What is it like to live in Springfield Missouri in 2025 by The Outlaw Micheal Tomsik

 Hello and welcome to INSIDE/OUT MISSOURI and THE OUTLAW PODCAST as part of the TOMSIK ENTERPRISES LLC Company that relocated to Springfield Missouri in 2020. 

My family relocated from Verdi,Nevada in January 2020 to Springfield, Missouri. I am writing this blog from our experience over the past 5 years of living in Springfield, MO.

When we moved here we had a 30 foot motorhome, with a large U-Haul trailer and a HHR vehicle. We arrived as the COVID-19 pandemic was spreading across the country. Originally we had found a home in Auroa a small town about 30 minutes away from Springfield. However my job offer ended up on arrival making us stay in our motorhome.

For several months we moved from RV Park to RV Park but ended up in a park called Homestead Acres. I also found employment doing patient delivery with a company and worked there for several years till it closed due to a bankruptcy. Annie was also able to find a full time position and I ended up in an office position with another medical company. We ended up buying a manufactured mobile home and selling the RV and we still live there today.

Springfield has a current population of 170,000 in 2025, however within 30 minutes there are many smaller cities like: Willard, Republic, Stafford, Ozark, and Nixa. 

Springfield is the 3rd largest city in Missouri, Kansas City, and Saint Louis are larger.

The top industries in Springfield are health care, retail, and manufacturing. Companies like Bass Pro Shops, Cox and Mercy, and O'Really Auto Parts lead the top employers in the area. Walmart, and State jobs also lead the top industries. 

Recently a popular gas station called Kum and Go was bought out by Mavricks. Gas Stations, and a company called Seven Brew Coffee opened many locations, along with several car washes run by Misters.

In 2023 the average income in Springfield was $45, 984 per year. The cost of living in Springfield is lower than the national average.

Education is a big part of Springfield as some of the top colleges include Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University. 

Sports include college football, basketball, and semi-pro sports including baseball. Springfield has several sports fields including a newly developed soccer field. Recently Springfield had an Arena Football Team added to the array of sports in the area.

One of the most popular stores and companies is called Bass Pro located in Springfield it has several plants that build water craft. It also has a museum and aquarium that is very popular at the retail location.

Springfield has a large indoor mall called Battlefield Mall that hosts many different companies. 

Springfield is located about 1 hour away from a popular destination called Branson Missouri. Branson has all kinds of music and entertainment including a theme park called SIlver Dollar City.

Springfield also has a Zoo called Dickerson Zoo, and there also is a Wild Life Safari located about 30 minutes away in a city called Strafford. Caves are very popular in Springfield and one that is very popular is called Fantastic Caverns.

Last year another company landed just outside of Springfield also located on Strafford called Buc-Eees gas station.

Springfield also has a strong relation to Route 66.  Springfield  being the Birth Place of Route 66 there are many relations with Route 66. Including a visitor Information Center, and several Route 66 related sights to see in and around Springfield. 

Also Route 66 goes through Joplin, Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, Saint Roberts, and Saint Louis.

Outdoors are very popular in Springfield there are many parks, walking trails, lakes, rivers, and other natural wonders to explore.

Many people also call Springfield as part of the BIBLE BELT. Religion is a big part of Missouri including Springfield.

What is it like living in Missouri?

Living here the past 5 years we have become to find  this home. It is pretty much like any other city it has it s good and bad qualities. If you're seeking  a life that is a bit relaxed, or you love the outdoors, Missouri may be your cup of tea. There is a lot to say about Missouri, Springfield being the smallest city is a great place to live if you ask us.  The nice thing about Springfield is the location  the city is only 3 to 4 hours from Kansas City or Saint Louis, and only 1 hour away from Branson.

It has many smaller towns or cities close by therefore there is a lot of variety of places to live just outside the city.