It's a cute little corner of the world. Welcome! Try the Sub Shop downtown for a lunch if you get the chance.

Thanks for the tip!

How do you know what the cost of living is like if you're only visiting for a few days. Seems like an odd thing to lead with.

I have only been here a few days, but I'm staying a couple of months.

Edit: I'm originally from Salt Lake City. I've been traveling around since November

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https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/missouri/springfield

In SLC, a bus ride costs $2.50. Here, it's $1.25. (add just 10 cents for a transfer) In SLC, a single room will cost you at least $1000 rent per month. The place I'm staying costs $750 and I have my own bathroom. Utilities, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, and a housekeeper are included. It's also in a convenient location where I can walk almost everywhere. Groceries here are a lot cheaper than in SLC.

It's a great value :)

You'll be pleasantly surprised with the great sandwich and even more so with the owners kindness. I went to school with the guys who own them now(dad started the one down town) and they are great people!!

Well it has plenty of downsides but the local food/coffee are a positive for sure.

If you like chais, make sure to try out Dancing Mule on Glenstone and Travelers on Republic road

Happy to provide tons of food recommendations as well if you'd like

Thanks! Yeah with 2 recommendations, I'll definitely check them out once the weather gets a bit clearer. I hope you're staying warm, btw!

I'm visiting Springfield next month! I'm all about some food suggestions!

Any are much appreciated.

Thanks!! What other local restaurants would you recommend?

https://www.google.com/search?q=cost+of+living+in+springfield+mo&sxsrf=AJOqlzWRsKDAuA7fZaG8YXWh1cCJCFqxPA%3A1675108561734&source=hp&ei=0SDYY4vjKLWkptQP_sW2kAM&oq=cost+of+living+in+Spri&gs_lcp=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_BGSAQQxMy45mAEAoAEBsAEQ&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp

If you want to try what is unique to Springfield go to Mexican Villa South and get the Sancho Enchilada Style, and then Hong Kong Inn or Cashew Chef and get Cashew Chicken, all white meat. Leong's invented the dish, so it's good there as well, but a bit pricier.

I am not going to guarantee that you will like either of these dishes, and there are many other better options foodwise in town. But, those two are Springfield originals.

Rama Thai

Greek Belly

Tacos el Gordo

Lindberg's (more a bar, but has great food)

Big Slice

Pappo's

Chicago Cheesesteak

Cafe Cusco

That Lebanese Place

Edit: Can't believe I left off Bambino's. Go to the one on Delmar for the best Italian in town. At least for the price. Wasn't that impressed by any of the downtown Italian places and they're all way more expensive.

https://www.reddit.com/r/springfieldMO/comments/10padht/im_visiting_here_and_i_gotta_say_this_place_is/j6jjn7p/

Oh yeah I read about cashew chicken! Thanks for reminding me. I heard I need to try pineapple whip as well

Thank you!

If you like Breakfast, get Gailey’s its downtown and it’s phenomenal

Skip Mexican Villa. It isn't worth the trip.

Oh, I forgot The Early Bird Breakfast Pub for breakfast. First Watch isn't bad, and George's is a decent greasy spoon option.

Gailey's isn't worth the wait. If you can get in and get a table it's fine, but it absolutely isn't worth waiting 30 minutes in line for.

So many good places to try 🤤

Sure thing, sorted (kinda) by price, most expensive last

$

• Bambinos-Italian,
• Whole Hog Bbq,
• Asian Hut,
• New oriental,
• Leongs-eggrolls and general chicken are way better, than the cashew,
• Neighbors Mill-like a panera with some self respect

$$

• KungFu Taco - the gangnam sauce is amazing,
• Caesars Old Mexico,
• City Butcher and Bbq,
• Gaileys - brefast,
• VanGoghs - Dutch,
• Basilico- get the rueben,
• Springfield Brewing Company has some good stuff,
• CafeKusco-peruvian,
• Early Bird Breakfast Pub-sweet nuggs are fantastic,
• Craft Sushi is pretty solid

$$$

• Nicolas - astounding italian,
• Jimms steakhouse,
• ReRico - all you can eat steak,
• Bawi - korean BBQ,
• Flame/Char - extra fancy steakhouse

I'm definitely forgetting some of them, but I'm sure folks will remember and add some

>“Cost of living is affordable”

Ha. Hahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA oh my sweet summer child.

