Springfield
Welcome to Springfield, Missouri, where small-city convenience meets Ozark Mountain charm. As the "Queen City of the Ozarks," Springfield offers an array of rental options from downtown lofts to suburban apartments. The rental market remains affordable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $862 monthly, showing a 4.5% annual increase. The historic Rountree district features character-rich streets, while University Heights and Phelps Grove offer a mix of classic and contemporary housing options near Missouri State University's campus. Downtown Springfield centers around Park Central Square, home to the restored 1926 Gillioz Theatre. The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene Park includes the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, offering peaceful walks among traditional landscaping. The city houses the Bass Pro Shops national headquarters and the connected Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. With Missouri State University's campus and major healthcare providers CoxHealth and Mercy, residents enjoy access to education and medical facilities. Springfield's claim to fame as the birthplace of Route 66 is celebrated through historic markers downtown and an annual festival. The city's location in the Ozarks provides easy access to regional trails and lakes while maintaining the conveniences of city living.