Just no...Not for young families or professionals
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1/13/2014
There is not one thing I can say about this town, other than it's proximity to better towns in all directions, that would inspire any one to move here.
I have found the "locals" to be quite happy with the status quo. I have been here 2 years and with a baby on the way, my husband and I will be leaving for another state soon after the birth.
Missouri is ranked 3rd highest in the nation in Property taxes. Sedalia schools rank low. Crime rate in Sedalia in on par with Detroit and higher than Las Vegas per capita and the local law enforcement does little to curb it. Some of that is due to corruption, some due to lack of man power. In fact we have have more attorneys per capita than we do churches (169 vs 72). I have sat in court with friends, two of the judges try, one is an out and out waste.
Culture can be found in KC MO/KS or Columbia, each an hour and half drive. "Culture" is a word void of use here. Recreation: I will say Liberty Park has had its share of photos and is perhaps one of the prettiest places in this town but other than that, the other parks lack and several I would deem unsafe for children due to the crime.
Education - no. Do not put your children in these schools. I personally do not see many issues with the teachers themselves, however, those above them and those controlling the purse strings ( Sedalia spends 1,000 less per student than the national average) are an issue.
Health care: Well our local "hospital" is called Botch-well, a form of its real name Bothwell. A doctor or two make their living denying workers compensation claims, or rather are the doctors hired by any of the number of labor related companies to state that an employee isn't actually hurt. A good percentage of the residents have had carpal tunnel surgery from working a few months at Tyson just up the road for 10.00 an hour.
About employment: One can work fast food or retail for around $8 an hour and hope you get 30 hours a week. Those with management experience may make $10-12 and hour. We are not a Right to Work state but employers are happy to tell you that you will put up with what they tell you to - no breaks, OT off the clock etc - or someone else will be happy to take your position, and at 8% unemployment, they are right. The college, medical and a few established professionals in medical or law and those who feed off them - pest control, etc seem to be doing well here.
Transportation: They do try but, the bus is erratic at best. It can not be counted upon for work schedules and even at that you will most likely need to walk some as while they are trying to add new stops they do not have the entire city covered just yet. A plus is that they will come get you at your home for doctors appointments ( helpful I guess for a town so full of people on disability and the aging) Most of the time mid-day stops can be counted on at heavily trafficked venues such as State Fair Shopping Center but if you need a pick up from a less known/used stop, say Sav-A-Lot, you are out of luck if they don't see you at the stop.
Housing is hit or miss for everyone. Renters and owners alike. Most rentals unless low income are older and what you may save in rent you pay for in crime rates and utilities. There is little incentive for landlords to be fair or maintain their properties. We were lucky with ours. Property values are across the board ranging from 30k to 230k and the reasoning has little to do with location or amenities and more to do with Realtors.
Stay and visit the State Fair or view the hills, but don't live here unless you are single.
Micha | Sedalia, MO