Springfield/ Branson area

SMP21

I have a friend of a friend who lives there, says COL is cheap. DH & I want to move somewhere that we can buy a 3 bed/2 bath newer ranch home for around $150k so we can live on one income & I can be SAHM. Our friend says it's beautiful, same scenery & activities as we enjoy here in chicago.

In looking at realtor, there's so many homes that would be perfect for us in Springfield, MO. Having never been there (yet), can you tell me which areas to avoid? which are good neighborhoods, newer homes, young families to befriend? Is it like a typical suburban town with movies, shopping malls, restaurants? Or is it more of a country-type town? Any other nearby towns/areas you suggest?

SMP21

I should add I know nothing about the area, except lower housing prices. If you can suggest another area to check into with similar pricing, nearer to St. Louis perhaps with more activities, shopping, dining, etc. that'd be great!

melodramatic26

I don't know much about Springfield. However, as far as Branson goes, it IS NOT like Chicago at all. It is a touristy spot for the over 50 crowd. Though it does have a great "homey" feel especially at Christmas. St.Louis is made up of a bunch of smaller communities. All of which are pretty LCOL compared to Chicago. You should check out the west county communities if you are looking for more of a "city" feel.

mrs.byac

My parents live right outside of Springfield in Nixa, MO. Springfield is growing, but when MH and I go there to visit we get bored (we do not have children). They have 1 mall (Battle field Mall) but not much entertainment, other than the things in Branson. The COL is a lot cheaper, but it is really starting to grow out there. Check out the demographics in the link below. GL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixa,_Missouri

http://springfield.missouri.org/living.html

mah482

Have you considered the Columbia, MO area?  We lived there for four years and liked it.  You're close to STL, KC, Lake of the Ozarks...