Whether you’re just heading off to college, starting out in your career, raising a family, or about to retire, Springfield, MO can be the perfect place to call home. With a thriving job market, excellent schools, topnotch healthcare, and all the cultural and entertainment opportunities expected of a modern metropolis, the “Queen City of the Ozarks” has everything you could possibly need to live a secure and comfortable life.
Want to explore your options in this beautiful and welcoming city? Let us provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed home buying decision. We’ll tell you why Springfield is the best city to move to and help you find the ideal property to suit your needs and lifestyle.
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WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD, MO
Located in Southwest Missouri, the city of Springfield combines a relaxed small-town vibe with the lively energy of a college town, and is surrounded by charming suburbs. A booming economy anchored by major companies headquartered here allows Springfield to enjoy stable long-term economic growth. Combined with numerous job opportunities, natural surroundings, fantastic dining options, and affordable living, it’s no wonder more and more people are showing interest in the Springfield, MO real estate market.
Springfield, MO brief history
As the county seat of Greene County and the third largest city in the Show-Me State, Springfield is a city rich in history that includes notable events like the settling of Native Americans, Civil War battles, and the construction of Route 66, America’s so-called Mother Road.
Relocating the original inhabitants. Springfield’s first inhabitants were the Delaware, Kickapoo, and Osage people. From the late 1700s to the early 1800s, English and European pioneers began moving into Greene County. In 1830, the original inhabitants were relocated to a reservation in Kansas, and Springfield along with the rest of Greene County welcomed newer settlers. Springfield saw its first post office in 1834, its first permanent courthouse in 1837, and became incorporated in 1838.
A new railway accelerates economic and population growth. Construction began on a new railway in 1870, which ran from St. Louis to San Francisco. This new mode of transportation boosted the town’s economy. By 1878, there were over 150 businesses operating in Springfield, including a grocery store, tavern, newspaper, and insurance company. By the beginning of the 1900s, Springfield had approximately 23,000 residents.
A transcontinental highway named Route 66. As of 1923, Springfield had a total of 148 miles of streets, with 60 paved miles. The centrality of the location made it an ideal site for a transcontinental highway, an idea borne in the minds of Springfield businessman John T. Woodruff and Oklahoma businessman Cy Avery. Both men worked tirelessly to push for the construction of a highway from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA. Their persistence prevailed, and Route 66 was established in 1926. Soon after, all manner of businesses cropped up in the location to service the many travelers passing through the new highway, and the city’s economy and reputation as an ideal place to live and do business skyrocketed to new heights.
Springfield, MO geography and climate
Elevation. Nestled in Missouri’s scenic southwest, on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks, the city lies in close proximity to the Ozark Mountains, making it perfect for outdoor activities and casual outings. Springfield’s elevation is 1,299 feet above sea level, but the city itself is mainly flat, surrounded by rolling hills and cliffs in the north, east, and south sections. The rest of the plateau is occupied by forests and pastures.
Size. Springfield’s total area is 83.7 square miles, with land taking up 83.11 square miles and water occupying 0.59 square miles. The James River, Galloway, Creek, Jordan Creek, and many other streams and tributaries flow within or near the city. Most of them drain into the surrounding lakes such as Table Rock Lake, Stockton Lake, McDaniel Lake, Fellows Lake, and Pomme de Terre Lake.
Climate. Springfield averages 210 wonderful sun-shiny days, 97 rainy days throughout the year, and 20 inches of snow in winter. It isn’t uncommon for the city to experience rain showers even in summer. Springfield is also known for some of the most varied weather in the nation, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures at around 90 degrees during extremely hot days. Winters are moderately cold with occasional snowfall, which allows for plenty of festive holiday fun. Both spring and fall offer moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for all sorts of activities, from fishing, to hiking to biking, and more.
Springfield, MO population and demographics
According to WorldPopulationReview.com, as of 2024, Springfield’s population just exceeded 170,000. The city records an annual population growth rate of 0.06%, with the total number increasing by 0.23% compared to the previous census.
In terms of educational attainment, 92% of the population aged 25 and older are high school graduates, with another 30% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher academic attainment. People who live in Springfield have an average median age of 33.2, and this young demographic is the main driver for the city’s rapid economic growth. If you’re an educated young professional looking for quality jobs and an even better quality of life, Springfield may just be perfect for you.
The biggest industries in the city based on employment are education and health services, government, retail trade, professional and bus services, and leisure and hospitality.
HOMES FOR SALE IN SPRINGFIELD, MO
Springfield, MO boasts a flourishing property market that makes it an enticing prospect for homebuyers and investors alike.
Types of homes in Springfield, MO
The city offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes/multi-family homes, housing authority apartments, historic homes, and more.
