Best place to live in missouri (Kansas City, St. Louis: crime rates, homes, employment)

[Boof]

Pirateman,

Again, great pix. From what I see, the area doesn't look bad at all. And yes, you are right...every town has an 'ugly' side, but as long as they are safe, they always have a chance at revitalization.

When we make it to MO, we'll make Hannibal one of our first stops! Thank you for all your help.

Boof

[Pirateman]

your welcome

[CaboolBound]

Ozarks21, thank you. We are so excited about moving down. It is beautiful.
Thanks again,
Kim and Jim

[rfdjimmy]

We moved here a year ago and can't say enough about a wonderful place to live. We live in a sub division called Cedar Shores Ranch Estates in the county and it is real country living. Lots of Woodpeckers, Turkey, Deer, all kinds of birds like Cardinals, Blue Birds, Finches, and many more. We are less than 2 miles from Beaver Creek Marina on Bull Shoals Lake. We live on 2 acres with lots of woods and open meadows. All paved roads, good power from the White River Valley Electric Cooperative and even have good DSL from our phone company. One of the best parts is that we are only 15-20 minute drive from Branson and all the attractions, Theatres, and 3 lakes. We are in the Forsyth School District and less than 40 minute drive from Springfield. Traffic is not congested like it is on the west side of Branson.

[Inoxkeeper]

I grew up in Fredericktown MO which is in the southeast part of the state so it's safe to say I am prejudiced when it comes to Ole Misery.
I travel a lot, 37 states, 5 countries and counting but I am always happy to get back to Missouri.

If you like trees, wildlife (black bears have been spotted along with the occasional cougar.) hunting, fishing, camping, floating, hiking
then Missouri is for you. If you don’t like humidity, bugs, snakes, cold, then watch out because you will experience them all, sometimes
on the same day.

I have lived in Fenton for the last 20 years, it’s all good! It’s amazing to watch the area grow…great schools too!
I have two kids at Rockwood Summit; I can’t say enough good things about their experience there.

Here is a pix from my 40 acres of paradise…also, from my deer cam.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1091952/FoodPlot2-07015a.jpg (broken link)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1091952/FoodPlot2-07010a.jpg (broken link)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1091952/Deerinheadlights.jpg (broken link)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1091952/TomTurkey.jpg (broken link)

[sicambrian]

Hi - I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO but have been living in L.A. for 17 years (unfortunately). If you find that you are interested in K.C. let me know and I will give you some info, otherwise, you have a whole state to choose from. It will be hard to go wrong though. Missouri is a beautiful state with rolling hills, beautiful trees, clean air and water and nearly perfect seasons. The winters are managable, you just have to learn how to dress for them and learn how to relax when you experience biting cold. Lately the winters have been pretty mild though. The summers can get hot & humid, some report it as being more humid than Florida and believe me, I have experienced both and it seemed tied to me. While you will need an air conditioner to get through the summers I will give you the one good thing that I can find about the humidity.... It's great for your skin. Just hang on to that and you will be fine.

[winters816]

Hi, maybe i missed it, but are moving near st.louis or Kansas City? I was born and raised in Mo and am on a job transfer in Chicago. Ive been in chitown for less than a year and can't wait to get back to kc. I am from the KC area, Love it!! If you are looking to spend that much on a house you are really gonna have a nice big one. Overland park is an upper class area with grade A schools and houses in your range. Olathe,Lenexa, are nice all on the kansas side,but I think kansas side has way better schools,and they are all kc area. Parkville,Mo is nice close to shopping, good schools, small town feel, Lees Summit also VERY nice booming community close to lakes. Good Luck! You'll have to let us know what areas you picked.

[SWAMPETT]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about Eminence. My husband and I are planning on moving to Mo. in the next year or two. All our children are grown and out on their own now. We would like to enjoy the rest of our time together in a rural area surrounded by lakes or rivers. We wish we could move sooner but the housing market here in Palm Beach County Florida is at its low. We both love the outdoors, fishing and canoing and doing all sorts of woodworking. Eminece seems to be a quiet and beautiful area. Would be interested in any input...Thanks

[Inoxkeeper]

I get back to Eminence every year or so to float the Jack’s Fork, I have floated almost all of Missouri’s rivers along with rivers in AR, CA, TN and CO and think the Jack’s is the best of the bunch for canoeing. There are several caves on the upper part that you can check out, 300/400 foot tall bluffs, eagles, the old mill at Alley Spring, it’s amazing and a must do.

The pace of life is slow during the winter but they get lots of summer traffic due to the Jack's. Eminence also hosts trail rides
that bring in tons of riders. There is really only one main street thru town and it gets busy on a summer weekend night.

It’s very rural with limited shopping options, if you’re looking for a mall or a Home Depot you will have quite a long drive ahead of you. The people are wonderful; my wife grew up there so I know many of them. I would lump them into the good country folk category although don’t sell them short, Eminence has produced sons like Tom Akers who has done what most of us can only dream about. (See below)

Housing will be hit and miss with smaller, older houses being the norm. It’s up and down country that is very rugged with great deer and turkey hunting.

Eminence trivia, home town boy Tom Akers was a mission specialist on 4 NASA shuttle flights logging over 800 hours of
space flight time with over 29 hours of space walk time. Not bad for a country boy!

http://www.astronautix.com/astros/akers.htm

[quikkuts]

I am just smiling from ear to ear while reading some of the comments about Missouri. My oldest son graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia several years ago,and loved the area so much,that he stayed. A few years ago he suggested that I and his brother move to the area as well. Well, having made plans to move to Georgia,we turned down his offer. After being here for 5 years I am SO ready to get back to the Midwest area. Missouri is indeed a beautiful state. Although I am not too familiar with many of the areas near Kansas City or St. Louis , am very excited about us relocating this Summer. I look forward to spending some time with my son and his family after we move,but I just can't seem to narrow it down to a specific place just yet.(because so many of them sound so wonderful) And, I may be a little bit biased, but the people in the Midwest are the Best!!!!! I didn't realize how great they were until after we started the "Southern Experience". I have yet to witness the old fashioned so called southern hospitality that is suppose to exist here. Anyway, I would welcome any information as to some of the surrounding areas near Kansas City. I do prefer to be fairly close to a major airport so that travel won't be a problem. Entertainment, local colleges,great parks,and of course the job market are of great concern as well. My son has mentioned a few places: Rolla, Lee's Summit,St. Charles, but he isn't really familiar with the areas, just driven through or close by while traveling to some other destination. So, I would like some information, both good and not so good , to help me make the decision. Thanks,