paul durand more on the ozarks living

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Furthermore, if you have children and genuinely love them, don't cripple their minds by subjecting them to the low level of "education" that prevails in such parts. The public schools naturally reflect the attitudes of the local voters . . . who are for the most part ignorant, want to stay that way, and have no use for ideas brought in from "outside" by upstart city folk. (Incidentally, how you look has little effect on your acceptance. If you dress well, you're a city dude and therefore suspect. If you have long hair and want to live simply, you're a hippie and even less welcome.)

Since few progressive people are moving into the portion of the Ozarks I'm referring to, alternative schools are almost non-existent and are not likely to be established because of lack of interest. Do you want your children to be decently taught, and to come under the influence of other youngsters at least no more ignorant and savage than they are themselves? Then spare them the stunting effect of deep-country residence, with its non-education and warping social contacts.

Actually, it's quite possible that none of this information will be of genuine value to you, because there's almost no acreage available in the Ozarks (unless you want promoters' "vacation properties" close to tourist attractions and the like). Few of the present owners are interested in selling off part of their land . . . and good places, with woods, a meadow, and a reliable year-round spring and/or stream, have seldom come on the market during the past several years.

In the event that you do find what seems to be a real dream property, go much farther than checking out the title and other facts about the parcel itself. Look at the whole area relative to schools and services, moneymaking possibilities, and the availability of whatever supplies you must have. Lacking both local earnings and a steady income from elsewhere, you could very easily lose your land and all the money, work, and love you've put into it.

If you're beguiled by the thought of cheap land and low taxes, remember that such conditions result from lack of conveniences, job or other income opportunities, good educational facilities, and satisfactory social experiences. And as soon as you find some or all of the above, you're back in the high rent district with stiff taxes, stifling building restrictions, soaring land costs, noise, dirt, and pollution. You can't have it any other way.

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