Is anyone familiar with the Bois D'Arc and Republic areas? (Springfield: 2010, HOA)

[janegrey40]

My husband and I have been searching online...and briefly in person...for some time now in the Greene and Christian county areas of Southwest Missouri for some acreage on which to build a future home.

We're very interested in a 10 acre parcel in Bois D'arc, but I can see it's a pretty small town, can't even find much online about it...and our son..who would be about 6 or 7 when we move down would be going into the Republic school district. I understand Republic is growing rapidly but with their new high school being built soon, I would think some of the growing pains in the school district might be settled some when we get down there in a few years......

Also, this property is north of I44...and I've heard we might experience a bit of snobishness from those in Republic who frown on those north of I44.......of course I have no idea if this is just mean gossip, a rumor, or anything to it, but if it is a well-known, pervasive attitude, I'd hate to move my son into a school district where he might have an even harder time socially than just a new kid in a new school...know what I mean?

Probably silly to even worry about it, but just thought I'd throw it out there and see if anyone has any first hand information and/or opinions about these areas. Thanks so much!

Lisa

[Zoltani]

Originally Posted by janegrey40

My husband and I have been searching online...and briefly in person...for some time now in the Greene and Christian county areas of Southwest Missouri for some acreage on which to build a future home.

We're very interested in a 10 acre parcel in Bois D'arc, but I can see it's a pretty small town, can't even find much online about it...and our son..who would be about 6 or 7 when we move down would be going into the Republic school district. I understand Republic is growing rapidly but with their new high school being built soon, I would think some of the growing pains in the school district might be settled some when we get down there in a few years......

Also, this property is north of I44...and I've heard we might experience a bit of snobishness from those in Republic who frown on those north of I44.......of course I have no idea if this is just mean gossip, a rumor, or anything to it, but if it is a well-known, pervasive attitude, I'd hate to move my son into a school district where he might have an even harder time socially than just a new kid in a new school...know what I mean?

Probably silly to even worry about it, but just thought I'd throw it out there and see if anyone has any first hand information and/or opinions about these areas. Thanks so much!

Lisa

Ozark City, Christian County is reported to have an A+ rated school system. We bought a lot in Saddlebrooke, MO and will be building within 12-18 months. Unless you must have an acreage, you may just want to look at what Saddlebrooke Ranch has to offer; which includes "direct" access to the Mark Twain National Forest with 13,000 acres. Also, two (2) Ozark spring-fed creeks, i.e., Cook creek and Bull creek. So clear you can throw a nickel in the creek and tell whether it's heads or tails under four (4) feet of water. Simply unbelievable. Absolutely breathtaking vistas and lay of land. Who could ask for anything more! Worthwhile checking out. We're delighted with our purchase, and highly recommend. Visit www.saddlebrookemo.com

[janegrey40]

Thanks, Zoltani. Looks beautiful and I'm happy for you!!!!

However, we've been lifelong subdivison dwellers and my husband, especially, just isn't interested in it anymore. The HOA drama, restrictions, rules and regulations, and just plain nosiness of some neighbors really has worn on us over the years and we're ready to stretch out a bit, with a little privacy..etc....

If we were still looking into it though, wow, that would be the place to go, just beautiful!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Lisa

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by janegrey40

Also, this property is north of I44...and I've heard we might experience a bit of snobishness from those in Republic who frown on those north of I44.......Lisa

The only thing I can imagine is maybe the "town" people thinking less of the people who live in the "sticks"...because really, there's not much in Bois d'Arc...but that's it. I haven't lived IN Republic, but lived on the west side of Springfield and have known quite a few people who lived in & around Republic who have moved out there to get out of the "city" so I can't imagine there being this kind of thing as a pervasive attitude.

I don't know where you heard that, but you might ask them to clarify.

Generally the people I know in Republic are cool.
I also really believe that you get back what you put out to a large extent. Not always, but often.

[janegrey40]

Thanks, Lake Junkie, for your positive reply. I feel much better!

