I’d Gladly Move Anywhere in Missouri Except These 5 Iffy Places

I am not ashamed to say that I love my birth state of Missouri. That being said, I'd gladly move just about anywhere in the state with the exception of what I consider to be 5 somewhat iffy places.

It's very much in fashion to say bad things about Missouri these days. I don't know why, but I've never been one to follow the crowds. I was born in Missouri a relatively long time ago. So long ago that my kids ask me what it was like living in a black and white world after seeing my childhood pictures, but I digress.

While I generally love Missouri, there are 5 places I would never consider moving to no matter what. I mean no offense to those that DO live in these places now, but certain factors make these Missouri towns and cities a no go for my family.

Branson, Missouri

My family visited Branson many times when I was a kid. It was and is a fun place, but live there? Nope. It's just too glitzy for my tastes and I see statistics that show property crime is out of control there now, too. You're a fun vacation area, Branson, but I'll pass. I would move to Silver Dollar City though. 

Kennett, Missouri

Kennett, Missouri is the hometown of music superstar Sheryl Crow and that's about all I have to say about Kennett. The crime rates in Kennett are a bear these days and someday the New Madrid Fault is gonna make little ole Kennett into a challenging place to survive sadly.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

I don't really have anything specific against Poplar Bluff other than it's a little too close to Arkansas. If your city/town has Razorback tendencies, that's a no from me.

Springfield, Missouri

A few years ago I seriously considered moving my family to Springfield, Missouri as I love the southwestern part of the state. Then, I saw how many times Springfield has been featured on the TV show COPS and thought better of it. A near miss.

St. Louis, Missouri metro

I want to be clear that I have no problem living in the St. Louis AREA, but not the city itself. The fact that I feel like I need to be a US Marshal every time I go to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game is not a good thing. The suburbs are wildly underrated by many, but the general narrative about St. Louis city itself being a dumpster fire is accurate I think. That makes it a no-go for me.