WOULD YOU LIKE SMALL TOWN SHELL KNOB, MISSOURI LIFE?

SMALL TOWN LIFE IN SHELL KNOB

There was a recent incident that brought a smile to my face.  Smiles are good, right?

First, I should explain,  Having spent most of my life in big cities, I realized when we relocated to the Ozarks, that although the  usa was a 'melting pot' , we still have some cultural differences in the States.  Missouri is in the center of the country, but it is also the border between North and South.  Life tends to be slower here, and once I adjusted to it, I decided that slow is not bad.  Slower doesn't mean inefficient, but it may mean a difference in values.  The value in question might be time.  How do we want to spend our time?  Nose to the grindstone, or going fishing? 

I am a realtor living in the Shell Knob  area in the southwest part of Missouri.  I say 'area', because this is not a small town in the usual sense.  It is not incorporated nor is it governed as a town.  It is a large spread out area around Table Rock Lake,  spread out in several small neighborhoods or communities , considered to have approximately 3200 citizens over 18 years of age living here full time.  May through September the numbers swell with tourists, vacationers and summer residents.

Most local business is conducted in or near a strip-mall and although we are not in an old Andy Griffith rerun, as we go from post office to bank, to library or phrarmacy, it is unusual to not see at least one person you know, and more likely to greet several people. And  You will more often than not will be greeted by name, with a smile. 

We have the usual pot-luck suppers from churches and civic organizations, a big 4th of July fireworks display over the water and a comfotable, laid-back lifestyle.  Maybe it is a little Andy Griffith-ish.  I know that I don't worry about locking my car each time I run into a store.  It is a safe, secure environment.  Hard to find in today's world.

The best example I can relate about what small town life is like, goes back to my first statement.  I had misplaced my library card (again) and was preparing to pop into the library and spend $2.00 for a replacement,  when the card magically appears in my mailbox.  It had been found on the floor of the grocery store, then traveled 14 miles to get back to me.  IT BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE.  I've morphed into a small town gal. 

Are we behind the times here?  Maybe, and considering the times, that might be why we are getting so many transplants here.  Couples bringing their children to raise them in an old fashioned simple  environment.

For additional real estate or area information, call Joan Toll Free at: 888-823-4125