Mid-level properties are typically built on 1,100 to 1,500-square-foot lots with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. If you’re on a strict budget, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of affordable houses for sale in Springfield, MO.
Typical features and amenities. Many of the homes are made of brick to withstand the harshest of conditions.
- Ceilings are typically 8 to 10 feet tall, allowing for openness and a steady stream of natural light.
- Kitchens are usually equipped with generously sized islands complete with storage drawers to strike a balance between form and function.
- Homes often feature a scenic natural landscape.
Architectural types. Because it was founded in 1839, the city’s long history has had a major influence on the architectural styles of houses for sale in Springfield, MO. Among them are:
- French Tudor, a style characterized by steep gable roofs, heavy wooden doorways, embellished masonry chimneys, and broad window bays, suits the Ozark landscape. Exteriors are typically made of stone, brick, stucco, and similar earth-based materials. Homebuyers can find elegant French Tudor homes all over Springfield, and not just in the wealthy communities.
- Colonial style shares many of the same characteristics of the French Tudor design, such as steep roofs with gables, and an exterior made of brick or stone. Luxury features include upscale crown molding, pedestal-shaped front columns, a formal entryway, and an elaborate central fireplace. Colonial homes are typically 2 stories, but can be 3 stories in luxury custom builds.
- Ranch has become the most commonly searched architectural home style in the United States. Traditional Ranch-style houses for sale in Springfield, MO are usually single-story, with low-pitch roofs and a small, dedicated front porch. An open interior layout is also common, as are wide roof eaves and large sliding glass doors. In Springfield, Ranch-style homes are often the most affordable, which makes them a great option as starter homes for first-time homebuyers.
Look for other styles in newer houses for sale in Springfield, MO.
THE PERKS OF LIVING IN SPRINGFIELD, MO
Are you wondering about the best place to live in the Show-Me State? While the answer to this question may be subjective, Springfield easily ticks many of the boxes that point to the quality of life the city offers.
Here are the top 8 reasons Springfield, MO deserves to be your next home and why it’s worth your time to discover what the city offers
1. Lower cost of living
New residents may be surprised to know that the total cost of living in Springfield is 13% lower than the U.S. average. Housing prices represent the biggest difference, with properties in the city averaging 25% below national housing costs. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also cheaper here than the rest of the nation (at -13%, -4%, and -11%, respectively).
Not only are homes for sale in Springfield, MO more affordable, but homebuyers and investors also have the ability to choose from a large number of neighborhoods to suit their personal and family needs. From traditional bungalows, to contemporary house designs, to downtown condos, you’re sure to find a home you’ll love that won’t break the bank.
2. There’s an array of neighborhoods to suit every preference
Whether you want to live in a gated community with upscale amenities, or prefer something closer to nature, there’s a place for you in Springfield, MO.
- Communities like Hickory Hills, Highland Springs, Millwood, and Fremont Hills offer the opportunity to live close to top-tier country clubs.
- Rountree and Phelps Grove are old neighborhoods that boast historic homes, lush green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
- Recently developed lofts and apartment complexes in Downtown Springfield and developed within the historic Sequiota and Galloway Village community are perfect for those seeking a home with easy access to urban amenities.
3. It’s easy to get around
An average commute time of 22.3 minutes anywhere in the city (4.5 minutes lower than the national average) means you’re always close to restaurants, shops, entertainment, cultural landmarks, or green spaces.
If you want to leave the car at home, the City Utilities bus system, which serves central Springfield daily, can take you to major points in the city anytime. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in Springfield, and avid bikers will enjoy miles of dedicated lanes and a network of bike trails throughout the city proper. Soon, due to a focus of Springfield’s new comprehensive plan, Forward SGF, the current trail network of 70+ miles will all be connected and become 140 miles of trails within the city.
Going out of state or out of the country is also easy, because the city has its own airport, the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), which flies to 15 key destinations nationwide nonstop, including five of the largest hub airports in the country. As a Springfield resident, every major airport in the world is practically just one layover away.
4. Plenty of outdoor recreation
Lovers of the great outdoors will feel right at home in Springfield, MO because of the following:
- The Greater Springfield Area boasts more than 100 parks, including Jordan Valley Park conveniently located within the downtown area, and Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse which offers canoe and kayak rentals. The Springfield Botanical Gardens boasts dozens of themed and collection gardens, and includes the Roston Native Butterfly House and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, a 7.5 acre traditional Japanese garden.
- Missouri was named “Best Trails State” by “American Trails.” Most of Springfield’s trails are maintained by Ozark Greenways, and through Ungap The Map, an initiative within the city’s Forward SGF plan, all of the gaps will be closed. The expanding system includes over 200 miles of trails with 140 of those within the city, building on the 77 miles already existing within the city. The trail system lets you experience the area’s most outstanding natural attractions like forests, wildflowers, and waterways, while also creating connections to community destinations.