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For the record, Alton Brown liked Hong Kong Inn's cashew chicken the best

Sure thing, sorted (kinda) by price, most expensive last

$

• Bambinos-Italian,
• Whole Hog Bbq,
• Asian Hut,
• New oriental,
• Leongs-eggrolls and general chicken are way better, than the cashew,
• Neighbors Mill-like a panera with some self respect

$$

• KungFu Taco - the gangnam sauce is amazing,
• Caesars Old Mexico,
• City Butcher and Bbq,
• Gaileys - brefast,
• VanGoghs - Dutch,
• Basilico- get the rueben,
• Springfield Brewing Company has some good stuff,
• CafeKusco-peruvian,
• Early Bird Breakfast Pub-sweet nuggs are fantastic,
• Craft Sushi is pretty solid

$$$

• Nicolas - astounding italian,
• Jimms steakhouse,
• ReRico - all you can eat steak,
• Bawi - korean BBQ,
• Flame/Char - extra fancy steakhouse

I'm definitely forgetting some of them, but I'm sure folks will remember and add some

There's an online checkin now for gailey's which makes it much better to plan around instead of wait

Nice. That's a good idea.

With the stipulation that he only tried three restaurants of the dozens that bless the streets of Springfield

If you think it's expensive here, you haven't been elsewhere 🤷

I stayed in Alabama for a while, where it's a little cheaper. However, I did not like Alabama and needed to drive everywhere so the cost evened out.

I'm telling you, Springfield is a great value. If you know of any other places I should visit with a low cost of living, good walkability, etc, I am open to suggestions.

It is if you have a job that isn't minimum wage

Comments like this just screams that you either never lived anywhere else or compare prices from 10+ years ago to what they are today.

Thank you!

Thank you!

Good to know, thanks

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Omg!!! You guys deduced my entire life story and salary and how much I pay for shit here all in one reddit comment! How ever do you do it?

I did gain a little bit of respect for the place over the summer when they catered a wedding I worked and the bass player for the band insisted I join him for the buffet, but it still isn't somewhere I'd willingly choose to go spend money.

If you want cheap Tex-Mex, you want Amigos, imo.

My man, the cost of living here is crazy low compared to much of the nation. Now, pay scales are lower, too, and that doesn’t mean people aren’t struggling, but imagine if you lived somewhere where rent was double or more what it is in Springfield.

Considering you’re response to someone claiming cost of living here is affordable, inferences can be made.

But you don’t actually seem like you want to contribute to any discussion, so you do you.

Do you think visitors can’t Google?

Thank you!

Love some of the comments here.

OP: Love this place! It’s cheap!

Commenters: No you don’t and no it’s not!

Take a compliment, losers.

Sure, he didn't try EVERY Chinese restaurant in town, but that doesn't mean it's not a valid statement. Hell, he called out Hurts as bad as they are, and I agree with him that Hong Kong is good.

Maybe OP can try that as well as other places to form their opinion. They did ask for input after all.

Thank you!!!

I'll be having dinner at The Order on the last night of my stay. Any insight on the food there?

Go to rountree if you can! Cherry and pickwick baby!! Culture counter!

Thank you!

There are ups and downs everywhere but I do like this town. There are some nice things. Check out the bass pro aquarium if you can. I’ve been to many aquariums in different cities and this one is the BEST

Fancy presentation, tastes pretty good. Maybe not as good as it costs. Staff is friendly. Bar tenders can make some cool craft cocktails. Try Vantage if you like the vibe of the order. Get your self a heated igloo!

Want to go on a cheap vacation? Branson is just a 45 minute drive south.

Yeah, I always hate when someone is like "you've got a nice place here" and then people have to reflexively shit on it. Like people think they're not going to notice the long-term cons of a place if you live there every day.

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I think most people can't Google, honestly. It's just fucking weird to bring up in an intro and a visitor wouldn't have the full perspective from being here a few days. But whatevs.

I think it mostly comes from all of the flags hanging from pick up trucks, guys armed at Starbucks, magats, and churches. Us locals have a tendency to want to warn people!

Dude, your insecurities are showing..

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Thank you!! The heated igloo looks like a fun experience.

I'm with you there. I dislike those things too. I think all of that would be pertinent info if someone is seriously planning to move here, but it always seems to come up even in the most superficial circumstances.

No problem!

Unfortunately I've not tried The Order, but I have heard that their French toast is insanely good and that they have a really good wagyu burger

Second most of these.

Lindberg's has really good burgers and poutine. It's worth a visit for the food.

Chicago cheesesteak is as well if you're downtown.

No matter what you do there will be people in local and state subreddits who are there to do nothing but bitch.

I call them the downvote squad and it's just part of reddit. If you don't agree with their pov on anything, no matter how much it deviates from the reality of a place, they downvote, hence the name.

Lol, just be aware this sub is biased against Mexican Villa, but it's partly due to snobbery. I like it personally, but understand it's not for everyone. It is definitely not authentic Mexican, but rather 1950s Midwest's concept of Mexican.

Legit question: How many cars to do see in traffic every day that aren't MAGA flag wavers? Hundreds? Thousands?

