St. Joseph is a quiet town of approximately 70,000 residents. I would describe the locale as being interesting and a really good place to raise children. The crime rate is low as is the cost of living – our 1900 square foot ranch cost $92,500 and is in a good neighborhood. Of course, you pay for a low cost of living by having less interesting things to do and a lower tolerance of forward-thinking activities (like nursing in public), but we are within easy driving distance of Kansas City and our shopping experience is getting better with the addition of a Borders, Target and Old Navy (among others, see photo).

Our downtown area is what I would describe as “dead.” If it were to somehow be born again I think it would make St. Joseph so much more interesting. There is a lot of history in the older parts of town but unfortunately a lot of it has gone to ruin. Our park system is awesome and we have some fair museums.

My favorite restaurant in town is called “The Oriental Restaurant.” When I was growing up we ate there every New Year’s Eve … it was a tradition.