Looking for help in relocating to SW Missouri (Kansas City, Springfield: environment, notary)

[FloridaGypsy]

I need help and feel that this forum will probably the best I get as I have read many of the threads this past week will I seek and search.
My dilema is -- I live in SW Florida where the market stinks. I work for a major homebuilder that is currently going under. I work in the title business as an escrow closer but am on limited time with the co. I know my days are numbered. I am trying to find an area in the great USA to relocate to that will accomodate my family.
I can not even begin to list the criteria because it is so complicated. I am drawn to the SW MO area. Growing up my family would visit friends in West Plains once a year to go canoeing, tubing and just plain have fun. I grew up in northern KS so this was a treat to leave the rolling plains and explore the hills and trees that I remember so well.
To accomdate Lake Junkie (See I have been reading) here are some of criteria I am looking for.
My husband is an OTR driver for a trucking down here but would like to become more centralized to be home with the family on weekends so I am looking for something in the trucking lanes as he states.
I have 3 daughters who will also be moving with me - ages are 21, 18 and 16. The later 2 have grad. the eldest has her CNA and is currently working for Hospice and would like to continue in the field. She is looking to get her RN but in order to do so will have to live with mom and dad as schooling is not cheap these days. The 2nd is engaged to be married ( with a possiblity of being married when the move takes place) and is currently enrolled a vo tech to get her CNA. She plans to get her LPN when time allows after the move. Her fiancee will be coming as he doesn't want to leave his sweetie and is quite frankly like the rest of us, Fed up with FL and the inablity to survive down here unless you made of money. This young man is a computer/gamer (no other to put it). He would also like to further his education in the computer area. He would love to do radio though.
The youngest is a jr in HS and is involved with JROTC and looking to join the National Guard possible this summer.
We are looking for an affordable, friendly area that can accomodate some the above things. To make things even more complicated is that we would prefer a small town atmosphere maybe around 8-12 thousand give or take. We will probably rent for a time so I am needing a house or housing (duplex) that can accomodate 6 people.
I am looking at the Springfield area and surrounding communities.
Any suggestions???

[8 SNAKE]

My first question would be to know your definition of "affordable" living. There are a lot of areas that would seem to fit a lot of your needs but I don't know what your housing budget is like.

If you want to stay in the 8-12k population range, you should check out Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Rogersville and Willard. For the most part, all of these places are extentions of Springfield that offer great living environments and meet the criteria that you listed. Additionally, Springfield feels like a big "small town" in its own right so I wouldn't rule it out.

Best of luck in your move!

[da jammer]

here is a link to the local major newspaper:

News-Leader.com | Springfield, Mo.

I'm fairly new to the area but it appears as though jobs in the healthcare field are plentiful around Springfield. Lake Junkie is a great person to work with when you are ready and lotsa people in this forum are very helpful...just post up your questions and we'll see what we can do.

[OnOurWay2MO]

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

My husband is an OTR driver for a trucking down here but would like to become more centralized to be home with the family on weekends so I am looking for something in the trucking lanes as he states.

We are moving to Missouri soon so I can't help you in what towns are good as we have'nt settled on one yet either. My husband is a trucker also and is being transferred through Trans-system, systemtrans.com, he is home on the weekends. The tourminal is in Kansas City so he will just be leaving the truck at home. It is nice having a career where there are jobs available anywhere.

[FloridaGypsy]

Originally Posted by da jammer

here is a link to the local major newspaper:

News-Leader.com | Springfield, Mo.

I'm fairly new to the area but it appears as though jobs in the healthcare field are plentiful around Springfield. Lake Junkie is a great person to work with when you are ready and lotsa people in this forum are very helpful...just post up your questions and we'll see what we can do.

I have looked in the News-Leader. com and have found several thing but one can not get a real feel for an area is like. Hence reading the forum and now asking questions. When we moved to Florida 8 years ago I was just becoming familiar with the internet and exploring different sites. I would look on realtor web pages found on newspaper web site and thought how affordable parts of FL were. 6 months after the move, my eyes were opened . The area I was looking on the web was no where where I wanted to raise my family. Then the investors and migrating population also found this part of "paradise". So lesson learned. Ask those who are live and are familiar with the area you going to.

As for affordable - that's the hardest part I am struggling with. I know what my husband brings homes but being a trucker it is not always sure amount as it fluctuates with loads and miles driven. So, I have to factor in what the rest of the gang will be making including myself and that is not knowing what the wage scale is. I also have learned that prices seen in newspapers and on web pages are not always accurate to the area you are looking.

I would have to say that more than likely I am looking at minimum to just above minimum wage for the four of us staying put and then I have to factor in one or two homes.

Plans are to eventually purchase some acreage where each daughter can have a small home on it they so choose. I know that is down the road so for now if I could find a two story house with a basement that is habitable to rent for a time would be great or a duplex.

So any information given will be greatly appreciated.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

I need help and feel that this forum will probably the best I get as I have read many of the threads this past week will I seek and search.

This is a great place to get ideas...but you know how opinions are...you won't really get a feel of this place until you spend some time. Renting isn't a BAD idea, but I've had several "relocaters" rent something cheap temporarily and end up having a less-than-wonderful experience BECAUSE they were renting some dive. I guess what I'm saying is: If you're going to rent, rent a nice house.

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

My dilema is -- I live in SW Florida where the market stinks. I work for a major homebuilder that is currently going under. I work in the title business as an escrow closer but am on limited time with the co. I know my days are numbered. I am trying to find an area in the great USA to relocate to that will accomodate my family.