For every one you see with a big ass trump flag, most people aren't.

> guys armed at Starbucks

You are in Missouri. People carry guns. You are in the place where the south and midwest meet, the two most armed parts of the US. Statistically every other home has a gun in it. You're not getting away from this driving within 500 miles of here except in specific urban areas.

> churches

We are the home to Assemblies of God church, including their missionary and pregnancy care and all of that. I don't like these people much, but Pentecostalism as a movement here is about 130 years old, starting in Iowa. It's not new and it's not going anywhere. It is slowing fading with time as churches become less and less relevant to people.

This is like being upset that trucking is a big industry here or that bass fishermen really like the Ozarks.

There is no utopia and you don't always have to like or agree with everyone who lives in the same place you do. That doesn't make it a 'shithole' or some place to be scared of. Stupid doesn't have a zip code and there's a lot of stuff to like about living here.

Yeah, agreed. Say what you want about Morris or Bass Pro as a company, but Wonders of Wildlife and the aquarium here is really dope.

Cost of living is insanely cheap here.

It is. Even with the last couple of years.

I know people in Florida paying 2.5k a month for a 900 sq ft 2 bedroom house and they're not in Miami or a large urban space.

Our cost of living is low across most of Missouri compared to the US.

I'm looking at moving to Montana or Utah for a couple of years and my rent in small towns will be over 1k for the same size property I'm currently in for 650 a month here. We have seriously low property costs.

Are they still cash only? Pretty much the only reason I don't go there is I hate fiddling with physical currency; I think the last time I held actual money in my hands was pre-COVID.

I always try to spread info on this place. If you like world history, the Missouri institute of natural science is awesome and has a bunch of cool fossils and stuff

No, they haven't been cash-only in a long time. They also recently remodeled the downtown spot so the seating is a little better.

Downtown location now accepts cards! I believe the Seminole location is still cash only with an ATM inside.

Nice!

Gonna have to head that way soon.

1. Too many.
2. Too many Cletuses have them & for some reason want to tell everybody body about it. (I have several guns. I don't have a need to whip them out)
3. Religion poisons everything Aside from that, we have gorgeous rivers between 30 mins to 2 hrs away. We have beautiful hiking in other towns outside of Springfield. Also lakes in other places kind of close. And Bass Pro.

I'm a transplant here from Southern California and just purchased my first home here in Springfield! I never would have been able to do this for my family in California, probably ever.

I love it here.

I'll get down voted for this but Mexican Villa is neat, its not Mexican food though. It's Tex Mex moved here in the 50's and made mild for the Midwestern pallet of the time. then it hasn't changed in 70 years. I'd try it for what it is if you don't go expecting Mexican food.

We passed through last fall. We liked everything we tried, Springfield Brewing Company and Black Sheep. And Mother's Brewing - great outdoor area to enjoy nice weather. The wildlife aquarium was pretty good. Next time we'll do the cashew chicken and sub shop.

If people from high cost of living areas move here because it's cheap, it won't be cheap anymore. Us locals don't have the advantages of starting off from somewhere with higher wages and can be priced out if it becomes a trend.

Okay?

So why would we be proud about being cheap and talking about how great it is online? It's like living on the north side and bragging about how much platinum is in your catalytic converter.

I didn’t make the post. No one from Springfield made the post. Nobody is coming online beaming with pride over the low cost of living bragging to others about how great it is and thumbing our noses at other cities.

The narrative you’ve constructed is fiction.

A guest in the city is saying they think it’s a great place, partly because it’s relatively affordable to live here. What good reason could we possibly have to be assholes to them about it?

Thank you!

I've heard about it. I even bought a water bottle from the thrift store with a tiger on it that's from there. Maybe I'll see what's up. Thanks!

Oooo homemade bread 🤤 now I've GOT to try it

Interesting. Maybe I'll try it just cause it's controversial :P

Thank you!

It's so great 💖 Congrats on your house!

Interesting thank you!

Oh hey, I recognize that username. Cool as shit to have you in town. It's definitely cheap here. My wife and I moved here from a MO town of ~5000 people. It cost just as much to live there as here, maybe more after you account for travel costs to get anything. And we have so much good food here it's amazing. Golden Girls Rum Club has amazing food, and I've heard great things about their drinks. The art museum is lovely and free. The north side (after you pass Evangel) is full of characters and adventure, for better or worse. The sub has real mixed feelings about the north side, but I've grown to really enjoy the local flavor in my year working a motel up here.

Actually the minimum wage here is $12 per hour which is way better than $7.25 that it is in Utah. Most places don't pay that low anymore, but I know someone in Utah who started off at Walmart fairly recently at $9 per hour. (side note: I think minimum wage should be higher than $12 an hour, but that's irrelevant -- my point is wages are higher here than some places.)

