Springfield Bound with Questions (California: for sale, lofts, houses)

[sheila52]

Hi, I've read as much as I could and I hope you will bear with me if I'm asking questions that have already been answered. Those of you posting about Springfield are really, really helpful, and I'm looking forward to moving soon. First, though, we have to find a neighborhood and a house. My husband will be starting a new job in a little over a week. I'm not worried about the weather (Alabama is my present home), political and religious leanings or the lack of a Trader Joe's (Hey, you California folk, I've lived without TJ for four years and survived).

Now to the questions:

What are the neighborhoods near Drury University like? Are they relatively safe? Is it an area of older homes? Schools are important for resale value but our son will be in college. And we are downsizing and won't need a huge house--maybe one 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. We like older houses but not ones falling down upon our heads. A sense of community is important too.

What's the situation with lofts downtown? Are there any for sale and if so, what's the price range?

Any areas prone to flooding?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Regards,
Sheila

[Ozarks21]

Lofts downtown are hot right now. They are restoring several old downtown buildings and putting in lofts. I've been in a few and there are some really cool ones. I don't know what availability is like.