If you've been reading you'll know that I went through the same thing 14 years ago...from Sacramento. Waaaayyy before internet was so common! It's difficult at best...what one person loves might not be what you are looking for!

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

I can not even begin to list the criteria because it is so complicated. I am drawn to the SW MO area. Growing up my family would visit friends in West Plains once a year to go canoeing, tubing and just plain have fun. I grew up in northern KS so this was a treat to leave the rolling plains and explore the hills and trees that I remember so well.
To accomdate Lake Junkie (See I have been reading) here are some of criteria I am looking for.

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

My husband is an OTR driver for a trucking down here but would like to become more centralized to be home with the family on weekends so I am looking for something in the trucking lanes as he states.

So...I-44 or Hwy 65...right?

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

I have 3 daughters who will also be moving with me - ages are 21, 18 and 16. The later 2 have grad. the eldest has her CNA and is currently working for Hospice and would like to continue in the field. She is looking to get her RN but in order to do so will have to live with mom and dad as schooling is not cheap these days. The 2nd is engaged to be married ( with a possiblity of being married when the move takes place) and is currently enrolled a vo tech to get her CNA. She plans to get her LPN when time allows after the move. Her fiancee will be coming as he doesn't want to leave his sweetie and is quite frankly like the rest of us, Fed up with FL and the inablity to survive down here unless you made of money. This young man is a computer/gamer (no other to put it). He would also like to further his education in the computer area. He would love to do radio though.
The youngest is a jr in HS and is involved with JROTC and looking to join the National Guard possible this summer.

Springfield is a medical mecca. There are 2 huge corporations that call Springfield/Branson home: Cox Health Systems & St. Johns.

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

We are looking for an affordable, friendly area that can accomodate some the above things. To make things even more complicated is that we would prefer a small town atmosphere maybe around 8-12 thousand give or take. We will probably rent for a time so I am needing a house or housing (duplex) that can accomodate 6 people.
I am looking at the Springfield area and surrounding communities.
Any suggestions???

I know I probably sound prejudiced......but the REASON I ended up down here on the bottom of Missouri is partly because I really like the smaller town atmosphere...not to mention the lakes! I started out 30 minutes east of Springfield and found that "too rural" for my tastes. Then I lived in Springfield and really wanted out of the "city". (OK...laugh. I'm a small town girl at heart.)

I do suggest you look in the Springfield-Branson "corridor"...Nixa, Ozark, Highlandville, Sparta, Republic, Saddlebrooke, and the small towns surrounding 65 south through Branson to Ridgedale.

I've had a number of good friends who were OTR drivers...so I get that lifestyle. Prime is based in Spfld. Is he wanting a company or independent?
And as for you, my dear...I know a couple of title companies looking for someone good.

Tell me you don't have a house to sell in FL......!

Good Luck.
Plan a visit...we've got a great group that meets every month...you could pick some brains!

L J

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

Plans are to eventually purchase some acreage where each daughter can have a small home on it they so choose. I know that is down the road so for now if I could find a two story house with a basement that is habitable to rent for a time would be great or a duplex.

What a wonderful plan...

[FloridaGypsy]

"Tell me you don't have a house to sell in FL......!"

Nope. We are currently renting. Long story. Just call us a victim of the times. Hence needing affordable.

LJ - question for you. How difficult is it to become a notary public in MO? I will need to get with you sometime on the technical stuff of title business in MO. I am still learning FL as I have done it for 3 three but have working my way up and done hands on.

As for hubbie, he is staying with the co. he with now mainly for stability during this wonderful transition but if a company would present itself more to his liking he would probably change.

Another question regarding part of my gang that is tagging along would be jobs in the electronic field in that area? Also any Vo-Techs in the area where someone to study electronics - repair and programming.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

Nope. We are currently renting. Long story. Just call us a victim of the times. Hence needing affordable.

I've lost everything a couple of times. You can make it back, no worries.

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

LJ - question for you. How difficult is it to become a notary public in MO? I will need to get with you sometime on the technical stuff of title business in MO. I am still learning FL as I have done it for 3 three but have working my way up and done hands on.

Not difficult. Get with me anytime. Click on my screen name.

Originally Posted by FloridaGypsy

As for hubbie, he is staying with the co. he with now mainly for stability during this wonderful transition but if a company would present itself more to his liking he would probably change.

Another question regarding part of my gang that is tagging along would be jobs in the electronic field in that area? Also any Vo-Techs in the area where someone to study electronics - repair and programming.

Not up to speed on vo-techs but there's so many schools in the area I'm sure we can find what you need...
BTW...did you say RADIO? I spent 7 years in Mo radio......

I have other Florida-escapees in my world.
C'mon...water's fine.

[FloridaGypsy]

With doing some searches on the schools and colleges and job situations, I am really being pulled to the Ozark area. Seems to meet some of the families requirements. Found out that the high school has JROTC for the youngest daughter.

I am posing another question now. This concerns the wonderful world of cell phones. I have looked on AT&T website (the best that the my server would let me -- It's the ancient dinosauor - one called dial up ) It appears to be in the area but I see that there are several areas that does not have service. Anybody have AT&T (used to be Cingular) and if so how is service?

The finally decision more than likely will be when hubbie comes home and we have the family pow-wow again. Let it be known that I pulling for this area and am really trying to convince the rest the clan.

[8 SNAKE]

I've had Cingular/AT&T and got decent coverage. In my experience, Alltel gets the best coverage in and around Springfield/Ozark/Nixa so that is who I'm with now.