Springfield, MO, known as "The Queen City of the Ozarks," is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Located in southwestern Missouri, Springfield is approximately 220 miles southwest of St. Louis and 160 miles southeast of Kansas City. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, educational institutions, and thriving arts scene.
Springfield's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and the expansive Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Springfield is dynamic, with attractions like the Springfield Art Museum, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, and the historic Gillioz Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Springfield Jazz Festival and the Ozark Empire Fair, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a cornerstone of the Springfield community, with institutions like Missouri State University and Drury University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools serve a diverse student population, making Springfield an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield, ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care and supports a strong job market.
Living in Springfield combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Springfield offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of Missouri, Springfield is a medium-sized city with a population of 167,601 inhabitants. The majority of Springfield residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Springfield residents is 33. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Springfield population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Springfield offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Springfield, Missouri. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Springfield, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, employment and more.
The livability score in Springfield is 72 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 83rd percentile of all cities across America. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Springfield has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, Springfield does not have favorable ranks for the following: employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Springfield has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Springfield has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Springfield: Dickerson Park Zoo, Nathanael Greene Park/Close Memorial, and Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Springfield market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Springfield real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Springfield. Median real estate prices in Springfield come in at $122,200, which is 13.5% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Springfield, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 13.8% higher than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Springfield | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.4% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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