Just got back from looking, some specific questions (Springfield, Branson: houses, neighborhoods)

[phozd]

1st off - long time lurker of this forum - thanks for all the insights and information posted. It's been very useful for getting a small sense of what a place may be like.

I'm considering moving with my wife to the Springfield, MO area. We've also looked at houses in KY but for various reasons we're now considering MO. We looked at a few houses yesterday along with getting a feel for a few of the towns around Springfield. So, some random questions that I have after our visit:

Broadband Internet is a necessity for work. Can someone point me to information or a map about the Springfield-area's broadband? What is the deal with the fiber cable signs I was seeing - does that mean if it was near a location I was looking at FOIS as a possibility? I know there is a statewide MO push to build broadband infrastructure but it's hard to tell whats going on from reading the offical state website or other sites.

Historical Buildings: what exactly does this mean? Does every change I'd want to make then have to go through some bureaucracy? I've located some info on the web but not a practical, easy-to-understand offering.

Beer: Is there an area store with a well-regarded selection of Microbrews?

Gravel roads: is there a way to tell if the state grades a road or if it's the locals? I was surprised to see so many (otherwise decently smooth) roads washed out on our visit yesterday - but a lot of them were cement in the section that was getting covered - very cool!

Rear license plates: ok one this is kinda random, but we noticed a lot of 1/2 pickup trucks with no rear license plates. Coincidence or what?

Last (siily) question: what's the coolest thing someone has done with an old cement corn silo?

[Ciaerin]

Well the broadband thing as I understand it is still up in the air. The microbrews I can definitely answer. Springfield Brewing Company actually makes their own It is a brewery and they have some of the best microbrews I have ever had. And I have had them from Boston to Simi Valley Ca. I do not know about Greene county ordinances, I know Stone county rural is very lenient. You can pretty much do whatever you want. The roads I think will have a sign that says end of County/State/City Maintenance signs. At least down here near Reeds Spring they do. No idea on the rear plate thing lol. And I have no idea to be honest as far as Missouri goes. In Illinois where I am from, they have a place that took 2 of them and turned them into a bar/restaurant.

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by phozd

1st off - long time lurker of this forum - thanks for all the insights and information posted. It's been very useful for getting a small sense of what a place may be like.

I'm considering moving with my wife to the Springfield, MO area. We've also looked at houses in KY but for various reasons we're now considering MO. We looked at a few houses yesterday along with getting a feel for a few of the towns around Springfield. So, some random questions that I have after our visit:

Broadband Internet is a necessity for work. Can someone point me to information or a map about the Springfield-area's broadband? What is the deal with the fiber cable signs I was seeing - does that mean if it was near a location I was looking at FOIS as a possibility? I know there is a statewide MO push to build broadband infrastructure but it's hard to tell whats going on from reading the offical state website or other sites.

Historical Buildings: what exactly does this mean? Does every change I'd want to make then have to go through some bureaucracy? I've located some info on the web but not a practical, easy-to-understand offering.

Beer: Is there an area store with a well-regarded selection of Microbrews?

Gravel roads: is there a way to tell if the state grades a road or if it's the locals? I was surprised to see so many (otherwise decently smooth) roads washed out on our visit yesterday - but a lot of them were cement in the section that was getting covered - very cool!

Rear license plates: ok one this is kinda random, but we noticed a lot of 1/2 pickup trucks with no rear license plates. Coincidence or what?

Last (siily) question: what's the coolest thing someone has done with an old cement corn silo?

I am thinking that perhaps the license plates get in the way when the pickup trucks are hauling trailers or some other kind of equipment. They probably take them off for that reason and stick them in the back window (or bed of the truck) and they do not get put back on right away. If a cop pulls them over, they can just reach inside the bed (or back window) and produce the plate.

As for the aforementioned gravel roads. If you have any question contact the closest MODOT (Missouri Department of Transportation), office and ask them if they provide maintenance to a particular road. You might also ask what the priority level is on the road so you will know how long after a torrential rain storm or ice storm or snow storm, it will take for them to get there.

Being a Budweiser drinker myself, I cannot comment on the microbrew situation. My husband drinks that kind of stuff, but I don't.

There are a few historical neighborhoods in Springfield which may required some kind of approval for remodels, you can talk to the city, or check out the Greene County Historical Society who will probably know more about it. There are lots of OLD buildings downtown and on the North side which are just old and I don't think they care what you do with them. I'm sure you are aware that some neighborhoods are better than others so I would certainly investigate very thoroughly any location north of Chestnut Expressway that you might be interested in. Since you did not mention prodegeny I will assume you have none (lucky you), but if indeed you do, school districts are a huge concern in Springfield.

