Generally most of the neighborhoods will fit the criteria in the Ozark and Nixa area. I'm assuming you live far from this area? I'd recommend you get set up with a realtor cause they are gonna be able to help you way more than any random person on reddit.

Also check out Rogersville Willard and Republic if you need to open up your such area a bit and enjoy living out of town a little more.

Yeah for $3-400K you have your pick of schools and neighborhoods. I have a couple of friends in the Wanda Grey neighborhood and they love it.

Rountree

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Check out Olde World Estates in Ozark! Great neighborhood w/tons of kids.

I am a Realtor in the area (not a commercial!)

The right spot will depend heavily on what you want your lifestyle to look like.

Springfield is the 3rd largest city in the state if you want a more urban feeling (even though it feels small in comparison to STL or KC) then Springfield is great. Hickory Hills to the East and (Kickapoo to the SW) are the most often I have requested.

Nixa- Has been the most popular suburb for most of my career. Its about 15 minutes south of Springfield and has a smaller town feel. With its popularity it the most expensive community as far as average sales price.

Ozark- Ozark is to the SE of Springfield and sits off of Highway 65 (which is a good thing if you do a lot of interstate travel)

Republic- Is the community I ultimately chose to live in. Republic is slated for a lot of growth over the next decade which means homes here are a solid investment. Ive had children in both Price and Scholfield elementary and have always been happy with it. One thing to keep in mind out here is the rail track. There is a cargo train that runs several times a day. If you're a fan of that it's a non-issue. If it's a concern make sure where ever you purchase is far enough away that you don't have to hear it!

I grew up in Rogersville, about 15-20 minutes outside Springfield and I absolutely loved my school (I attended K-12). Lots of extracurricular stuff for elementary students, after school programs, and I loved all my teachers. Plus a smaller town means smaller class size.

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Republic area is a good area, it I would love outside the city limits in Brookline Fire Protection District. They are one of the few departments in the area that will respond to every medical emergency regardless of if it’s a lift assist, heart attack, fire etc. when you call 911 they will be there within minutes. I can’t say enough good about them.

We’re about an hour west of Springfield now with aging parents living closer to Branson. Looking at SW Springfield area to be a little closer to them. We’re familiar with the area from an industry, cost of living, etc but specifically looking for neighborhoods that would create opportunities for the kids as well as us to meet others.

Oh, and the rail track that runs through Republic runs through our current town as well. Completely understand the cautionary warning!

Nixa has the best schools in the area. Should be able to settle there on that budget

Several new houses being built in Lakes At Wild Horse

Damn lucky you! With hat income around here you'll live like a king, or queen

Less about income and more about saving and paying more on our mortgage for the past 12 years! But yes, we are blessed to be able to afford in that price range.

If you are that close, take a couple days off, grab a hotel for a night and explore the area.

I’m from not too far from where you are originally and Nixa/Ozark/SW SGF are all their own things but not the same and maybe for diff reasons to me than you. Carthage is not WC is not CJ is not Neosho. But people all live in each for diff reasons. It seems like you have time on your side…that’s good…esp in a soon to be falling RE market. There are even some smaller school districts with maps that put you close to 65 Highway such as Strafford or Fair Grove. I will say which side of Branson is a total thing. The 65 side/East can take some good time to get from Hollister to Kimberling City/Hwy 13 side of things if you pick the less convenient option of location. Half my job in the past was to drive and I’ve seen most every community and road between KS and West Plains.

You have time but should spend that with some weekend trips to familiarize yourself with the local situation at each option.

Get off my lawn! Don't use the pond!

Battlefield is quieter than nixa and closer to town. It's a very good place to bring your kids up.

Soooo true!