Moving to Springfield/Nixa/Ozark area possible

[LadyDrifter]

My family and I are seriously considering a move to the Springfield/ Nixa/ Ozark area this summer.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me how the job market is around there, as well as housing.   We are coming up in May to look first-hand, but I was looking for some insight from someone who actually lives in the area.  Thanks.

[Swoosh]

If you have the choice - I'd stay away from Springfield proper.  It is quickly becoming one of the cities with the highest crime rate in the US. 

[LadyDrifter]

You are not the first person to tell me that.  How sad.  Do you happen to know much about the Bentonville/ Rogers area in Arkansas?

[DollarCityBoy]

The Bentonville and Rogers area are in the fastest growing counties in the state of Arkansas. With the opening of Crystal Bridges in 2011, that part of the state is booming. Lots to see and do in that part of the state as well, as well as many beautiful communities to look for a home.

[LadyDrifter]

What is Crystal Bridges?  I guess I need to research that.

[DollarCityBoy]

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It's a world-class facility, opened by Alice Walton. It's also free to get into the main exhibits.

http://crystalbridges.org/

[LadyDrifter]

Oh wow.  Looks like a nice place.  Do you know any more specifics about the jobs and housing?  Like average prices and pay?

[DollarCityBoy]

You can find a nice home, for around $150-200,000. Keep in mind, that is about the average, you could spend a lot more...and get more, but that is around the average home price.

There are smaller, more rural communities too, like Gentry, where you can get more bang for your buck, along with more property.

The job market is fairly good in North West Arkansas. There is an abundance of retail stores, shopping malls, and restaurants there. The University of Arkansas is in Fayetteville, close to Rogers/Bentonville.

www.arkansas.com is a wealth of information too.

Hope this helps! 

[LadyDrifter]

Thank you. 

[Gilligan]

Property taxes are much higher in the Bentonville area than surrounding areas of Arkansas.  They are also higher than Nixa and Ozark.  I attribute that to Walmart and their policy for keeping corporate offices nearby of the companies they do business with. 

[chittlins]

I live in Fayetteville. Ask away.

[Gilligan]

Chitlins, do you pay a personal property tax?

[chittlins]

Chitlins, do you pay a personal property tax?

yes.

[LadyDrifter]

Back to the Springfield area.  What would be a rough average pay for someone with 27 years experience in the trucking industry, doing every aspect of office work there?  Accounts pay/rec./payroll/safety,etc.

I see lots of warehouse jobs listed for that area online.  Do you know what these pay?  What about local route drivers?

What about common core?  I read somewhere that Missouri was doing away with it.  Is this true?

[Gilligan]

Chittlins, not interested in the job market, but can you tell me a little about the housing market, cost of utilities, overall cost of living, etc.  Are most subdivisions involved with hoa fees?  I'd like to find a newish home with an additional large garage on at least a 1/2 acre - avoiding subdivisions is possible, but not wanting to be isolated on acreage.