When you picture your ideal neighborhood, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s tree-lined streets that wind past sparkling lakes. Perhaps it’s a place where neighbors actually know each other and take pride in where they live. Or it could be a home with a generous yard where your kids can play while you’re still just minutes from everything you need.
If you’re nodding along, Southern Hills might just be the Springfield neighborhood you’ve been dreaming about.
A Neighborhood With a Story
Southern Hills isn’t your cookie-cutter subdivision that popped up overnight. This southeast Springfield gem has roots going back to 1955, when developer John Q. Hammons and Lee McLean Jr. set out to create something “like nothing else in Springfield.” Their vision? A master-planned community built around three connected lakes with winding streets and spacious lots that would stand the test of time.
Seven decades later, that vision is alive and well. The neighborhood’s three lakes (Upper, Middle, and Lower) remain the crown jewel of the community, connected by a tributary of Galloway Creek. These aren’t just decorative ponds, either. They’re real lakes that draw wildlife, provide beautiful views, and give the neighborhood its distinctive character.
What Makes Southern Hills Special
Let’s talk about what life actually looks like here. Southern Hills is the kind of established neighborhood where people put down roots and stay. You’ll find an eclectic mix of mid-century architecture alongside custom-built homes, many with the kind of character and craftsmanship that’s hard to find in newer developments. Some lucky homeowners even have lakefront property, waking up to water views every morning.
The streets curve gently through the neighborhood instead of following a rigid grid, which naturally slows traffic and makes the whole area feel more residential and walkable. Those generous lot sizes mean you’re not squeezed in next to your neighbors, but the community is still close-knit enough that you’ll get to know the folks on your street.
Here’s what draws people to Southern Hills:
- Three beautiful lakes that provide year-round scenic views and create a peaceful, resort-like atmosphere right in the middle of Springfield
- Mid-century and custom homes with architectural character, many sitting on oversized lots that give families room to spread out
- Active community stewardship through the Southern Hills Community Improvement District (CID), which manages lake maintenance, shoreline restoration, and neighborhood improvements
- The Southern Hills Swim & Tennis Club, a private amenity that’s been part of the neighborhood culture for decades, offering pool and tennis programs for members
Location That Works for Real Life
Southern Hills sits in southeast Springfield, which means you get that quiet, residential feel without sacrificing convenience. Need to grab groceries or meet friends for dinner? Battlefield Road is your lifeline, with Battlefield Mall just two miles west and every shopping or dining option you could want along the way.
Your commute matters, too. Springfield’s average drive time to work is just 22 minutes from anywhere in the city, and Southern Hills keeps you close to major corridors like Highway 65. Whether you’re heading downtown for work or across town for soccer practice, you’re never far from where you need to be.
And for outdoor lovers? You’re in an ideal spot. The Galloway Creek Greenway and James River trails are right nearby, perfect for weekend bike rides or evening walks. Lake Springfield’s broader planning area also connects to Southern Hills, giving you even more options for outdoor recreation.
Schools That Families Trust
If you’ve got kids, school zones probably rank high on your must-know list. Southern Hills families are zoned for Wilder Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Glendale High, all part of Springfield Public Schools. The district serves more than 24,500 students and maintains a 95% graduation rate, with over 65% of teachers holding advanced degrees. That’s the kind of educational quality that gives parents peace of mind.
The Numbers Tell a Good Story
Here’s where Southern Hills really stands out. While Springfield’s average home value sits around $238,000, Southern Hills homes typically run in the $310,000 to $330,000 range. Before you worry about sticker shock, consider what that means: you’re getting a well-established neighborhood with mature landscaping, three lakes, unique architecture, and strong community pride for a price that’s still incredibly reasonable compared to similar lakeside communities in other cities.
With housing costs 28% below the national average and Springfield’s overall cost of living running about 15.5% lower than the U.S. average, your money goes further here. That Southern Hills home that might feel like a splurge? It would cost double or triple in many other markets.
