Willow Springs, MO homesteaders, I have ??

craftychick · #1 12/29/13, 04:20 PM

I am looking at some properties in the Willow Springs, MO area and would like some general impressions of the area.

My questions are in general, I know that each parcel will be different.

Is there a lot of petty crime like theft and tresspassing in the area? I experienced a break in while I was gone a few years ago while living in another state and now I'm much more cautious since a break in rattles a persons feelings about being safe in their home.

Are the creeks fairly clean? Do people take care of the waterways or is there a lot of pollution from trash & dumping things like oil?

If I go into a new area in MO, without mentioning my previous life up here in the north or how things were done up north, do people accept you pretty good or is it normally an uphill struggle to at least become tolerated?

We're older and want to just find a little piece of land to have some chickens, ducks and maybe a couple of goats. Basically, to live out our lives peacefully. The land I have viewed is beautiful and it seems to have the features we want; year round creek, a couple of small ponds and some clearings perfect for a cabin and some raised bed gardens.
I'm just nervous about being the new kid on the block.

Alice In TX/MO · #2 12/29/13, 07:26 PM

You don't have to hide your Yankee background.

Just don't use the phrase, "Back in -----we did it this way."

My place is east of Willow Springs, but there are several from that area on the Goat forum here. You might want to make a post on that forum.

The Ozarks in general has a meth problem. I highly recommend you meet your potential neighbors and hang out at the feed store and ask questions before buying.

You may find that your location has its share of 'foreigners', as the new folks are sometimes called. On our three miles of road, only one of the five families has been there longer than a few years. The one family has been there for generations, and they have been very helpful.

craftychick · #3 12/29/13, 07:32 PM

Thank you Alice, we'll be going down in Feb to check out the parcels and the whole neighborhood.

ceresone · #4 12/30/13, 07:16 AM

Lived here for 70 plus years. PM me your questions-and I'd likely know where you're looking

ceresone · #5 12/30/13, 07:30 AM

Just noticed YOUR state--I was born in Iowa 76 years ago

ceresone · #6 12/30/13, 09:09 AM

Facebook has 'Ozark Area Gardeners"

badlander · #7 12/30/13, 11:57 AM

Our farm is in north eastern MO, but I can say that the folks in Missouri are friendly and helpful. They are a little nervous about the influx of folks especially from IL, which is where we originated from. I just assured them that we were not bringing the IL mindset along with us that it was the IL mindset that was forcing us to flee the state and while our physical presence was IL, our mental presence was Conservative through and through. My comments were met with a wide smile and a heartfelt "Welcome to Missouri".

Yes, the state does have a bad meth problem. Common sense safety is advised along with knowing your property and your neighbors. Folks pretty much watch out for one another where we are and as we are in the middle of an Amish community, there is always slow moving traffic going by our place.

I highly advised going on line and signing up for the Missouri Conservationist magazine. It's free of charge to MO residents, full of helpful information and beautiful pictures. You can find it at:

http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/...g/default.aspx

The dept of conservation is very interactive with the public and eager to help you with improving your property for wildlife and general use.

Sure hope you find your dream property. If you can, look for Amish homesteads that might be for sale in the area. You can usually find some good land buys there.

craftychick · #8 12/30/13, 07:02 PM

Thank you everyone for the information.

I am going to get together some questions Ceresone & send you a message.

Badlander, I'm going to see if I can get that magazine even though I'm not a resident yet.

BlueRose · #9 12/31/13, 08:54 PM

Are you going to be on the Texas County or Howell County side of Willow Springs? Either way there are some beautiful properties. As far as the streams/creeks goes it depends on your neighbors and how the creek runs (deep, fast, slow). Alot of people trap, hunt, fish, and canoe/boat on quite a few of the creeks. I hope you find a nice property and good neighbors.

I agree with Alice go to the goat forum.

Rhoffman · #10 01/23/14, 12:59 PM

We just move from ks to Willow springs and like it and the people here we are renting 30a right now till we can buy. but the people friendly and seem to be friendly at lest ours are

Rhoffman · #11 01/23/14, 01:04 PM

Sorry for the typing my finger is slower then my mind

grandma12703 · #12 01/23/14, 01:14 PM

Been here going on 4 years. Due to DH job we have gone from south central more to the central area of Missouri. Loved both places and recommend it. We hear about the meth problem but have never had any issues with anyone. I think if you do your thing and just enjoy your own life you will have no problem. I am sure if you went looking for it your could find it.

Rhoffman · #13 01/24/14, 12:29 PM

We haven't had any troubles with anyone. But its like any place if you look you can find any thing

CJBegins · #14 01/24/14, 06:33 PM

grandma12703, you must be closer to me. I am up by Ft Leonard Wood.

Meth is a problem. Meth heads will steal anything metal that they can resale. Many of them are dog flippers that pick up free dogs on craigslist and then resale them to feed their habit.

Up here, the water ways run pretty clean. Lots of rivers and creeks and wild life. Lots of rocks...too many rocks. Taxes aren't bad.

Folks can be leary of new people but this is the Show Me State, show them how you are and you will be fine.