Any Ozark Information Here?

[bobincolombia]

Need a little information, I've been living on a farm in South America for several years, I'm thinking of moving a little closer to Home Depot. :)

Climate is a top priority, Don't like extreme heat, cold or humidity. (i know this is going to be tough) My wife and I visited the Missouri Ozarks and like the nice greenery and hills north and south of Springfield around the water, specifically between Stockton and Cassville, in April the climate was ok.

I follow the weather on the Internet but know it's not accurate, Is there anyone living in the area that can give me some information about the area?

I'm also open to other areas that may have a nice year around climate without going into extremes for a nice country living. Born in Chicago and lived in Arizona so I've already ruled those states out.

Thanks to all.

[CarolAnn]

Bobincolumbia - welcome! We have lots of members who live in the Ozarks. I lived about 100 miles south of Springfield MO for a lot of years, and I can tell you that March, April and May are the most lovely months you can visit that area in.

Actually the internet weather is very accurate. (Mine said thunderstorms for where I live in Wisconsin, and there is a constant booming thunder right overhead right now!)

What you might find helpful is to visit an area in the worst extreme of it's weather to see how you'd like to live there. Experience an exquisite but deadly ice storm on those lovely hills, or the dusty brown drought of late summer when every living thing is trying to recall what rain was like - and if you're still charmed, you'll do fine!

I'm not trying to discourage you! Land is still relatively inexpensive in the Ozarks (compared to cities) - and the taxes are usually low, too. If you're within driving distance of a Home Depot, you'll probably also be within driving distance of some work, if you need to work outside of your farm.

Tell us more, please - about life on a farm in Columbia! Sounds interesting!

[bobincolombia]

Hi CarolAnn,

Thanks for your reply.

Your state is actually my favorite mid-western state, I just dread the looong cold winters.

I've been in most U.S. states during each season but not for a long period of time. While Missouri has 4 seasons I'm told the winter season is not as long and cold as say in Wisconsin, Il, IN or Ohio., and that the summers are not as hot and long, I also like the idea of being between Chicago and Arizona.

I figure the best source of information would be from those actually living there, especially if they are a transplant from else where, I met several last April that just moved to the Cassville area and like it, but had only been there a few months.

One problem I had when I was in Missouri in April, before I arrived, I contacted several Realtor's by e-mail and only two replied and that was after I was back home in Colombia, including "United Country Realty" the farm and rural specialists. I'll be returning in the winter and will just look around on my own and try to get some help when I'm actually there.

You ask about what's it like living on a farm in Colombia? (Colombia is spelled with 2 O's, no U)

The climate is great, it's like spring everyday, the biggest downside is like; when you e-mail a realty office and never receive a reply or you wait a month for a reply, THINKS MOVE SLOW HERE. It's really a great place to live, but after 12 years of working and living here (lived here full time for 5 yrs. I'm looking to move on. (maybe)

Here is a link you can see some photos during our construction a couple years ago. We raise chickens for egg production for retail sales and raise fish for retail sales. www.ColombiaFarmVacations.com

[dinabug38]

Well, Im here in the Ozarks... Ozark, Mo... I love it and would be glad to answer any questions you may have.. I dont check in here very often anymore so you may what to email me.. Dinabug38@aol.com

Dina ;D