Well every place has it’s advantages and disadvantages. I think growing up in this state makes it all quite familiar and comfortable, kinda like an old shoe.LOL
I like that area you are in. Rural Mo is very picturesque, especially loved the traditional looking barns. I was fortunate to work in Plattsburg for a while. That is a nice older small town with a main street full of Victorian style homes for about 3 blocks. Not even a motel there, I had to stay about 20 miles away.
I used to take small roads through the country side to Jefferson City, rather than I-55 and I-44(?)Mo50. I would take 60 from I-55 west to 17 and head north. That was pretty nice ride. Really rustic and rural, and hilly, too.