Moving back to MO (St. Louis, Springfield: fit in, real estate market, home)

[CHhelo]

I was born in cape girardeau, but lived in Jackson. I left at an early age. I’ve lived outside MO for 20 years and know a lot has changed. I’m in the army and currently looking to get out. My wife and I would like to move back to Missouri and are wondering if the Jackson area would be worth it.

I’ve been reading a lot of posts pertaining to this area. I see a lot of people generally do not like Cape. I saw someone say that they are cold to outsiders. Would I technically be considered an outsider? Would my wife and I have trouble warming the locals up? We are outgoing and friendly. We like the outdoors and do not mind a long drive to get to experience something new or different, even if it is for a weekend. I know we are close to Memphis, St. Louis, Branson, and Springfield. Other towns I know I cannot think of to list at the moment would be worth a visit, too.

I really do want to move back to missouri. Preferably where I am from. However, we are open to just about anywhere. I understand cape is awfully different than rest of the state. So is KC, St. Louis, Springfield. I have moved around a lot. Quite frankly, I do not fit in to the most recent towns I’ve lived in. Just to them being so far in the deep south. I was raised by people from Arkansas, and having lived in southeast MO for a time, consider myself southern. It’s just, I’ve never wanted to settle down in any of them. I can accept being an outsider no matter where I live, that has just been the way it’s been. I cannot stop thinking about moving back to Missouri. I have shown my wife some of Missouri as I always make it my mission to show her while we are on leave or on a PCS move. The only negative experience we had was with a couple in the waiting line for Lamberts in sikeston. My wife could not believe how unfriendly people were there. Lamberts was delicious, though. We used to go their a lot to eat growing up.

I’d like to have a small acreage to develope after my service. We do not care much for the expensive malls or restaurants, but will utilize them should they be close. We enjoy fish, seafood, bbq and most restaurants we have eaten at while in Missouri. I will have geospatial and the army as my career background. St. Louis suburbs is an obvious choice. I would appreciate any and all feedback.

I apologize for the punctuation butchering in this post. I am in the car, talking to my while typing this.

[GunnerTHB]

I can't imagine you would have too much trouble in Cape or Jackson, there are plenty of people that grew up elsewhere that live there. I grew up there as well.

Land may be difficult to come by unless you go to a neighboring county, but that may change as the real estate market changes over the next year or two, who knows?

I wish I could be more help, but it sounds like it could be a good fit for you. It sounds like you have visited a decent amount of the years but maybe spending a week or so in the area would be beneficial before you make your final decision?

[songinthewind7]

I was in Poplar Bluff in my younger years, moved away and then moved back in the late 80's. At that time, Cape wasn't a problem. I moved away again for several years and when I decided to move back to Mo., about the only negative thing I heard was to stay away from places like St. Genevieve and Bonne Terre because they are not friendly to people that didn't go to the schools there.
We decided to move to Branson and will soon be moving to Ozark just up the road about half an hour close to Springfield. I've found the people in these areas to be friendly and open minded. Good restaurants in Ozark and Springfield. Good entertainment in Branson. Good medical in Springfield. Lots of lakes. Pretty much anything you're into, it's close by over this way.
By the way, Ozark has a fantastic Lamberts and the people are friendly.
The majority of my family lives on the east side of Mo. ranging from St. Louis to the Bootheel so I'm close enough to them but not too close

[Floorist]

I have lived in different parts of Missouri most of my life. In one small town, the locals would not even speak to outsiders, Never had that problem anywhere else in the state.

[Cali BassMan]

Heck, I moved to a rural area outside of Poplar Bluff, from California of all places. Now if people were going to be rude, you would think it would be to a Californian wouldn’t you. Hell, everyone I meet is friendly.
Folks around here have great respect for the Military, you moving back home after serving your country will be welcomed with open arms

[NORTY FLATZ]

Originally Posted by Cali BassMan

Heck, I moved to a rural area outside of Poplar Bluff, from California of all places. Now if people were going to be rude, you would think it would be to a Californian wouldn’t you. Hell, everyone I meet is friendly.
Folks around here have great respect for the Military, you moving back home after serving your country will be welcomed with open arms

As it should be.

[MrGerardo]

Originally Posted by Cali BassMan

Heck, I moved to a rural area outside of Poplar Bluff, from California of all places. Now if people were going to be rude, you would think it would be to a Californian wouldn’t you. Hell, everyone I meet is friendly.
Folks around here have great respect for the Military, you moving back home after serving your country will be welcomed with open arms

Hello. I am from Chicago and I have been on this forum for many years. I am always looking for places to relocate to. I can't handle Chicago anymore, but I have an aging mother. I have heard of people relocating to Missouri from California and even from Illinois. How do you like Missouri so far?

[Angelina Adam]

Moving back to Missouri can be a great opportunity to start fresh. Cities like St. Louis and Springfield offer diverse communities, so you'll fit in no matter your background. Additionally, the real estate market in MO is very competitive, making it easier to find a home that fits your needs and budget.

[Floorist]

Originally Posted by Angelina Adam

Moving back to Missouri can be a great opportunity to start fresh. Cities like St. Louis and Springfield offer diverse communities, so you'll fit in no matter your background. Additionally, the real estate market in MO is very competitive, making it easier to find a home that fits your needs and budget.

Move 20-30 miles away from the cities and real estate takes a huge drop in price.

[RisingAurvandil]

Originally Posted by Angelina Adam

Moving back to Missouri can be a great opportunity to start fresh. Cities like St. Louis and Springfield offer diverse communities, so you'll fit in no matter your background. Additionally, the real estate market in MO is very competitive, making it easier to find a home that fits your needs and budget.

It's competitive for locals. But not for outsiders from higher-wage areas. They will easily be able to outbid the locals due to the low housing prices here.