I understand your concerns about gentrification, but this is capitalism. People who live in more expensive areas can't afford to NOT move. It's a vicious cycle.

At any rate, I don't plan to settle down here. I'm just here to visit, stimulate the local economy, and move on to the next affordable place.

Have a great day and stay warm

Wait, you recognize me?! 🤩 Omg you have just made my day!!!

Can I DM you? Maybe we can have lunch at the sub shop sometime! ✨

Thanks! Yeah everyone says I need to see the aquarium!

Ten years ago maybe

Yeah, I can't say your main genre is my wheelhouse, but I am a broad spectrum enough pervert that I've seen you on my other account's home feed. =P

And you're free to DM me, but I am profoundly asocial, and I'm currently kinda caught up in the complicated situation of trying to add a boyfriend to my very gay life. I can't promise I'll actually have it in me to leave my tiny social circle at the moment x_x

Thank you!

PW has Whip Solstice from Wednesday to Saturday this week. They won't open back up until spring.

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Right. I'm really a nomad. I've lived a little of everywhere and finally settled here. I'm not a rude Californian, I promise!

I read that wrong! I'm used to people looking at me like I am a-hole when I tell them where I am from.

But again, you're right! They'll flock here like locusts and eat everything in their path lol!

As it was, I had to battle it out for my home. There was several offers on this house and I had to pay well over asking to beat them out. My house was built in 1928 and is really nothing special...but it's mine!

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That's really a shame about the homeless people. :(

Wireroad Brewery. (Can bring pets and your kids!) Oudoor area is incredible. Is an actual coffee place as well.)

417 taphouse in the downtown.

Oooo thanks for the info

Ooooo that all sounds so good 🤤

Thank you!

>Thank you!

You're welcome!

I feel this comment so much. Thanks for allowing me to feel not so weird.

It's exhausting.

If you are on the hunt for a good sammich give 7th on walnut a try. Also try the smoothies at madhouse.

The nitro cold brew at Dancing Mule is 🔥

Agree with almost all of these EXCEPT Craft Sushi. My stomach still hasn’t recovered lol. Try Haruno or Sakura for great sushi. Can’t go wrong with Yum Yum Bowl either. Cesar’s will ruin you for any other Mexican. Bambino’s on Delmar is 1000x better than Battlefield :)

Don’t forget Skully’s!

Stay broke

Just wanted to add Corner 21, Chicago Cheesesteak Company, Smokin Bob’s and Greek Belly to that list.

I recommend Wok on Scenic for some of the best Chinese I’ve had here, the mall has the best teriyaki beef I’ve ever had from Pan Pacific Grill, and if it’s 50/50 on Max Orient having the best Bourbon Chicken in town (mostly because of freshness, it’s so good I take the risk, just get there in the middle of the day)

I don’t have an opinion on any cashew chicken in town cause I haven’t pinpointed my favorite for it yet, still exploring!

I highly recommend getting a pasty from London Calling at the mall while you’re there, they hand make just about everything there!! Bangers and Mash pasty with their Guinness Brown Gravy is a killer combo

Van Gogh Eeterie (check out historic C street! Especially when the farmers market is in)

Andy’s Frozen Custard (with their pumpkin pie in October)

Wok on Scenic (best fried rice Lordy)

London Calling (I highly recommend a sticky toffee for dessert)

George’s Family Restaurant (recession proof breakfast before 11 am my friend)

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe (chicken tender to die for)

Greek Belly (especially when they have local lamb)

Red Giant Hamburger (for vintage dining)

Dancing Mule Coffee Company

The Sub Shop (I think cash only and strict hours, worth it!)

Tacos El Chumpo!! (YALL TRY A TORTA!!!)

So so much more but these are my staples of Springfield eating, I definitely left out a lot of favorites. I’m so so sad to not have Casper’s right now

So they won't move here?

Well at least you’re honest. I guess “go away we don’t want you” is certainly a reason. I guess it’s my fault to assume we were all wanting to be decent human beings. My bad.

It is and it's way worse on the Missouri subreddit than here.

Yep, I'm a bad person for wanting to own a home to put my family in. You successfully figured out my morality level from a couple reddit comments. I'm going to go twirl my mustache now and egg the next guy I see with Utah plates.

See, again you’re creating a fiction. I actually asked:

> “Why would we choose to be ASSHOLES to people?”

And you give a reason ostensibly WHY IT’S OKAY TO BE AN ASSHOLE?

And now you’re wondering why you’re being vilified?

I just want to point out that I've never been hostile to OP at all. I just ignored him and said we have no reason to go out of our way to attract people here. But keep manufacturing drama on the internet if that makes you feel self-righteous.

Welcome! Thanks for the nice words!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!