My husband has the opportunity to be relocated to St. Louis. The decision to take this job is greatly dependent on whether or not we can reach our dream of homesteading within commuting distance of St. Louis (no more than 1 hour drive). Husband will need to work at least 5 more years.

I am very ignorant to those regions - both MO and IL. Would appreciate input from anyone who lives there or knows much about the area. Primary concern would finding unrestricted acreage (under 10) that would be suitable for gardening, small orchards, chickens and goats.

Any response is greatly appreciated.

Jill

-- Jill Knox (jillkx@aol.com), November 16, 1999

Answers

I live in Missouri and I would encourage you to move here as fast as you can. In my opinion, biased as it may be, there is no better place to begin a homestead. If you take your time and look you can find land at a decent price within commuting distance of either Kansas City or St. Louis. Nice climate, nice people all over the state. I would love to populate our fine state with homesteaders. Welcoming you in advance, Heath Oates

-- Heath Oates (heathoates@hotmail.com), November 22, 1999.

You lucky duck !!!!!!!!!!!! My husband and I would kill (almost) to be able to move back to Missouri..I have been sending my resume out all over the state in the hopes that we can return there.The folks are WONDERFUL, tha land is still inexpensive (taxes), although in the St.Louis area this is no longer quite so evident. 20 years ago the st.Louis metro area was such that one could buy great cheap farmland within 20 mins of the city.Now, one has to really look for it.Try looking in Pacific, Eureka,Festus,and Warren County.North of the city always has a flooding problem as well as the huge airport. South and West still have smaller acreage available, but the big places are gone.Southern Illinois is very interesting..If you got a nice place across the river, you have a HORRIBLE (in my opinion) commute if you are lateral to the city..(due East)..Further South, you have to drive East, cross the river at some small town, and then shoot up North on the major highways but it is much better.Heavier traffic comes from the East and West of the city. Rte 40 looks great on a map, but not to drive on unless you are from the Autobahn or NYC...Good luck and I'm so jealous I could spit !!!!

-- Lesley chasko (martchas@gateway.net), November 22, 1999.

i grew up in southern missouri and have recently been able to move back. it is sure good to be home. missouri offers such a variety of things, from major cities to some of the most beautiful country on God's glorious earth. from the ozark maountains to the northern plains. come to branson and look me up if you can make it. good luck. we now live in douglas country in Mark Twain Natl forest. a far cry from miami fl. thank God i'm a country girl!

-- teri eschenbrenner (countryview62@aol.com), November 22, 1999.

I owned 40 acres in southern Reynolds county until just recently. Lived there for 25 years, loved it and will go back just as soon as I possibly can. I perfect place to homestead. I was a 2 hour drive from St.Louis, to far to commute (right now anyway, alot of work is being done on the road net in Southeast Missouri) Feel free to communicate any specific questions.

-- GlennSmith (chairsmith@webtv.com), November 27, 1999.