Finally, I believe that broadband is available almost everywhere in Springfield. In the outlying areas not so much. Where I live my only option is satellite for true broadband. A quick way that I tell is to look at the wires on the telephone poles. If there is a very, very thick cable on the very bottom (at least four inches thick), I was told by someone that it is a fiber optic bundle. If there is no thick cable, chances are there is no DSL available. Where I live the thick cable stops about three miles away. Yes, there is a lot of talk about bringing broadband to rural Missouri, but until I see it, I won't particularly believe it.

20yrsinBranson

[dnw]

Originally Posted by phozd

Gravel roads: is there a way to tell if the state grades a road or if it's the locals? I was surprised to see so many (otherwise decently smooth) roads washed out on our visit yesterday - but a lot of them were cement in the section that was getting covered - very cool!

Are there that many gravel roads near springfield? I know Greene county doesnt have any.

[christina0001]

I was told that vehicles that can pull heavier loads don't need a rear plate (it's optional) because it's assumed they'll be towing/pulling most of the time and the rear plate would be blocked from sight.
Internet may vary on precisely where you live. At school in Springfield they have wireless and it's very fast. I live in the country (on a gravel road) about an hour or so out of Springfield and I'm stuck with dial-up. Folks who live less than 10 minutes from me can get cable internet.
I think it's cool when an old silo has a tree growing out of it.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by dnw

Are there that many gravel roads near springfield? I know Greene county doesnt have any.

You're saying that there are no gravel roads in all of Greene County?? I would say that you are mistaken.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by 20yrsinBranson

I am thinking that perhaps the license plates get in the way when the pickup trucks are hauling trailers or some other kind of equipment. They probably take them off for that reason and stick them in the back window (or bed of the truck) and they do not get put back on right away. If a cop pulls them over, they can just reach inside the bed (or back window) and produce the plate.

Originally Posted by christina0001

I was told that vehicles that can pull heavier loads don't need a rear plate (it's optional) because it's assumed they'll be towing/pulling most of the time and the rear plate would be blocked from sight.

Vehicles that are registered with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 24,000 lbs are only issued a front plate. There is no rear plate to put in a window or pull on and off the vehicle.

[cyberbone]

Originally Posted by phozd

1st off - long time lurker of this forum - thanks for all the insights and information posted. It's been very useful for getting a small sense of what a place may be like.

I'm considering moving with my wife to the Springfield, MO area. We've also looked at houses in KY but for various reasons we're now considering MO. We looked at a few houses yesterday along with getting a feel for a few of the towns around Springfield. So, some random questions that I have after our visit:

Broadband Internet is a necessity for work. Can someone point me to information or a map about the Springfield-area's broadband? What is the deal with the fiber cable signs I was seeing - does that mean if it was near a location I was looking at FOIS as a possibility? I know there is a statewide MO push to build broadband infrastructure but it's hard to tell whats going on from reading the offical state website or other sites.

Historical Buildings: what exactly does this mean? Does every change I'd want to make then have to go through some bureaucracy? I've located some info on the web but not a practical, easy-to-understand offering.

Beer: Is there an area store with a well-regarded selection of Microbrews?

Gravel roads: is there a way to tell if the state grades a road or if it's the locals? I was surprised to see so many (otherwise decently smooth) roads washed out on our visit yesterday - but a lot of them were cement in the section that was getting covered - very cool!

Rear license plates: ok one this is kinda random, but we noticed a lot of 1/2 pickup trucks with no rear license plates. Coincidence or what?

Last (siily) question: what's the coolest thing someone has done with an old cement corn silo?

no fios as MO is not a verizon state. century-tel, the local telco which merged with EMbarq which will be called Century link now is building out a fiber network in the area and you can get 15Mb fiber in some of the areas down there. of course there is at&t cable internet if you can get it.. i say where ever you're looking ask some of the neighbors in the area, everyone is real friendly so you shouldnt have any trouble getting information. you might even get a cup of coffee or glass of tea or lemonade. been known to happen

[joetownmom]

Just a little FYI when I lived out in the country I could not get A T & T internet at all.

But there is a lot of variance so it's possible. They always told me they were bringing it closer to me but it never happened until I moved to town.

[Hillman]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

You're saying that there are no gravel roads in all of Greene County?? I would say that you are mistaken.

Ok I looked at my Map and I can't find any.

hillman