Have you ever lived in the middle of the USA? I am a Mainer..born and bred..lol.
I hated being inland. I love the ocean and the clear sky, trees and mountains. Everything was flat there and trees are sparse in areas. However, being in Belleville you will never be bored. St. Louis is huge, the Arch is awesome, and the casino boat is fun. I am glad I experienced it, but would never give up the smell of the ocean again

this mighty Mississippi is brown and yucky. I moved there during the great flood of 1993 and oh my was is mighty. I hope you enjoy it there. PS..I was a Navy wife, you must be Air Force an he must be at Scott AFB?