- There are more than 7,000 caves in Missouri, many of them located in Springfield and the surrounding communities. The most well-known is Fantastic Caverns which offers a 55-minute ride-through tour following a prehistoric underground riverbed with fascinating formations.
- There are dozens of lakes and streams that make Springfield and the surrounding areas ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are just a few activities on offer.
5. Highly rated schools
If you have school-age children, you’ll be glad to know that Springfield has some of the best public and private schools in the country.
Public schools in the area are served by 26 school districts. Springfield Public Schools, the largest fully accredited school district in the state, values encouragement and support for every student. The city also has 21 private and charter schools.
The surrounding suburbs are also well known for their school districts, including Nixa High School and Ozark High School, both of which are named on the U.S. News and World Report top 50 schools in the state.
6. Arts, culture, entertainment, plus kid-friendly attractions
With so many excellent art, culture, entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions found throughout the city, it’s easy to immerse oneself in Springfield’s unique offerings.
- Want to learn about the city’s rich history? Make sure to visit the History Museum on the Square, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and Visitor Center, The Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks, and Route 66 Car Museum.
- If you’re into musicals, plays, and concerts, do check out The Landers Theatre and Gillioz Theatre’s respective schedules to see which performances, exhibitions, and shows might pique your interest. Most of the local breweries in the area offer live music and trivia nights. Branson is only 20 minutes south of Springfield, and offers over one hundred music, comedy, magic and inspirational shows.
- If you love art, the city has no shortage of art galleries, including the Springfield Art Museum which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028 by unveiling a $25 million dollar renovation and expansion. Other galleries include Brick City, Fresh Gallery Fine Art, Hawthorne Gallery, Springfield Sculpture Walk, and Formed Gallery. Also, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, nominated for USA Today’s Best Art Museum Award, is less than a 2-hour car drive away in Northwest Arkansas.
- Kids will love Springfield, MO’s Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today for the 5th time in 2023 and connected to Bass Pro’s World Headquarters. Other family friendly activities include the Dickerson Park Zoo, the Itty Bitty City amusement center, the Discovery Center, the many botanical gardens with special kid-friendly events, the World’s Largest Fork, and so much more.
- Springfield’s restaurant scene is impressive. It is considered to have more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States! The dining options in Springfield are quite diverse, from delicious hole-in-the-wall dives to elegant fine dining. Springfield’s food scene is most known for cashew chicken, a Chinese American dish invented by a local chef in the 1960s.
- For sports fans, Hammons Field in Downtown Springfield hosts the Springfield Cardinals, a minor league baseball team. Jordan Valley Ice Park is just down the road and is the home for the Missouri State Ice Bears ice hockey team, as well as youth sports programs and public skating. Missouri State University sponsors 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic teams in men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and diving, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, golf, tennis, golf, soccer, track, and cross country.
7. Best city for small businesses and new careers
Numerous publications have listed Springfield as among the best cities for small businesses and new careers. Forecasts about the city’s future are largely positive, with overall job growth predicted to increase by almost 40% within the next decade.
The city hosts large and well-known employers, which contribute significantly to the local economy:
- National brands O ‘Reilly Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops, and Prime Trucking are headquartered in Springfield, MO.
- Other top employers in Springfield, MO include CoxHealth, Mercy Health System, Walmart, Missouri State University, Costco, and Springfield Public Schools. Nearby major employers are an Amazon fulfillment center in Republic and Jack Henry & Associates, Inc in Monett.
You can also look for career opportunities in the Springfield region’s key industries, such as advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics, data centers, call centers and back office, and technology and innovation.
8. An eye on the future
Springfield recently launched its blueprint for the city’s future, Forward SGF. This comprehensive city management plan will guide housing, economic development, land use, and other projects over the next two decades.
Forward SGF takes into consideration the most important programs for voters, including the creation of a complete trail system, corridor improvements, and additional parks and greenspaces, among other concerns.
The development plan seeks to grow Springfield into an attractive, safe, and inclusive community where residents can live, work, and thrive into the future.
WORK WITH EXPERT SPRINGFIELD, MO REAL ESTATE AGENTS
We at Flat Fee Redefined know that buying a home is the single most important purchase people will make in their life. For this reason, we stay in tune with our thriving local community and real estate market, empowering us to guide our clients every step of the way on their real estate journey.
The people we work with refer us to their families and friends, and have given us glowing reviews, citing the promptness of our response and the way we made them feel important. Many have become repeat clients, while a few have become personal friends.
As your Springfield, MO real estate agent, we will work to make the buying process as smooth and as hassle-free as possible. Find your dream home today. Call 4175206545 or message us here to get started.