The town of Marshfield, Missouri, has a true patriotic spirit. Residents here have been celebrating the Fourth of July for longer than any other place west of the Mississippi River.
Marshfield is a charming small town in southern Missouri with over 6,600 residents. It has been around since 1830, so you could say this town has experienced fairly slow growth over the nearly two centuries it has been around. Maybe it's because of the occasional tornado, or maybe it's just that not enough people know about this hidden gem in Missouri. Either way, it definitely has some advantages you might like, such as its plentiful nature conservation areas and its proximity to Springfield.
Moving to Marshfield
The weather is mild for a Midwestern town, but you'll still want to avoid moving to Marshfield in the winter if possible to avoid the snow and ice. The region has lovely autumns and pleasant springs, though. And if you've never lived in a region that experiences tornadoes, you'll want to learn about how to stay safe during Missouri's tornado season in the summer.
When you're trying to find an apartment or a home for rent in Marshfield, make sure to have personal identification documents. At the very least, bring your driver's license and Social Security card. Plus, before you snag a home here, you'll need your proof of employment and rental history as you fill out rental applications.
Neighborhoods of Marshfield
Marshfield is basically like a big, thick "L" in southern Missouri. It has a slightly built-up downtown with homes and parks nearby, a mix of residential and industrial space on its west end, and multiple interconnected suburban neighborhoods and public facilities and amenities on its north side.
Downtown: Central Marshfield has a downtown area that's a mix of commercial properties, government buildings and apartments for rent. The Webster County Clerk's office is at the very middle of the area and this is also where you'll find the Marshfield courthouse, notable for having a 1/4-scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope out front to celebrate the life of Marshfield native and telescope inventor, Edwin Hubble. Just east and south of downtown Marshfield are parks and residences, making them good places to search for rental houses.
West End: The large, lush Massey Park denotes the western edge of central Marshfield. Beyond that, the west end has a sizable industrial zone for local concerns, as well as some smaller residential neighborhoods. Apartments are rare in this area, but there are houses of many different sizes.
North Side: Marshfield's north side makes up the majority of its residential space, offering everything from 1 bedroom apartments to houses and condos. This is also where the town's most sought-after real estate is located. There are more peaceful, more wooded communities on the eastern edge and cozier streets closer to the main thoroughfares with easier access to downtown. Marshfield Country Club is also on the north side, its large golf course fitting in seamlessly with the rural landscape beyond the town's eastern border.
Life in Marshfield
Businesses and restaurants in Marshfield have two busy areas. The first is downtown, where you'll find Freda's Uptown Cafe, Smokey J's Pizza and famous hot dogs of the Jays Nest. The stretch of Spur Drive that connects to Jackson Street also has a number of attractions, including the Oriental Inn and Casey's General Store. You'll also find another amenities like medical and dental offices, and other local businesses in both areas.
Marshfield is close enough for a quick drive to Springfield for a few additional urban options. It's also just an hour or two away from Branson, Missouri, widely known as the Las Vegas of the Midwest. Many Marshfieldians take long weekend trips to Branson for gaming, shows and spa treatments. For those more interested in trees and fresh air than dice and lights, Marshfield is surrounded by beautiful countryside that great's for camping and hiking, such as the Niangua Conservation Area.
Marshfield has plenty to recommend it for those who like small town living at a relaxed but responsible Midwestern pace. The town has lots of amenities in its charming downtown area and an even distribution of housing options throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It's also close enough for reasonable car trips to larger cities and entertainment escapes.