About Advance
Our location
Advance is located in the Heartland of the United States. Interstate 55 and Mississippi River ports are only 25 highway miles away, with railroad access also nearby. Daily direct service to Chicago from Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, is a short 20 mile highway drive.
We are the following driving distances to major cities: St. Louis - 130 miles, Memphis – 160 miles, Nashville - 230 miles, Little Rock – 240 miles, Louisville – 300 miles, Indianapolis – 330 miles, Kansas City – 375 miles, Birmingham – 375 miles, Cincinnati – 395 miles, Chicago – 400 miles, Tulsa – 400 miles, Des Moines – 460 miles, Atlanta – 470 miles, Milwaukee – 485 miles, Dallas/FW – 550 miles.
Our residents
Advance and its neighboring communities are home to a strong base of capable and proven workers with many areas of manufacturing expertise. Expertise includes but is not limited to metal fabrication, welding, painting, commercial construction, shipping, assembly and equipment operation. Like many Midwesterners, a strong work ethic and family values are passed down here with each generation.
Why Advance?
- Central location in the United States
- Proximity to Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers
- Close distance to major air and rail service
- Business friendly regulatory and tax environment
- Work force that is experienced, talented and affordable
- Culture that includes a strong work ethic and family values
- Low cost of living and high quality of life
- Supportive community leaders and residents
- Affordable land and buildings
- Flexible terms and possible incentives on land and buildings
Quality of Life
Parks
Westfield Park is a 20 acre park on the west side of town. Baseball, softball, t-ball fields and other outdoor activities, along with a large playground, pavilions, and a .75 mile paved walking trail make this a popular destination.
Umfleet Park is 7.5 acres with a playground, pavilions, and oval walking track. Umfleet hosts the annual Labor Day picnic every September, as well as other community events.
Maberry Park is a park in the old downtown square. Maberry has a long and interesting history but the most identifiable feature is the military memorial, honoring past Advance residents who have served this great Nation.
Healthcare
Cross Trails Medical Center in downtown Advance provides primary medical and general dental services.
Cape Girardeau is the healthcare hub for Southeast Missouri, featuring two expansive healthcare providers and hospitals, Saint Francis and Southeast. In addition, many independent providers and specialists are within the Cape area, only a 25-minute drive away.
Education
Advance R-IV School District is the home of the Hornets. The district is comprised of approximately 420 students from grades K-12 meaning small class sizes and favorable teacher to student ratios.
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is 25 highway miles away. CTC provides high quality educational programs, resources, and practical experiences to meet the evolving needs of secondary students, post-secondary students, and area industry.
Three Rivers Community College's main campus is located in Poplar Bluff, about 45 miles from Advance. TRCC also holds classes at other communities in our region, as well as online.
Southeast Missouri State University is is a public accredited university located in Cape Girardeau, about 25 miles to the NE. SEMO offers more than 145 undergraduate majors, 100 minors, and more than 75 graduate programs. Some 12,000 students attend SEMO.
Recreation
Along with the many activities available at our parks, Advance and the surrounding areas have a plethora of options for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and horseback trails, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, water sports, shooting, archery, kayaking, and many, many more activities are easily accessible to Advance residents and visitors.
Safety
The level of crime in Advance is very low compared to state and federal levels. Advance is a safe place to raise a family and to operate a business.