May 2, 2019 - Live in Springfield

Relocating can be quite the endeavor. Whether you’ve found a new job, you’re trying to get closer to family or you’re simply ready for new scenery, moving means making some major shifts to accommodate such a significant change. For this reason, it’s important to choose a city where the whole family can be happy. If you’re looking for the perfect place for your family to thrive, you’re in luck. In Springfield, we’re happy to report that you can enjoy the life you want with your whole family, where there is something for everyone. Find out what makes Springfield such a good city for families. #1. Plenty of room to grow Don’t worry, you won’t have to force the kids to share a room. Here, you can have all of the room you need and then some. With housing costs 30% lower than the national average, you will find that, you’re going to get a lot more house for your money when comparing the cost of a home in Springfield to other cities. For instance, a house that would cost $195,000 in Springfield would cost $644,492 in Washington D.C. and $313,983 in Philadelphia. Not only are the homes more affordable, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of housing styles and options to suit your family’s needs. And with an average commute time of 20-minutes across the city, you’ll find the home of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a traditional bungalow, modern farmhouse or a downtown condo, you can find a home you’ll be sure to love that’s within your budget. #2. No shortage of amenities and attractions You’ll never struggle to find fun in this city; we have a long list of attractions the whole family will enjoy. Got a house full of animal lovers? Get up close with that entire animal kingdom at The Dickerson Park Zoo where you can feed the giraffes or see lions, hippos, and flamingos sunbathing on a beautiful day. After you’ve walked through the different habitats at the zoo, dive into the aquatic world at the Wonders of Wildlife - a premier exhibit that was voted best aquarium in America by USA Today in 2018. When you’re ready to put your thinking caps on, venture over to the Discovery Center, an interactive science museum that has exhibits for kids of all ages. For a little brain exercise, consider visiting a program at the Springfield-Greene County Library. Programs are offered for all ages, with exciting events like Skype visits with noted authors, history tours, storytime, book clubs and movie showings. #3. Great local schools The Springfield Region is made up of 10 counties, each offering school districts that provide a high-quality education to the local students. Springfield Public Schools (SPS) makes up the largest fully-accredited district in the state, touting achievements like an ACT score higher than the national average and 2/3 of teachers holding advanced degrees. SPS also offers supplemental learning programs like the Health Sciences Academy, the Academy of Exploration, the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility and the Missouri Innovation Academy. For parents who would prefer to enroll their students in a private school, there are a number of options to choose from, including lab schools, preparatory academies and faith-based schools. No matter your educational preferences, our schools make the grade that will give you confidence that your child is getting the best education possible. #4. A phenomenal park system With over 70 city parks in the area, you’ll always find a place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Parks aren’t all they’ve got to offer — the Park Board also provides the city with four golf courses, three family centers, a farm park, botanical gardens, outdoor swimming pools and over 100 miles of trails. Many of these attractions are available for free or a low-cost, perfect for spending a day together without having to budget before. Are your older kids looking for a way to get some extra cash? The Park Board hires teens as young as 14 to help out at the parks over the summer, allowing them to gain job experience while building lifelong memories. #5. A top tier health system Healthcare is the city’s largest industry, contributing to 17% of the local workforce. This emphasis on health means that you can rest easy knowing you and your family will always receive the highest quality healthcare possible. There is a doctor for each major medical specialty available, and two top 100 ranked hospital systems in the region. Whether you simply need a primary care physician or a more complex specialty doctor, you can find the care you need without having to travel far. Are you ready to start you life in Springfield? Download our relocation guide and explore the unique culture of the Queen City of the Ozarks.

5 Reasons Springfield Is One of The Best Places To Raise A Family