Southwest MO Bound (Probably Springfield) (Nixa, Center: rentals, crime, colleges)

[surf]

I am a professional moving back to southwest MO, having grown up in Mt. Vernon, and lived in the 70s and early 80s. I have visited the area every year since I left and I am now returning to be near family again -- Dad is 86 and ill, Mom is 83 and I have no siblings, so here I come -- currently reside in AZ, near Mesa, but I am in MO now and plan to stay until sometime in January.

I figure Springfield would be the most likely city for me to find employment, but do need to stay within an hour of Mt. Vernon. I need to find a short term rental so I can re-learn the area, job hunt and when I find employment, move closer to work in a longer term rental. I am expecting housing prices to stay where they are or perhaps drop a bit, so I am not too concerned about putting money into a rental for 6 months or so. Can anyone suggest a quiet, safe, furnished, non-smoking place that offers short term rentals? When I lived here before, I was attacked by a man in my own back yard, so security is important to me.

Also, are their any reputable recruiters for professionals here? Seems like companies like PenMac and Express Personnel are more focused on blue collar jobs. It doesn't give you that warm and fuzzy feeling when the first thing they do is give you a cup to pee in. If I were in healthcare or a truck driver, I could find work in about 5 minutes. But I have worked for technology companies such as Oracle, First Data, Memorex Telex doing exeutive support, technical writing, and training; also have done some marketing and years ago was in property management. Where are the jobs? BTW, everyone says to try Jack Henry -- I have, and I did have an interview there -- was not selected, but will keep trying.

Thanks!

[Marks]

Originally Posted by surf

...When I lived here before, I was attacked by a man in my own back yard, so security is important to me.

Your kidding? was that in Springfield? on the wrong side of town??? I guess crime happens everywhere. Hope you were all right and was able to knock the crap out of the guy who did it!

[birdy...]

Surf,

We've been here 4 years and as far as I know there's not much in the way of "high-tech" jobs. My husband works for UPS-managment side and the best they can do is $8.50 an hr and 10.00 if you have a college education.

If you are looking for IT job, you may have luck with Cox Health as they hire IT people quite a bit. Otherwise be ready to rollup your sleeve in a "blue" collar position.

Birdy...

[Ozarks21]

The need for high tech exists in this area. Hospitals, colleges, software companies, and the new Jordan Valley Innovation Center will all need tech know-how.

[scaredto move to spld]

Is it easy for I mean (blacks- Brown Skined People) minoritys to get jobs in Springfield, Mo and not at a fast food resturant I am talking all kinds of office jobs and how many minorities own businesses there, I heard it is hard even if they have been to college and why would that be?. I have talked to several people and none of them knew of each other, but they said it is hard

[1hillman]

Originally Posted by scaredto move to spld

Is it easy for I mean (blacks- Brown Skined People) minoritys to get jobs in Springfield, Mo and not at a fast food resturant I am talking all kinds of office jobs and how many minorities own businesses there, I heard it is hard even if they have been to college and why would that be?. I have talked to several people and none of them knew of each other, but they said it is hard

When I lived there years ago never seen any minorities.but there is several there now.I know they are cracking down on Illegals which I think is about time.My Step kids are Iranian and both have very good Jobs there.The Boy is making well into six figures.

As far as security my Mom was attacked twice around Springfield both times when she had car trouble.Nobody was ever caught.

hillman

[heaton]

Hi,
I'm living in AZ too. We are looking at moving to the Springfield area in the fall. We HATE AZ and can't wait to get out. You want to talk about minorities and Illegals, come visit AZ.......

I'm scared to make the move. We visited two years ago and fell in love with Nixa and the surrounding areas.

Surf: Are you glad you made the move from AZ to Mo??? Would love to hear what you think about your move and if you feel it was the right move.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by scaredto move to spld

Is it easy for I mean (blacks- Brown Skined People) minoritys to get jobs in Springfield, Mo and not at a fast food resturant I am talking all kinds of office jobs and how many minorities own businesses there, I heard it is hard even if they have been to college and why would that be?. I have talked to several people and none of them knew of each other, but they said it is hard

I'm not a minority, so you'll have to take my experience with a grain of salt. That said, I don't believe that there is a lot of racial prejudice in this area. I see people from all ethnic backgrounds succeed and fail in Springfield, based on their own merit and not skin color. Hope this helps.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by heaton

I'm scared to make the move. We visited two years ago and fell in love with Nixa and the surrounding areas.

What, specifically, are you scared of? Nixa has grown a lot in the past two years, but it still has all of the charm that you likely remember. If I can help in any way, just let me know.

[heaton]

Moving from Phoenix to MO is a big change and taking us away from everything we know. We have lived in AZ for 22 years but are from Nebraska so we know what the midwest is like. Guess I'm scared that we won't like it, hard time finding jobs, stuff to do??

Compared to AZ how are you ajusting to MO?