kbrkr:

Basically we're on a fixed income and prices have gone over the top here in california. We're looking for a place, safe with privacy, where the economy slowly changes. Friendly but a good place to coast out our lives being confortable and not spending a lot of effort doing chores. where the weather is not to extreme.
Some things on the list: for Poteau (pronounced Po Toe) Driving distance to Vets hospt. Fort Smith 28 miles. Local hospitals, yes plus med centers. Near a good size City 25 miles to Fort Smith. Affordable homes Poteau 2000 sq ft about 110k to 140k (brand new 1800 sq ft sub div home from 102K) Low taxes poteau home for 110k taxes about 800 per year gasoline there is about 1.59 natural gas is cheap if you live on a section that has a gas well in some places its free. Rivers and streams abundant, pine forest on edge of town. most terain is rolling to gentle slopes with mountains around.
Most toranodo's go north of Poteau they seem to like the flats and not the hills and mountains. (don't think they've ever had one in the 150 yr history) fruits and nuts grow on your property with almost no care. Most houses are far apart on small acerage usually with your own stream and pond (all are full of fish). It sounds like paradise, but I see some drawbacks, If you get out in the woods you'll find the Indian redbug (chiggers) these little guys can turn you away from ever going into the woods again, at least they don't like me, some people they don't bother. The second and biggest in my opinion is the high humidity for about 3 months, the temps are not that high so cent air and overhead fans pretty well handle this inside, but the afternoons can be uncomfortable if your outside moving around. If your setting still under a pecan tree in the shade,Not bad.
If your a born ny'er the cultural shock might get you. The people are very friendly, and have nothing to fear or hide from, will introduce themselves by full name and tell you where they live. unlike NY or cal. where they might give you a first name only. or just mumble it. Usually a short time will settle down a outsider, to this slower Mayberry Rfd lifestyle.
Poteau is in the top 100 best places to live. And real estate is cheap because of children graduating and moving to the city to make it big. The main reason for picking this area for me is, I can sell our very nice home here and buy 4 nicer one's there for the money..
If you would like to see the home we're looking at. http://www.unitedcountry.com click locate a office, work your way to Poteau OK. and click show all listings click pg 2 look for price of 169k english tudor............Pose

If you do let me know what you think of it.


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[This message has been edited by loungelyzard (edited 02-26-2005).]