Hello...I need to leave California...need info!? (Washington, West Plains: how much, houses)

[bertneru]

OK, I live in the Bay Area and I hate this place! I researched for a long time different parts of US, and I decided that Missouri fits my taste...especially the Ozarks....so, I finally bought 11 acres in Ozark County by Tecumseh. The land is almost all flat, treed, between 2 county roads with electricity and phone. I also like the fact that I can build my own cabin with no restrictions . In California you can't even spit on the sidewalk without a permit. Now, I bought this land sight unseen, except for lots a pictures, maps, topo, etc. It's only 1 mile from US 160, between 2 county roads, about 80 miles from Branson and 20 miles from West Plains. You might think I'm crazy for doing this, but I did a lot of research, and I know the seller. Everything in my guts tells me I did the right thing...and anyway, it can't be worst than California. I want to build a home, raise chickens, sheep and have a garden. I will try to be as much as possible self sufficient. My grandfather had a farm in Europe and he had all the above, plus he grew grapes and made wine . I use to spend all my summer vacations on his farm, and I loved it. I don't mind getting dirty, working hard, waking up in the wee hours (I was also in the military here) and all this while also holding a full time job. Now the questions I would like to ask from people in that general area....Will I be accepted in the community? How hard is it to get a job in West Plains, even at minimum wage? How are the people in that area? Will the christian community look down at a single father? I'm Orthodox, but attending a Baptist Church, and even here most of the Christian community looks down at me because I'm divorced. Anyway, I'll just start with these questions and ask some more along the way!...oh, and also what if I have an accent? I've been here for over 26 years (came to the States when I was 13, but was unable to loose my accent). Will my accent be a problem, even though I'm as American as apple pie? Thank you in advance for your positive imput, and all answers will be greatly appreciated.

[ozarksboy]

In Southern Missouri, if you work hard, go to church, stay out of trouble and act neighborly, people won't care if you're divorced or speak English with an accent.

Do not ever say "Well, back in California, we did it this way," and then proceed to bore people with tales of California. Nobody in rural Missouri cares or wants to hear it.

Good luck. I hope the place you bought sight unseen turns out all right for you.

[bertneru]

Thank you ozarksboy....
My intentions are honorable, and I've never been in trouble my entire life. As far as having a "Californian " attitude...well, that would never happen. I did not move here by choice, and while in the military I was stationed in rural Georgia and Washington State. I don't like California at all, and I'm tired of all the liberals that are all over the place. Don't get me wrong, California used to be nice in the early 80's, and then it went down hill from there. California is pretty much a Socialist State, and that's why it has all the problems it does today. The State is broke, taxes are high, liberals are pushing for even more social problems that will atract even more losers and welfare recepients. I work not only to sustain my own family, but also to take care of a dozen other lazy losers that prefer to stay home and multiply like rabbits. To what end? now the state is in the red 42 billion dollars even though receipts from taxes increased by 50% in the last 5 years. Politicians are in a spending mode, even more then they are taking in....no fiscal resposibility!...but enough of that....just makes me mad. I just want to live somewhere where I will be left alone, as long as I do no harm to anyone else.
Thank you ozarksboy for your kind remarks!

[mcol]

I don't think it will be difficult for you to be accepted here.
As was previously stated, don't come here expecting to change
anyone - accept everyone the way they are and you'll be fine.

What kind of work are you looking for in West Plains? Do you know?

How are the people in this area? I've lived here for five years. I like
'blending in' and being accepted by locals...it's a compliment to me.
So many people try to bring their past with them, I try not to. The
people here are varied like anywhere else - some will talk your ear off
at the store, some will be rude or ignore you, some will lie like heck to
your face and think nothing of it, and some will do anything in the world
for you. It's what you make of it. Overall I say the people here are
accepting and friendly. I don't think you'll have any problems being
divorced with the Christian community. I cannot imagine anyone
caring that you have an accent.

Any other questions fire away, and welcome to the area!

[bertneru]

Hello mcol, thank you for your reply. As far as work is concerned, I don't really care what I will do...an honest days work for an honest days pay! I use to be a Supervisor for TSA as San Francisco Airport and made over $30 /hr (good wage), but even so that was not enough to pay my bills due to the high cost of living (and the blood sucking ex-wife). I have enough money saved up to move somewhere with a low cost of living and do allright, that's why I won't care too much how much money I will be making. I will spend a great deal of time to also work on my land and build a cabin, barn, fencing, etc. I also know jobs are hard to come by in that part of MO, so I will be taking whatever I will be able to find.
And no, I will not be bringing my past with me, that's one thing I'm trying to run away from. This will be a new start for me, and I want to do this as soon as possible (before it's too late, since I'm already 40). My cousin moved to Muskogee in OK about 3 years ago and he's doing very well! If he can do it, then so can I
Question: Does Tecumseh have a lumber yard? Any stores there?
Thank you.

[ozarksboy]

You won't be the first Califoreigner to move to Tecumseh. Take a look at this link. It will be like you never left Califoreignya.
Good luck.

Well, actually, I'm not sure any of these folks are from California, but they sure look like it in that picture!

(I'm literally LOL, not just typing LOL.)

[mcol]

I don't think I've ever been to Tecumseh. Tell you the truth, I'm
not sure which way to turn on the highway to find it LOL.
I do know West Plains.

I really don't think jobs are hard to come by here, but I've never
actually worked in this state. My husband is self employed and
picks and chooses which jobs he wants to do (thankfully we are
in a position we can do that). What I HAVE noticed is positions open
that list requirements as college degree, experience in the profession,
etc. etc. etc. then they don't want to pay worth a hoot. Wages are
very low here and as long as people will work for those low wages they
will continue to be low.

Thunder and lightning moving in I need to shut down.

[bertneru]

Hello ozarksboy...
I already so that article about the hippies in Tecumseh when I did my research of that area. I don't think I have anything in common with them though...
They are not necessarily from California, but from all over the US.
Hello mcol...
Take US 160 West, and you hit Tecumseh when you cross the bridge on White River (Norfork Lake). My land is 5 miles before you reach the town, and I'm 1 mile up a CR from the hwy
Thank God I'm not that close to that community of naked folks!...but I think they keep to themselves, and are working very hard to make a socialist community (it will never work).
If you go to google maps, you can actually see the whole drive from Tecumseh to West Plains on US 160...I did that, and it was pretty cool. It's like I drove myself through there, without actually ever being there. You can pan and see both sides of the hwy, you can stop and zoom etc. I've already seen the houses of my neighbors . Cool

[mcol]

Okay I know where it's at ... almost to Gainsville.
Where are you getting that it's only 20 miles to West Plains?
Maybe as the crow flies, but you are looking at
40 to 45 miles driving miles through windy roads.
Not quite feasible to work for minimum wage in WP?
My bet is that you will be traveling to Mountain Home, AR
for your work or groceries. Tecumseh is unincorporated,
I'm not sure what if anything is there.

[DeanMoore]

I think you will find that all the unsophisticated hillbillies out here will be far more "tolerant" of you, than the class of people you are surrounded by now (who suppose they are tolerant, but are anything but)

eat at nations before you leave, possibly the bay area's only redeeming quality.