Springfield LGBTQ City Guide
Jeff Hammerberg
Founder & President @ GayRealEstate.com | LGBTQ+ Representation Nationwide
Springfield is a beautiful Missouri city located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks. Often called the "Queen City of the Ozarks,” Springfield?is known for its natural beauty, including rolling hills, beautiful plains, and many rivers and streams nearby. It is also a city full of friendly people, plenty of opportunities, and much to see and do. That includes a growing and thriving LGBTQ community where all can feel accepted and welcomed. In so many ways, Springfield would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Look at Springfield’s History
Springfield’s modern-day history began in 1818 when the first American settlers arrived and established themselves in the area that is now College Street, just off of Park Central Square. Shortly thereafter, other settlers begin arriving in the area, and in 1838 it was officially incorporated. Following the American Civil War, Springfield became a town that was a gateway to the Wild West, particularly after the arrival of the railroad to the area in the late 1800s. The area continued growing steadily after that time, and today remains a thriving city with many industries, much opportunity, and plenty for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.
A Few Fun Facts About Springfield
·??Springfield’s town square was famously the site of a shootout involving Wild Bill Hickock in 1865.
·??Springfield has a famous dish – Springfield Cashew Chicken – which was invented at the Grove Supper Club in Springfield in 1963, and which is still served in many restaurants today.
·??Springfield is also officially recognized as the birthplace of the famous Route 66, as it was here in 1926 that officials first proposed the name of the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway.
Read more fun facts about Springfield here.
Springfield’s LGBTQ Community??????????????????????????????????
Springfield is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Springfield is Springfield’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The mission of the GLO Center – also known as the LGBTQ+ Center of the Ozarks, is to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in Springfield and to provide events, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater Springfield area. The center plans many events throughout the year, and it's a great place to get connected and become involved.
What's the Weather Like in Springfield?
Those who live in Springfield can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Typically, summers are hot, with highs in July reaching around 89°F, while winters can be cold and sometimes snowy, with temperatures dropping to about 21°F on average. Spring and fall are usually mild and pleasant and are wonderful times to enjoy all of the natural beauty of the Springfield area. Springfield receives about 45 inches of rain on average per year and about 14 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Springfield
Ozarks Pridefest is the Springfield area’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
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The Best Neighborhoods in Springfield
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Springfield is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home.?Although the LGBTQ community tends to be spread out across the city, the Downtown Springfield area is particularly popular. This neighborhood is characterized by many older, yet renovated historic buildings that have been turned into a variety of usable spaces including lofts, office spaces, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. There are a variety of housing styles and price ranges available, and generally, the area is very walkable and friendly. The median list price of homes currently for sale in downtown Springfield is $282,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Juanita K. Hammons Center for the Performing Arts is the place in Springfield to see some of the biggest and best performing arts shows in town. Whether you enjoy off-Broadway musicals, concerts, stand-up comedy, or all of the above, you’ll find it here. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show (or several!) for yourself!
The Springfield Little Theatre has been delighting audiences in Springfield with excellent performing arts since 1934. This beautiful historic venue hosts plays, musicals, local opera and ballet companies, and more. It's a great place to be entertained, inspired, and simply to have fun.
Parks and Recreation
The Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is the perfect place to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. This 2700-acre park is a great spot for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and wildlife enthusiasts to spend the day enjoying nature's beauty.
The oldest attraction in the beautiful Springfield Botanical Gardens is the 7 ?-acre Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. This garden was created in 1985 and is known for its large koi lake, beautiful moon bridge, meditation garden, teahouse, and beautiful landscaping. Beyond the Japanese garden, there are also trails, playgrounds, and plenty of other spaces to enjoy a beautiful Springfield afternoon.
Springfield Nightlife
Martha's Vineyard Springfield is a popular LGBTQ nightclub and bar located in the heart of downtown. It is known for its fun theme nights, friendly crowds, strong drinks, and plenty of fun – it’s definitely a must-stop spot on a night out in Springfield.
If you love great music, strong drinks, a lively dance floor, and friendly crowds, you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy all of the above at MIX Ultra Lounge, one of the most popular gay bars in Springfield.
Contact a Springfield Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Springfield, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Springfield, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Springfield gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!