WHERE WE LIVE: CAPE GIRARDEAU

Population: 34,438

Incorporated: 1808

County: Cape Girardeau

Mayor: Gene Rhodes

Unique point: "The quality of life here is so much better," says Judy Moss with the Cape Chamber of Commerce. "Almost everything available in large cities is available in Cape. It's very sophisticated for its size."

Karen Smiley: "Cape is big enough that there's plenty to do and see, and yet small enough that we don't have the big city crime and pollution. I've lived here about 15 years, and it's peaceful here."

Bill Givens: "Cape offers a lot of the advantages of a larger town while offering the home-like atmosphere of a small town. People here are willing to say `Hi' and be friendly."

Bill Brinkopf: "The people here are super. They are easy to get along with, have good attitudes and are pleasant. The city is pretty well run and is well-rounded."

Jackie Rose: "Cape has a small town atmosphere, but is not so small that there's nothing going on. It's good for families. I've been many places, and Cape is very comfortable."