And, guess what? We signed the papers last night! We are the proud new owners of 10 acres in Bois D'Arc...just off 44 at Farm Road 25....

woohoo! We're so excited! We still have 2 teenage daughters to settle into college before we head down for good...about 2 more years...but we'll be visiting as often as possible with our 4 yr old...

If anyone has any advice, ideas, etc...about the area, about building our own home...I'll still be here, reading all the great posts.....

Thanks.

Lisa

[MoNative34]

Glad you made the purchase. I remember how excited I was when I bought my property.

....And I guaran-damn-te you got a more for your money that way than one of those overpriced subdivision lots!

What I did was get those books like "101 Home Plans" and it basically gave me an idea of what I wanted in a house. If you see something you really like, you can order the blueprints and modify them if you need to. Yea, lots of work but it's worth it!!

[janegrey40]

Thanks, MONative34....we are excited.

We have a pretty good idea of the house we want and a couple of plans that come close, so you're right, now we tweak and narrow down choices.

In the meantime, would you...or anyone who sees this....know anything about the best kind of trees to plant in this area of southwest Missouri? There are about 3 acres wooded on this property, but I'd like more trees in certain areas...like along the property line at the road and whereever we decide to run the driveway....

I love Maple trees but they take so darn long....decades.....to get really big....

We're so unfamiliar with this area...what about evergreens? willow trees? Oak?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

Lisa

[MoNative34]

Oak trees grow rather slowly. An extremely fast growning tree is the Tulip Poplar. FAST!
Good color in the fall. A favorite of mine up north here is black locust (they are the thornless variety) They are also very fast growing. The best thing you can do to get a tree to grow upward is to prune the lower branches that sprout along the trunk. (Also makes it easier to mow around)

As for evergreens, most of the pines grow rather quickly. Spruce trees are nice, but the growth rate is slow. MN.

[mongazid]

congrats. you will be way way happier in bois d'arc (pronounced "bow-dark"). I grew up in Republic when it was a small town. now its a city with city problems. if you guys like hunting or just target shooting the bois d'arc conservation area is the best in sw mo.
Silver maples grow real fast here. they dont turn the bright colors in fall but you can tap them in the winter to make syrup in about 15 years. A lot of the evergreens grow good here too, southern shortleaf pine is the only pine native to the ozarks but most others will grow just fine. Eastern red cedar grow in aboundant here. they are a pretty tree but most consider them a nusince. the old timers will tell you that if you plant a cedar tree that 3 people that you know will die! (old wives tale told to discourge planting cedars). Oak hickory and osage orange or hedge trees are all very common around bois d'arc.

[lone sailor]

I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd share some insight from a fellow Republic resident.

The schools here are great. Much better than what I've seen out of Springfield. The new high school is now under construction and will be finished in time to start the 2009-2010 school year.

Congrats on your purchase. I'd like to say, as Ian avid hunter, fisher, and outdoors man, that if that is the kind of place you're looking for, then you've come to the right place. Bois D'Arc is a quiet and sleepy little town, but it does have the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. It's not only a great place for us gun owners, but for kids too. Here's a link, check it out for yourself. Andy Dalton Shooting Range & Outdoor Education Center

I've lived her for about 5 years now and have never seen any of the snobbishness, as you put it, about the residence vs. schooling locations. There are always going to be a select few that have their own clicks and are better than all of us middle and lower class families, but honestly, most of us don't spare the time to worry about it. This is a family knit community that has made strives to become better, especially over the past 5 years that I have lived here. Yes, it has it's issues as does every community, but from my standpoint, it's in the 95 percentile of what I would call "the homely feel". Granted in Bois D'Arc the neighbors are fewer and even farther between, but you'll have the same great hospitality. A lot of times, it seems, you get what you give.

I've been looking to acquire some property myself for several years now, and I too have looked in the Bois D'Arc area. I'm certain that is the place I will find what I am looking for. It's just a matter of time. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me.