Springfield, MO

Thinking of moving to Springfield, MO? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Springfield, MO

Sometimes called the “Queen City of the Ozarks” or the “Birthplace of Route 66,” Springfield, MO, is a city that wears many hats. The city has a long and rich history, but its best days appear to be ahead. Located in the southwest corner of the state, roughly equidistant between St. Louis, Kansas City and Tulsa, Springfield seamlessly combines a small-town vibe with the energy of a college town and all of the amenities of a big city.

The cost of living here is relatively low, and the market is well-positioned to continue its steady, reliable growth. The local economy is thriving and bolstered by a massive local talent pipeline from the city’s universities, which deliver skilled professionals to the technology, education and professional services sectors. And all of that energy translates into a close-knit community. Springfield has a livability-first approach to community building. In 2024, residents voted to approve Spring Forward SGF, a 3/4-cent sales tax to fund essential public services that pump millions into neighborhood vitality, pedestrian safety and social services around town.

Through programs like the Mayor’s Initiative on Equity and Equality, Springfield’s commitment to its residents is a top priority. This welcoming spirit is on full display at the annual Multicultural Festival and Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street, where neighbors from all different backgrounds gather to celebrate the city’s diverse heritage. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra makes its home at the acoustically breathtaking Juanita K. Hammons Hall, which along with the Gillioz Theatre are two beloved arts venues. There is also plenty of room to stretch your legs as the Ozark Greenways offer more than 70 miles of trails, and the dramatic cliffs of the Ozarks are just a short drive away. The city offers an outdoor lifestyle that is hard to beat. Whether you’re catching a Springfield Cardinals game or exploring the boutiques of downtown, you’ll find that Springfield is a place where you can live well and create community.

Top Reasons to Move to Springfield

• There are plenty of economic opportunities in Springfield, and it is a major hub for health care and logistics. Springfield is also the global headquarters for brands like Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
• Residents can enjoy a low cost of living where their dollars can stretch farther.
• With more than 100 park sites and a 100-mile trail network, recreation is a way of life in Springfield.
• Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66, which is celebrating its centennial in 2026.

Springfield is the hub of the Ozarks and is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri. The city is a major transportation junction where Interstate 44 – connecting St. Louis to Oklahoma City – meets U.S. Route 65 and the historic U.S. Route 66, earning it the title of “Birthplace of Route 66.” Travelers can easily fly into the Springfield-Branson National Airport, located just five miles northwest of the city center. When you’re ready to see what else the Show-Me State has to offer, here’s where to go:

• Branson is just 45 miles south, a quick trip down U.S. Route 65 to experience world-class live entertainment and the Silver Dollar City.
• Kansas City sits 165 northwest,  tempting visitors with legendary barbecue and Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium (for now!).
• St. Louis is about 215 miles northeast and home to the iconic Gateway Arch, Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo.

The local climate is humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons. The area is known for its variable weather patterns, but the transitional seasons are pleasant and lush.

Springfield is an economic engine and a major regional hub for the health care, manufacturing and logistics industries. The city’s central location along the I-44 corridor has made it a premier destination for distribution and food manufacturing. In 2025, Springfield was ranked among the top 25 metropolitan areas in the nation for food production, supported by giants such as Kraft Heinz, McCormick French’s and Vital Farms. Springfield is also the corporate headquarters for several national brands, including O’Reilly Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops and financial services firm Forvis Mazars.

The cost of living in Springfield is lower than the national average. The median home value in Springfield is $208,223, and the average household income is $48,890.

Missouri residents pay a state income tax, and Springfield residents can expect a combined 8.1% sales tax rate in 2026.

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While many spots lay claim to Route 66, Springfield is the official spot where the name was born. On April 30, 1926, a telegram was sent from Springfield’s Colonial Hotel proposing the name “Route 66” for the new highway connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. The “Mother Road” spans 2,448 miles across eight states and would take more than 30 hours to drive without stopping. As the city approaches the National Centennial in 2026, residents are preparing for a massive block party that will cover miles of the original pavement.

