For most of us, the town we grow up in seems unbearably dull and traditional. It is only later that we look back and are fully able to evaluate what positive or negative influences our hometown gave us.

Springfield has recently been getting attention from the likes of national magazines – National Geographic and Best Life have both featured our city in their evaluations of the country’s best and worst cities. However, while National Geographic named Springfield one of the best places to live and play, Best Life named us the 10th worst place to raise a family. This decision was based on various statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau about divorce rates and education spending, among other things.

And in this respect Best Life is right – when looking at Springfield in terms of numbers, Springfield lags behind. Our mean per capita income, median home value and percentage of home ownership are all below the national average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau for 2000. However, it may take a more subjective approach to fully evaluate Springfield’s merit.

As the third largest city in Missouri and a growing metropolis, Springfield has the characteristics of both a rural area and a larger city. This blend of lifestyles and culture has created an environment that is equal parts outgoing and reserved: new developments downtown give Springfield a more artistic, urban feel, but are on such a small scale as to create a cozy image of a Midwestern town. Growing up in Springfield gives you options. There are just enough choices to gain maturity and practice independence, but there are not so many choices as to overwhelm or so few choices as to squelch all ambition and freedom.

No matter your plans to leave or to stay in the city, one thing is clear – if you’re from Springfield, you’re off to a good start.