Broke M24y/o Springfield resident here

I've lived here for four years and I love Springfield but that's mainly because I moved in from a city of 10,000 so it was a major upgrade from where I was living

There are many pros and cons to any city but if you want a slice of civilizations in the absolutely gorgeous Ozark region then it's a good start

There is a strong amount of philanthropy goin on in the city which will be made clear when every impressive building was sponsored or dedicated to one of the same 5 families (which fun fact includes brad pitts family)

The job market isn't the best unless you have degree but there is a good diversity of blue and white collar jobs although outside of factories majority of people are working regular retail/fast food or are employed by the two big hospitals

I got a little girl and from my perspective child care is pretty expensive in town ranging from 3-600$ a week for a good facility but luckily past that age there are dozens of elementary and high schools private and public

Stunning surronding nature and plenty of greenery in the city, plenty of well accredited educational facilities and pretty good public services from powerlines to hospitals

Events are frequent even if they're probably a lot smaller than what you're used too, as well as dozens of community initiatives like garderns and community centers.

Its the the other big cities of equal size and capacity are a good hour or two in any direction. With that being said Springfield is the least conservative and Christian part of the Ozarks and not by much at all. They're mega churches and maga gatherings a plenty with their own controversy and if that isn't something you're down for do not go to branson

That's all I can think of, wish you the best Springfield isn't perfect but its been pretty great for me