Springfield losing population? (Nixa, Ozark, Republic: houses, neighborhoods, elementary school)

[mrschilicook]

I've seen a couple of statistics that indicate that Springfield, MO has lost population that past couple of years. Any one in the area know if this is a statistic that is skewed or if it is a fact? If it's a fact, anyone know why the population is shrinking? Generally, it's not a good sign for a city.

[Randy Henderson]

I think what you are seeing is a shift away from the city to the county. As of last year, Christian County (Ozark and Nixa) was the fastest growing county in the state.

When most businesses consider opening in Springfield, they look at the Springfield MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area). It considers the outlying areas, basically anywhere that people would live and still spend a fair amount of time and money in Springfield.

The MSA has risen to "trigger" points that have allowed new restaurants like Red Robin, and stores like Lowes and Home Depot. I have also seen expansion in the local Target and Walmarts. I would say that Springfield is still experiencing healthy growth.

[MoMark]

My understanding also is that it dropped a tad between censuses, but that the growth in Nixa, Republic, Willard, etc. is absorbing thousands of new residents and maybe some of the older ones too. I think it's mostly a slight shift to the outlying areas as Randy says. I'd seen information as well and tried to put it into context in light of the explosive growth just to the immediate south of Springfield.

[NOLA2SGF]

There are some beautiful new developments just south of Springfield.

Does anyone have thoughts to share on some of the advantages and/or disadvantages of living just outside of town.... just barely south of Springfield's southernmost city limits, as opposed to living within the city limits?

Taxes? Services such as fire and police? Schools? Snow plowing? trash? cable TV? More of a "yuppie" atmosphere in the newer neighborhoods sometimes? Peace and quiet? Other factors?

I am wondering why so many people are choosing to live just out of town on the south side. As MoMark mentioned, this population shift may be partly due to people moving just south of town. Maybe their motivation is based solely on the newness of the neighborhoods, but maybe there are other factors as well.

[Ozarks21]

My family moved last year from Springfield to Battlefield. When we were looking at houses, comparables in the City of Springfield were more expensive. We are still in Springfield schools and part of our utilities are through City Utilities. We did not make a conscious decision to move out of Springfield. It just worked out better for us that way.

[NOLA2SGF]

Originally Posted by Ozarks21

My family moved last year from Springfield to Battlefield. When we were looking at houses, comparables in the City of Springfield were more expensive. We are still in Springfield schools and part of our utilities are through City Utilities. We did not make a conscious decision to move out of Springfield. It just worked out better for us that way.

Thanks for the information. I didn't realize that you would have Springfield schools and utilities in Battlefield. Interesting! Battlefield seems like a nice community.

[MoMark]

Originally Posted by NOLA2SGF

Thanks for the information. I didn't realize that you would have Springfield schools and utilities in Battlefield. Interesting! Battlefield seems like a nice community.

I live seven miles north of Springfield and all the kids here get picked up on Springfield school buses and attend schools within the district.

[NOLA2SGF]

Originally Posted by MoMark

I live seven miles north of Springfield and all the kids here get picked up on Springfield school buses and attend schools within the district.

Are your property taxes more or less the same as they would be within the Springfield city limits?

When I lived in College Station, Texas, back in the 1980's we had the finest public schools but our property taxes were absolutely staggering. Our daughter went to a brand new elementary school a block from our house. It had wonderful teachers and facilities, small class sizes, and it was far better than private schools in the area.

Some friends there who lived outside the College Station city limits had very low property taxes. But, they had to get on a waiting list and pay tuition to get their kids in the College Station public schools.

Since I have no kids at home, I had been thinking that maybe I would save money by living outside the city limits. But if the kids just outside Springfield go to the same schools, then it might not make much difference.

[MoMark]

Originally Posted by NOLA2SGF

Are your property taxes more or less the same as they would be within the Springfield city limits?

When I lived in College Station, Texas, back in the 1980's we had the finest public schools but our property taxes were absolutely staggering. Our daughter went to a brand new elementary school a block from our house. It had wonderful teachers and facilities, small class sizes, and it was far better than private schools in the area.

Some friends there who lived outside the College Station city limits had very low property taxes. But, they had to get on a waiting list and pay tuition to get their kids in the College Station public schools.

Since I have no kids at home, I had been thinking that maybe I would save money by living outside the city limits. But if the kids just outside Springfield go to the same schools, then it might not make much difference.

I am taxed by the county for my area of unincorporated Greene County, not the City of Springfield, so I assume they're lower. But I don't know that actual comparison.