Hi ladies! We're pcs'ing to Leonard Wood later this year, and I was wondering if I could ask a few questions. We're very excited as this means a position at the schoolhouse (non deployable finally after 3 combat tours in five years). But, as usual, I have so many questions. (We're a Marine family, fwiw).

First, we are looking at what would be the best areas to live. I've read the other posts as best I can, you're all so helpful! We do plan on living as close to the base (er, post? lol) as possible as we aren't interested in a long commute. We are not interested in renting or base housing, but would like to buy a home there. I have looked at the threads and saw some warnings about Timber Ridge builders? Which developments would those be?

We are looking at some new construction in Castle Rock, does anyone have any experience with that neighborhood or the builder? We are speaking with a realtor, but I was looking for your perspectives.

Also schools, which are the best neighborhoods to be in the best schools in the area? This is very important to us. We'll have children in the middle schools and elementary schools. Are they year round or traditional schedules?

Are there any employment options (0ther than on post, and how realistic is that?) I realize that that situation all depends on qualifications. I guess I'm just asking what are the usual employment opportunities there? I am currently a retail store manager for a Fortune 500 company, but I'm not really looking to continue the 60 hour weeks once we move. Any suggestions? We're prepared for it to take a while for me to find another position, but if I have to I will still work retail management.

Ok, I think that's it. Sorry to be so wordy! Thank you for all of the advice you've given others, it has helped me as well! We can't wait to get there. We're low key and love our home and the outdoors, so I think it'll be perfect for us. And we're not coming from a big city, so we are used to living in the middle of nowhere. :)

Thanks in advance! 

Hey Vanessa...We just moved here a week ago so I am prob not going to be the biggest help to you. I will tell you that the ST Robert area (right outside of Leonard Wood) is pretty small so it is hard to find houses to rent. However, buying house here should not be a problem. From what I hear, it actually saves you money in the long run if that is what you are interested in doing. We want to live on post but the waiting list is so long right now so found a duplex to rent in Lebanon which is about 30+ minutes away from post. We also found out today that unless you live on post, you can't be seen for medical on post. (your hubby can but not the family) we came here from FT Bragg so that has been quite a change for us but we are going to make the best out of it. My husband will also be non-deployable for the next 3 years because he got picked up for recruiter duty. We just finished our 3rd deployment as well. I hear the Rolla area is nice. There is also a little town called Dixon. I am sure the other girls on here will be able to answer your questions about jobs and schools as I am needing that info too :) Good luck. 

It depends on what your priorities are; to get work - you really need to live in Rolla which is about 25 mins from post....as there are no real big stores apart from Walmart here.
Rolla has a lot more to do.
I have not heard of Castle Rock...do you know if it is waynesville or st robert?
Also.....there are some awesome doctors/clinics in rolla
Melissa 

I personal like being seen off post you dont have to wait 2wks for an apt and they have a walk in clinic 4 days a week.I think you can get a list of developments Timber ridge builders builds from there website. I live in one of their great houses lol. From what I hear Summit and Taylor Ridge are good developments they are both in Waynesville. We have traditional school year here and no complaints from me on the waynesville elementary schools so far. We do have smaller retail stores Gliks,Maurices,Cato. Hope I helped! 

I'm "from" this area. I graduated from Dixon, and I've been here off and on since 1992. We've been stationed here since 2008. If you are looking to buy, there are quite a few houses available in the area... Don't be afraid to look at some of the older homes as well.. instead of just looking in the newer sub-divisions.

I haven't heard of Castle Rock, specifically, but honestly new houses pop up so much around here that it is very hard to keep track.

As far as employment.. um.. good luck? there are jobs.. if you want to work in the fast food or hotel industry, but you are in competition with alot of locals as well as other military spouses. There isn't that many jobs to go around here.

As far as schools go.. if you living in the waynesville, st robert, fort wood area, then everyone is part of the same school district.. The district, due to funding cuts will be closing another of the elementary schools on post this year (pick) so its uncertain where the overflow from there is going to go quite yet.

the middle school is all the same. if you live off post then your kids will probably go to East Elementary or Freedom (depending on their grade) My kids are still too young for school, school, so the other ladies would be able to help you out more there. 

the elementary schools on post this year (pick) so its uncertain where the overflow from there is going to go quite yet.


Overflow from Pick will be split up between Thayer and Wood. Wood is getting most of them. They are at this time renovating Wood to be able to hold more students just for this reason. Fun Fun!!!


I love the area...there are nice houses to buy, but just like anywhere, you need to do your homework. Jobs are hard to find from what I hear. I have never looked here, too busy with school and volunteering. I enjoy the schools. Are they BEST in the nation? No, but they are good and the teachers really seem to have e genuine desire to help students excel. Good luck and welcome to the area!! 

