)

(Good luck with that fence)

[maagy]

Originally Posted by MoNative34

Alright you two.... I think the both of you bring good points to the table here. Although I am a native to the state and never lived in California, I'm one that's been affected by both sides of this issue.

I've lived in 4 different places in Missouri in my 35 years of life. St. Louis suburbs, Springfield, Kansas City and Northwest Missouri where I reside now.

I do stand by what I said in the Rural/Small Town Living forum that was quoted above. I'll say it again if need be. Moving here with no income or plan is going to be rough despite the lower cost of living. I know people are excited and want to change chapters in their life. I'm not saying not to do it... Just plan carefully. Have a plan. Haste not. I know its sometimes an unpopular thing to say.

That's not giving the cold shoulder to newcomers. If folks caused trouble, that would be different. I'd get in an uproar myself. I know all about the "cold shoulder" because I've been on the receiving end of it after moving to where I am now. I've had a "live and let live" mindset the whole time residing here and it seems a fair share of people already had their minds made up about me before even getting to know me no matter how many times I've tried to start conversations. I've even helped round up stray cattle for a neighbor who didn't seem to bother to say "thanks." C'mon.

Luckily, I have met some good neighbors who actually know what type of person I am and have given me a hand if I had a problem (stuck in snoe e.g) and I would gladly do the same. Those people are the types that make we want to stay. I do plan on staying whether certain people like it or not.

That's why I woudn't give the cold shoulder. Take a walk in the shoes.

I come from snow country, and am wicked with a snow shovel. I'd help dig you out anytime!!!

Where is this "Rural/Small Town Living" forum???

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by maagy

I come from snow country, and am wicked with a snow shovel. I'd help dig you out anytime!!!

Where is this "Rural/Small Town Living" forum???

http://www.city-data.com/forum/rural-small-town-living/

[Cali BassMan]

it's kind of interesting that folks seem to be upset, because people aren't "nice" to them. I do think we Californian's think we are moving to "Mayberry" and we expect Aunt Bee to invite us over for apple pie.
Well I find it pretty interesting that here (Ca.) you can walk through the store and pass 100 people with no one looking you in the eye or speaking to you. I hold the door open for someone and they act shocked, glance up at me and give a little half smile, then put thier head down and scurry away.....
it's like everyone is a sheople, just going thru the motions, and waiting for TV to tell them what to think next......

[cali-grown]

Originally Posted by Cali BassMan

it's kind of interesting that folks seem to be upset, because people aren't "nice" to them. I do think we Californian's think we are moving to "Mayberry" and we expect Aunt Bee to invite us over for apple pie.
Well I find it pretty interesting that here (Ca.) you can walk through the store and pass 100 people with no one looking you in the eye or speaking to you. I hold the door open for someone and they act shocked, glance up at me and give a little half smile, then put thier head down and scurry away.....
it's like everyone is a sheople, just going thru the motions, and waiting for TV to tell them what to think next......

I disagree somewhat with this analogy. Yes, I do get upset when people aren't nice, because that's what I am to everyone I meet. It doesn't matter where I live, I would expect at least a little common courtesy. I lived in a town in CA where the people were very friendly and courteous and then I came here and was looked at like I came from another planet. I have lived many places in my life (hubby's in the military) and this just happens to be the most unwelcome I have felt anywhere. Now, I will say that the town I live in has that reputation, so I can't say it's everywhere in MO. I have met some very nice people because of my daughter's sports team, but they are scattered throughout SW MO and don't live in my town.
The friendliest town IMO is Charleston, SC. We loved it there.
It's all good though. We'll be off on another adventure sometime this year, so I'll have to start all over again in a new place.

[Cali BassMan]

Originally Posted by cali-grown

I came here and was looked at like I came from another planet. I have lived many places in my life (hubby's in the military) and this just happens to be the most unwelcome I have felt anywhere. Now, I will say that the town I live in has that reputation, so I can't say it's everywhere in MO.

So spill it...where is here....