Springfield : Missouri

Springfield is the 3rd largest city in Missouri (160,000 people) and is nicknamed the Queen City of the Ozarks. Located in southwestern Missouri, this is the start of the famous Route 66 known to so many baby boomers, and also home to Missouri State University. Locals report a resurgence in the old downtown area with lofts being converted to apartments and the restoration of historic theaters. Thanks to Wikipedia for photos - and Joelfun for photo of downtown Springfield and BixB for view of Missouri State U quad.

Springfield has many neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from, including nearby Nixa.  According to the National Association of Realtors, median sales price of a home was about $126,200 in the 3rd quarter of 2015.

There are 92 parks including the Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, three golf courses, and a zoo. In 1865 there was a "quick-draw" shoutout between Wild BIll Hickock and Davis Tuft - a plaque commerates where they stood on the old town sqare.  Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66, the orginal highway between Chicago and Los Angeles. Bass Pro Shops is headquartered here.

The crime rate index in Springfiled is very high. Yet the discussion boards at City-Data have plenty of discussion from locals who never lock their doors or feel threatened at all. As we often say on this site, crime rates should be viewed with some suspiciion. It is all about neighborhoods and the type of crime.

People who like the midwest and living in a smallish city.

Healthcare is a big industry. Springfield is home to several corporations including Bass Pro.

Springfield is in southwestern Missouri. The average January temp is 30 and the average July temp in the high 70s. Humidity is higher than average.

Several restored theaters are downtown. The Creamery Arts Center, a city-owned building inside Jordan Valley Park, is home to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield Regional Opera, Springfield Ballet, and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. There is a first Friday Art Walk every month. There are several arts events that occur annually including the Walnut Street Arts Fest and the Missouri Literary Festival.