California to Springfield Questions (Kansas City, St. Louis: sales, low crime, home)

[Randy Henderson]

Originally Posted by Ozarks21

Wow! Where to begin with this one.

You obviously were associating with the wrong kind of people. The folks I associate with in Southwest Missouri are well educated, festidious and well-traveled. Your depiction of the people here couldn't be farther from the truth in my experience.

I will grant you that in many rural areas you will find more poverty and more of the type of people you desribe. This is true in rural areas throughout the country.

As for weather, ticks, snakes and chiggers... The winters are cold, but not like Minnesota. The summers are hot and humid, but not like Florida. The weather here is great from mid March to Mid June and again from mid September to mid-November. Stay out of the brush and tall grass and ticks and chiggers are no problem. And snakes... Don't be such a sissy.

Oddly enough, I have been asked by clients if the home they are buying is near any n----. After I picked my jaw up off of the ground, I told them what I always tell people that ask something like that. "You know, I am not sure about the demographic breakdown of this neighborhood, but I am sure the courthouse could supply that information."

They get the message.

[Randy Henderson]

Originally Posted by NOLA2SGF

Wow! After reading that, I have to admit that I'd hate to see what Sorcerer68 might say about New Orleans right now!

I've got to admit (as we've said before) that everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, and every locations has its advantages and disadvantages. I guess Sorcerer68 doesn't like Springfield. That's OK! Hard for me to understand, but OK.

Embarrassingly enough, I confess that I really, really, REALLY despised living in San Diego, and there aren't many people that would agree with me on that one, either. On the other hand, I'm not likely to be posting my opinion of that city on the San Diego forum.

For what its worth, I jump in the car and go to New Orleans every chance I get. I could go there, eat seafood all day, and drink Abita and listen to jazz all night.

I was down for the National Realtor convention in November, and spent one day rebulding houses in the 9th ward. The devastation is nearly incomprehensible. I wish your area all good things.

[Randy Henderson]

Originally Posted by Sorcerer68

and consider it a hidden gem.

Good luck wherever you end up. I'm moving back to L.A. and never leaving again.

2005 Statistic:

Total murders:

Los Angeles (Just within the city limits) 489
Missouri (The entire state) 402

[NOLA2SGF]

Originally Posted by Randy Henderson

For what its worth, I jump in the car and go to New Orleans every chance I get. I could go there, eat seafood all day, and drink Abita and listen to jazz all night.

I was down for the National Realtor convention in November, and spent one day rebulding houses in the 9th ward. The devastation is nearly incomprehensible. I wish your area all good things.

Thank you so much! I don't know what our future is down here, but your encouragement and hard work in the 9th Ward are greatly appreciated.

[J1ndo]

Kansas City is one hot mofo in the summer. I haven't been to Springfield, but have spent summers in Joplin, which is even farther South. You can cite statistics and be correct, I'm sure, but for me KC has always seemed hotter than Southern MO (for whatever that's worth to you).

As for close-mindedness or provincialism, it seems to me to be easy to find that anywhere in the US, or perhaps it's human nature. Anyway, it's easier to notice it when you're away from your home area. Southern Cal has it's own set of closed-minded provincialisms.

And NOLASGF, I hate San Diego too. Sunny San Diego? Baloney! That place is always cloudy, except for when it's foggy and cloudy. And driving under the influence seems to be an accepted sport there. But yeah, I won't post that in the San Diego forum. May as well not bring down the people who love it.

[Ozarks21]

Kansas City seems to be more humid than Springfield. I think it has to do with the Missouri River. Either way, both KC and Springfield get dang hot in the summer. And right now the winter is seeming pretty harsh in both. Mid 40's next week will feel like a heat wave.

[mrschilicook]

Sounds like there could be a California "escapee" reunion in the future!
We're from Northern California (Pleasanton) and currently live in Las Vegas, but spend months in the Branson area each year.

We've been coming to the Branson/Kimberling City area since the eary 80's and have always loved it. Due to work we couldn't be quite that far from the Bay Area so we moved to Las Vegas on an interim plan. As of last night we sold our house and as of April 16th we'll be "homeless" on our way to the Branson/Springfield area to either buy/build a house.

On the Trader Joe's front...we've been requesting they consider Springfield as a new location for a T.J's. for a couple of years. We also ask anyone we get to know in the area to send them an email requesting Spfg. be considered in the future. Go for it...if enough people start asking maybe they will do something.

There are Costco's in the Kansas City area, Little Rock, St. Louis area, and Tulsa..all are "about" the same distance from Springfield. Maybe we'll have shopping caravans in the future?

[MoMark]

Originally Posted by mrschilicook

Sounds like there could be a California "escapee" reunion in the future!
We're from Northern California (Pleasanton) and currently live in Las Vegas, but spend months in the Branson area each year.

We've been coming to the Branson/Kimberling City area since the eary 80's and have always loved it. Due to work we couldn't be quite that far from the Bay Area so we moved to Las Vegas on an interim plan. As of last night we sold our house and as of April 16th we'll be "homeless" on our way to the Branson/Springfield area to either buy/build a house.

On the Trader Joe's front...we've been requesting they consider Springfield as a new location for a T.J's. for a couple of years. We also ask anyone we get to know in the area to send them an email requesting Spfg. be considered in the future. Go for it...if enough people start asking maybe they will do something.

There are Costco's in the Kansas City area, Little Rock, St. Louis area, and Tulsa..all are "about" the same distance from Springfield. Maybe we'll have shopping caravans in the future?

I worked in San Francisco and Oakland for years while living in Pittsburg and being a BART boy for my daily commute!
In 2000 I transferred to Las Vegas (loved it!).
In 2005 I sold my house in Henderson and quit my job.
In Jan. 2006 I closed on my house here north of Springfield and have been living here very happily ever since!
As for Branson, I wasn't impressed the first couple of times I went through there, but then I was taken to the Branson Landing...WOW. That is awesome! Very upscale, very attractive, very nice!!!!

Congratulations on selling your home and good luck with your move! I recommend the Extended Stay America off Kingsley and National in South Springfield for a place to live while you look for a home. I ended up there for six months... But then again, I was picky as hell about the house I chose.
You might find what you want quickly.

[nostress13]

How does the air and water quality fare in Springfield? I know it's most likely much better than most of So Cal. Does anyone know the percentage of days the AQI is ranked as good? Is the air quality better in the surrounding areas i.e. Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville? What about water?

[Ozarks21]

Originally Posted by MoMark

I recommend the Extended Stay America off Kingsley and National in South Springfield for a place to live while you look for a home.

I can recommend the Residence Inn right next to it. I stayed there with the whole family while our floors were refinished - nice.


Nostress13,
We don't get air quaility reports, so I guess that means it's pretty good. The water quality is also good, but a few streams could use some work.