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Retirement Living In Springfield Area Ozarks - Missouri


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Area Description

Springfield is located within the ancient Ozark Mountains, which has eroded to rolling hills, and rests atop a plateau at an elevation of 1,299 feet. The city is found within the northern portion of the humid subtropical climate zone and experiences an average annual precipitation of around 45 inches with about 20 inches of that total precipitation being in the form of snow or ice. The area enjoys four distinct seasons with temperatures generally ranging from 40-70 degrees in spring, 60-95 degrees in summer, 40-70 degrees in fall and 20-45 degrees in winter. It is typical for temperatures and weather to change within a relatively short period of time. You may need a jacket in the morning, but by the evening you may be able to change into shorts and a T-shirt.

The City of Springfield is located in Greene County and encompasses a little over 82 square miles with a metro area that covers more than 3,000 square miles. Springfield has a population of about 160,000 (within the city limits) and adds thousands more students to that total during the academic year. Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, Ozarks Technical Community College and Baptist Bible College are some of the educational institutions that call Springfield home. The population of Springfield's Metropolitan Statistical Area is estimated to be more than 440,000 and includes Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster Counties.

As Missouri’s third largest city, Springfield has distinctive and entertaining attractions, over a thousand dining options and offers a variety of shopping and cultural activities. The city, known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, boasts a fascinating fusion of urban amenities, natural scenic beauty and a vibrant history. A few Civil War skirmishes occurred in and around Springfield, leaving in its wake the Springfield National Cemetery and eventually Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. The nation’s first recorded Wild West Era quick-draw shootout took place on Springfield’s Park Central Square following the Civil War. Then, early in the twentieth century, a name was needed for the southerly route that would connect Chicago to Los Angeles; On April 30, 1926, Springfield became the birthplace of Route 66 as officials converged in the city and decided on a name.

Region Characteristics





Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness
   The city of Springfield comprises a unique mix of large-city amenities and laid-back, hometown hospitality. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the ancient Ozarks Mountains, Springfield is your host for outdoor experiences while offering all the conveniences of a regional health, education and retail hub. Hike, bike, walk or paddle on the more than 65 miles of Ozark Greenways trails in and around Springfield. Trails go through downtown and throughout the city, giving you a scenic look into Springfield’s most beautiful assets. Also traversing through downtown is historic Route 66. Many travelers still enjoy traveling the old Mother Road today, especially for its relaxed pace and historical points of interest. In August, The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival takes over Park Central Square and portions of the route with activities, concerts, vendors and classic cars.

Cultural Activities
When it comes to cultural activities and happenings in the Queen City, the Springfield Regional Arts Council connects people and the arts. The council provides support for some of the most prominent visual, performing, literary and film/media arts organizations within 27 counties, the largest outreach of any in Missouri.
Springfield artists like to take their painting to the streets. Each year, 10 artists are selected by the James River Basin Partnership and the City of Springfield to paint their original designs on storm drains around Springfield. The fun and unique storm drain murals are definitely worth checking out.
Theatre troupes that call the Queen City home include Springfield Contemporary Theatre, Springfield Little Theatre, The Springfield Improv and A Class Act Productions. Beside theatre companies, many of the colleges and universities offer performances and productions.
If you want to see art in action, check out Springfield Hot Glass Studio where visitors can enjoy glass blowing demonstrations, Springfield Pottery which is a fine craft gallery and community clay center as well as Fresh Art Gallery which is home to 20 area artists who have been juried in as members of the collective gallery which they share in operating.
Area artistic and cultural events include First Friday Art Walk, Artsfest on Walnut Street, Sounds on the Square, Summer Movies at Founders Park, Cider Days and Taste of Springfield just to name a few.

Public transportation
Missouri State University offers a free campus shuttle that transports students and residents to and from various facilities on campus and around downtown. To explore the rest of the city, City Utilities of Springfield offers a hub and spoke bus transit system that serves the Springfield area with a centralized downtown transfer station.

Medical Facilities


Springfield's health care system offers every speciality listed by the American Medical Association. The health care sector employs nearly 32,000 individuals and provides an annual economic impact of $4.5 billion.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Springfield Area Ozarks, Missouri?

For those of you that retire in Springfield Area Ozarks, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 30's and highs in the mid 40's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 20's. Expect some rainy days in the winter.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Springfield Area Ozarks such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the mid 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Springfield Area Ozarks is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are warm with averages in the mid 70's and highs in the upper 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Expect some days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Springfield Area Ozarks, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the upper 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 40's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  21 F°  32 F°  43 F°
 Feb  24 F°  36 F°  48 F°
 Mar  33 F°  45 F°  58 F°
 Apr  42 F°  55 F°  68 F°
 May  52 F°  64 F°  76 F°
 Jun  61 F°  72 F°  84 F°
 Jul  66 F°  77 F°  89 F°
 Aug  64 F°  76 F°  89 F°
 Sep  55 F°  68 F°  80 F°
 Oct  44 F°  57 F°  69 F°
 Nov  34 F°  45 F°  57 F°
 Dec  23 F°  34 F°  45 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  26  2
 Feb  0  22  1
 Mar  0  15  0
 Apr  0  5  0
 May  0  0  0
 Jun  4  0  0
 Jul  13  0  0
 Aug  14  0  0
 Sep  3  0  0
 Oct  0  4  0
 Nov  0  13  0
 Dec  0  25  1

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  2 "  7  24 %
 Feb  2 "  7  27 %
 Mar  4 "  9  34 %
 Apr  4 "  9  43 %
 May  5 "  11  55 %
 Jun  5 "  10  63 %
 Jul  4 "  8  67 %
 Aug  4 "  7  66 %
 Sep  5 "  7  58 %
 Oct  4 "  8  47 %
 Nov  4 "  8  36 %
 Dec  3 "  8  27 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  5 "  5  3
 Feb  3 "  3  2
 Mar  2 "  1  1
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  0 "  0  0
 Dec  4 "  3  2


Natural Disaster Areas

Cost of Living for Springfield Area Ozarks, MO

Springfield Area Ozarks, Missouri cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options





 From lofts to lots, Springfield has numerous housing options. Great and affordable housing choices can be found in the historic neighborhoods around downtown and Commercial Street to the newer developments throughout the city.

Senior Assistance in Springfield Area Ozarks, MO

Springfield Area Ozarks, Missouri offers the following assistance for seniors:
A variety of programs are available.

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Springfield Area Ozarks Offer For Retirees?

With all the health and educational institutions within the City of Springfield, numerous volunteer and employment opportunities are available that can fit any schedule. Civic, religious and non-profit organizations are always interested in volunteers and Springfield has many such organizations.

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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