With more than 475,000 people in the metro area, Springfield is where the rolling hills of the Ozarks plateau form a surprisingly modern and green city.
A “big, small town,” Springfield offers a great blend of fascinating attractions, historical treasures, sports excitement and cultural and leisure activities in a welcoming environment. The city offers 102 parks, including a linear trail system that integrates with the city’s growing on-street bike route system; an airport; an art museum; a zoo; the Springfield Lasers professional tennis team; the Springfield Cardinals minor-league baseball team and is home to Bass Pro Shops, Missouri State University, Drury and Evangel universities and the Assemblies of God USA.
Springfield/Greene County is the only municipality in the nation with a Gold Medal Award-winning parks and recreation department, American Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year award and accreditation in law enforcement, fire, emergency management, environmental services and public works.
Springfield Public Schools is Missouri’s largest fully accredited school district. More than 23,500 students attend 35 elementary schools, an intermediate school (grades 5-6), nine middle schools, five high schools, Phelps Center for Gifted Education and four Early Childhood Centers. The school system offers more than a dozen programs to address the diverse needs of students, including the International Baccalaureate program, Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF), and the Middle College Program. All five district high schools are designated Missouri A+ Schools.
Casual dining, upscale restaurants, antique shops, trendy clothing, art galleries and a public art and sculpture tour make downtown Springfield a great place to live and visit.