Springfield residents have no shortage of things to do. Springfield is home to the original and largest Bass Pro Shops, a destination in its own right that feels more like a nature park than a retail store, with massive waterfalls and even a hotel. The local culture is deeply tied to the history of the Mother Road. Explore the History Museum on the Square, featuring interactive galleries dedicated to Route 66 and the city’s Wild West past, or visit the Route 66 Car Museum to see its collection of vintage vehicles. As Springfield celebrates the National Route 66 Centennial in 2026, the city is buzzing with new energy. The recent restoration of the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge and completion of the Grant Avenue Parkway, a scenic multi-use gateway connecting downtown to the city’s major museums and parks, are proof of Springfield’s innovative spirit.

For something a little more off the beaten path, the Fantastic Caverns are a great place to reconnect with nature. The Caverns are North America’s only ride-through cave, where you can marvel at ancient stalactites from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram. If you like bright lights, catch a Springfield Cardinals baseball game or a Broadway-style show at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. From exploring the shops along Historic Commercial Street to visiting the World’s Largest Fork (yes, really), Springfield offers a quirky mix of activities that capture the spirit of the Ozarks.

With more than 100 park sites, trails and facilities and 90 unique parks, it’s easy to embrace all that the Ozarks have to offer in Springfield. This city is a conservation capital and places a premium on protecting its green spaces. Springfield is home to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, featuring three miles of hiking trails and 80+ acres of forests and marshes, and is a natural hub for connecting with nature. For a truly unique urban experience, the Nathanel Greene/Close Memorial Park is home to the Springfield Botanical Gardens. Here, visitors can explore the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, visit the Roston Butterfly House or take a walk along the South Creek Greenway, part of an impressive 100-mile network of multi-use trails maintained by Ozark Greenways.

Getting your toes wet is a hallmark of outdoor exploration in Springfield. Lake Springfield Park offers more than 150 acres of parkland and a boathouse for kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Wanting something a little longer? The Upper James River Water Trail is a scenic six-mile route perfect for floating. Back on dry land, cyclists can test their endurance along the Frisco Highline Trail, a 35-mile trail connecting Springfield to Bolivar that winds through the Ozarks. Take a step back in time and explore the ancient caves at Sequiota Park, pet farm animals at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park or let your four-legged friend run free at Cruse Dog Park. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has three regulation 18-hole courses, a 9-hole, par-3 lighted course and the Connie Morris Golf Learning Center to help you improve your game.

Springfield’s dining scene is a flavorful mix. The city is famously the birthplace of Springfield-style Cashew Chicken, a local obsession created in 1963 at Leong’s Tea House, a deep-fried chicken dish smothered in oyster sauce and topped with green onions and cashews. Beyond this local staple, the culinary landscape has expanded in recent years. Commercial Street is a foodie’s paradise, home to Peruvian, Dutch and French flavors. For a more upscale evening, head to Flame Steakhouse & Wine Bar or Ocean Zen.

The craft beverage scene in Springfield is one of the most robust in the Midwest and is anchored by the city’s unofficial “Brewery District.” Mother’s Brewing Co. and Springfield Brewing Co. are both community staples. Some other small-batch spots, like Hold Fast Brewing and Tie & Timber Beer Co., have quickly become favorites. Grab a craft cocktail at The Order, located in Hotel Vandivort, or a late-night burger and boozy shake from Black Sheep.

Springfield’s students get a smart start, as the city prioritizes academic innovation and choice. Springfield Public Schools (SPS) is the largest school district in Missouri, serving more than 24,000 students and is a national leader in “choice” programming, offering specialized academies that allow students to learn through specific lenses. For example, the World of Learners and Focus (WOLF) program has partnered with Bass Pro Shops to immerse 5th graders in conservation and outdoor science, while the Health Sciences Academy at Mercy Hospital gives 8th graders a peek into the medical world. For families seeking independent or specialized education, there are several different private and preparatory school options. Greenwood Laboratory School, located on the Missouri State University Campus, is a K-12 research school known for its 100% college placement rate.