Moving to Missouri- need lots of advice

December 27, 2003 | Danette

[Danette]

I need to know about Missouri. I'm planning on moving from Minnesota to southwest Missouri. I'm retiring and need a warmer climate. I know nothing about Missouri.

[Danette]

Thanks. Lots of advice. My atlas is getting a bit tattered.
I like reading all the information you're providing. I promise you, it's all being taken into consideration and to heart.
Freepers are the best.

[Freedom2specul8]

Springfield through the Theodosia area...

[Freedom2specul8]

Minnesota trees are so much prettier than western central missouri trees...but the further south one travels, the better looking the environment.. I wish you all the best!

[KC_Conspirator]

Bump

[Lexinom]

Some ramblings about the Show-Me State:

The culture is generally wholesome. Many attractions are cheap or free. Cost of living is generally low, even in the cities, compared to the coasts. As a whole, people tend to be honest - my wife lost her wallet and had it returned, with all the cash.

On the down side: Auto registration is very poorly organized in our state. You have to get TWO inspections to get an out-of-state car registered. Beware. High-tech jobs are hard to come by unless you (apparently) match a certain racial profile. My experience is with a certain large, bloated phone company.

As far as business climate goes, I've yet to incorporate so am unsure about this.

Hope this helps.

[samiam1972]

We just moved back to Missouri from Wisconsin a few months ago. I grew up in the K.C. area and wanted to get back to family. Right now we're in Oak Grove because my brother is here. We're renting and taking the next 6 months to decide which area to live in. We've ruled out the Kansas side and are looking into Liberty. We've heard the schools are excellent there. There's a nice mix of old and new homes with an older square. It's close to the attractions of the big city with a small town feel to it. There are some great garden/patio homes in the Independence area, close to Lee's Summit that are going up around little man-made lakes. My parents are looking to retire in one of those new homes from Little Rock, AR. For a small monthly fee they take care of your yard and driveway(shovel snow, etc.) The lakes are stocked with fish and the houses have screened in porches overlooking the lakes.

Good luck with your move and WELCOME!! After living in 6 states in 9 years it feels good to be back in the mid-west. Hope you like it here!

[Lexinom]

Washington State weather is pretty unbeatable for mildness. I grew up in Mt. Vernon, WA, and must echo your comparative sentiments: the crisp, cool air, and mild summers and winters.

Am truly looking forward to seeing that first twister here this Spring, though... 8-)

[Danette]

Just latching on to the last post here. Just checking out the new messages. Thanks.

Danette

[ConservativeStLouisGuy]

Danette,

I lived in St. Louis for about 40 years....first in St. Ann, then Ballwin, then Ellisville then Grover (Wildwood)....you'll like life better in the county sections (Wildwood, Ellisville, etc), but the TRAFFIC on the roads (Manchester Road, Highway 40, Clarkson Road, etc) is horrendous!

Find a house/apt near a major highway....better if you have to commute to the city....buses are almost non-existant in the county too -- most people take the bus in the city....

If possible, also live close the mass transit (Metro -- light rail)....in St. Louis the line runs from the airport (north county) all the way across the St. Louis City into Illinois....it is a good deal and is quite reliable in all kinds of weather....

Stay away from East St. Louis (Missouri and Illinois)....too much crime there....

Email me either here or via private email if you like....I know St. Louis pretty much like the back of my hand....Good luck in looking for a place!

- ConservativeStLouisGuy