I cant believe they are closing pick :( Damon loved it there and wants to go back 

I've had experience w/ both East & Freedom Elem. and they are fabulous! This by far is the best school system my children have been in so no worries on that score.

Can't be of much help for the housing thing other than I know there are some houses for sale in our neighborhood (newer)we live in St. Robert (tho it's considered outside city limits) in a housing edition called Misty Mountain Acres. We are actually renting from another mil. family w/ the option to buy, but we love our neighborhood. The best part to us is that we have 6acres for our kids and animals to be on yet are only minutes from town & post!

I really don't have any complaints about living here tho I'm not a huge shopper and I have a fabulous job that I can work remote from my home as well as we started a "pet sitting" business last fall which we enjoy so I haven't had to go out & "look" for work, but I know & imagine it can be frustrating to be sure due to our economy and the small town feel of our area.

I love the outdoors and my husband & I are origionally from MO (tho not this area) so we weren't sad at all that we got this duty station.

Welcome to the area!! 

Vanessa -
We have been here for 4 months and we're USMC as well. We came from San Diego so it's quite a culture shock! Although we did 3 combat tours in 3 years so the non-deployable status is awesome!!
As far as housing goes, buying is very wise! We bought because its MUCH cheaper than renting and the list for base housing was way too long, not to mention what we were offered was horrible. Although, we bought in Lebanon (30 min drive) because of the newer houses for a cheaper price. But I know you mentioned you aren't interested in wanting to drive and I can't blame you.
I can't be much help with schools, since we don't currently have any children (although we have one on the way!!).
Jobs? Hhhmm good luck. I've been searching for four months, put in my paperwork on base ( I mean post??? Haha) and nothing... I've searched in Lebanon and W-ville and St Robert. There isn't much to offer around here. Like you mentioned you have retail experience, but I'm not sure how many retails stores there are within driving distance except Wal-Mart or Lowes. Lots of restaurants and fast food.... But that's not really where I want to work.
Good luck with everything! 

Vanessa -
We have been here for 4 months and we're USMC as well. We came from San Diego so it's quite a culture shock! Although we did 3 combat tours in 3 years so the non-deployable status is awesome!!
As far as housing goes, buying is very wise! We bought because its MUCH cheaper than renting and the list for base housing was way too long, not to mention what we were offered was horrible. Although, we bought in Lebanon (30 min drive) because of the newer houses for a cheaper price. But I know you mentioned you aren't interested in wanting to drive and I can't blame you.
I can't be much help with schools, since we don't currently have any children (although we have one on the way!!).
Jobs? Hhhmm good luck. I've been searching for four months, put in my paperwork on base ( I mean post??? Haha) and nothing... I've searched in Lebanon and W-ville and St Robert. There isn't much to offer around here. Like you mentioned you have retail experience, but I'm not sure how many retails stores there are within driving distance except Wal-Mart or Lowes. Lots of restaurants and fast food.... But that's not really where I want to work.
Good luck with everything! 

Vanessa -
We have been here for 4 months and we're USMC as well. We came from San Diego so it's quite a culture shock! Although we did 3 combat tours in 3 years so the non-deployable status is awesome!!
As far as housing goes, buying is very wise! We bought because its MUCH cheaper than renting and the list for base housing was way too long, not to mention what we were offered was horrible. Although, we bought in Lebanon (30 min drive) because of the newer houses for a cheaper price. But I know you mentioned you aren't interested in wanting to drive and I can't blame you.
I can't be much help with schools, since we don't currently have any children (although we have one on the way!!).
Jobs? Hhhmm good luck. I've been searching for four months, put in my paperwork on base ( I mean post??? Haha) and nothing... I've searched in Lebanon and W-ville and St Robert. There isn't much to offer around here. Like you mentioned you have retail experience, but I'm not sure how many retails stores there are within driving distance except Wal-Mart or Lowes. Lots of restaurants and fast food.... But that's not really where I want to work.
Good luck with everything! 

This is a culture shock as many other has said. Job opportunities asre scarce because of the small area. Not many good resturants, have to drive to Rolla to go to Applebee's. I am a nurse and have been looking since last Novemember when my husband got orders and havent had any luck in the area. There are many websites to look on for housing. The two I found to interesting were AHRN.com and Remilitary.com., there they have houses for rent and for sale with pictures. Like someone said earlier , there are plenty of houses for sale, but not many for rent. The area is pretty quiet small town. You will find everything in about 2 days lol. Good luck with everything. Hope your stay here is pleasant. 

Sorry, I just realized my post went up more than once! Ugh, I blame my slow connection..