Recent market data shows homes in Southern Hills typically sell within about 32 days, which tells you something important: when a good home comes on the market here, people move fast. This is a neighborhood where homeowners stay long-term, so inventory tends to be tight.
A Community That Cares
One thing that sets Southern Hills apart is the active Community Improvement District. This isn’t just a name on paper. The CID holds regular public meetings, manages shoreline restoration projects, handles aquatic management, and even deals with issues like geese control to keep the lakes healthy and beautiful.
You can see the results in the well-maintained common areas, the native plantings along the shorelines, and the overall pride that residents take in the neighborhood. When you live somewhere with this level of community involvement, it shows. You can learn more about current projects and the neighborhood’s history at southernhillsneighborhood.com.
Your Life in Southern Hills
Picture this: you wake up on a Saturday morning and take your coffee out to the deck, where you can see the lake through the trees. Later, you walk to the neighborhood swim club where your kids are taking tennis lessons. In the afternoon, you hop on your bike and ride the Galloway Creek trail, then meet friends for dinner at one of the restaurants along Battlefield Road.
Sunday morning, you might explore one of Springfield’s many farmers markets, then spend the afternoon at one of the area’s many attractions. When you get home, you actually wave to your neighbors because you know them by name.
That’s the Southern Hills lifestyle. It’s quiet without being boring, established without being stuffy, and convenient without the chaos of living right in the thick of things.
The Bigger Picture: Why Families Choose Springfield
If you’re reading this from another state, you might be wondering what Springfield has to offer beyond this one great neighborhood. The short answer? A whole lot.
Springfield is Missouri’s fastest-growing city, with a metro population over 490,000. We’ve got world-class healthcare, a thriving job market growing faster than the national average, and all the cultural amenities of a much larger city. Missouri State University and several other colleges give the city a vibrant, educated feel.
But here’s what really makes Springfield special: it’s big enough to have everything you need but small enough that you can actually get to it. Traffic is manageable. People are friendly. You can afford to buy a home, raise a family, and still have money left over for the things that make life fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Hills a gated community?
No, Southern Hills is not a gated community. It’s an established neighborhood with public streets, though the private Swim & Tennis Club offers members-only amenities.
Are the lakes in Southern Hills private?
The lakes are part of the neighborhood, managed by the Community Improvement District for the benefit of residents. They’re primarily enjoyed by those living in the community.
What’s the typical home style in Southern Hills?
You’ll find a wonderful mix of mid-century modern homes, ranch-style houses, and custom-built properties from various decades. Many homes feature the larger lot sizes and architectural details that were popular when the neighborhood was first developed.
How far is Southern Hills from downtown Springfield?
Southern Hills is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Springfield, depending on traffic. You’re close enough for an easy commute but far enough to enjoy a quieter, more residential setting.
Does Southern Hills have HOA fees?
The neighborhood has a Community Improvement District (CID) that manages common areas and lake maintenance. The Swim & Tennis Club is a separate, optional membership with its own fees.
Ready to Make Springfield Home?
Southern Hills represents the best of what Springfield has to offer: a neighborhood with history and character, homes with space to breathe, and a community that actually feels like a community. Add in lakes that make you feel like you’re on vacation every day, excellent schools, and the affordability that makes Springfield such an attractive place to relocate, and you’ve got a pretty compelling package.
If you’re tired of overpriced housing markets where you can barely afford a starter home, or crowded cities where your commute eats up half your day, Springfield deserves a serious look. And if you’re the kind of person who values neighborhood character, natural beauty, and genuine community, Southern Hills might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Come visit. Take a drive through those winding streets. Stop by the lakes. Talk to some residents. We think you’ll see pretty quickly why people who move to Southern Hills tend to stay for decades. After all, when you find a place that feels like home, why would you leave?
Welcome to Springfield. We’re glad you’re here.