A crossroads town emerges as a fast-growing small city
Nixa is one of the two fastest-growing cities in Christian County, Missouri, inside the Ozark Mountains range. One of the town’s first residents, a blacksmith named Nicholas A. Inman, in 1852 suggested naming the city Nix, because it was “nothing but a crossroads.” With a population of about 25,000, Nixa has grown at an average annual rate of 2.5% since the first Census count in 1940. Today, the city outpaces growth rates of Missouri and Christian County, in the top 50 fastest-growing counties in the United States.
Nixa is 12 miles south of Springfield. With a strong public school system and a healthy economy, Nixa is getting attention for environmental preservation. “Becoming more bike-friendly is an important goal in Nixa,” says Matt Crouse, Nixa's director of Parks and Recreation. “Springfield has a large greenway trail system, and we want to connect our parks and current and future bike lanes in Nixa to it, making the two cities more seamlessly interconnected.”
Fueling a recent housing boom is a median price of $253,000, 50% lower than the national figure, and job growth from a slate of existing employers such as Nixa Public Schools, the city of Nixa and Diversified Plastics Corporation. Bentonville, Arkansas, the national headquarters of Walmart, is 90 miles south.
Nixa residents proudly support the Eagles.
Diversified Plastics is one of Nixa's largest employers.
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Updated midcentury and New Traditional homes capture the vibe of Nixa
In 2024, more than 600 homes were sold in the 9-square-mile city. As the average age of homes is 25 years, many are upscale and recently built, which lends a progressive, emerging and modern vibe to Nixa’s character.
The smallest and oldest homes in Nixa are often mid-century ranch styles that sell for about $140,000 to $800,000. One- and two-story New Traditional homes sell for $230,000 to more than $800,000, some with more than an acre.
A ranch style home with a brightly painted front door greets residents in Nixa.
Larger, modern homes are plentiful all around Nixa.
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Nixa Parks and Recreation is redefining area parks and prioritizing preservation
McCauley Park’s 40 acres include an 18-hole disc golf course, sports fields, paved trails and a large playground. The park’s X Center -- playing off Nixa's offbeat origin story -- is a 35,000-square-foot complex with indoor sports courts, a fitness center, a walking track and entertainment areas.
In 2020, Nixa Parks and Recreation acquired 100 acres of historic and riverfront farmland at the city's north edge. The Master Plan for the Eoff Family Century Farm Park identifies 15 amenities that will be built new or adapted from existing assets. Priorities include playgrounds, historical exhibits and a barn-themed event center as well as riverfront fishing, hiking and bicycle trails. “We have recently received our first level of funding, about $150,000,” Crouse says. “This allows us to start work on the parking lot and trails in the north parcel. It’s the first of many steps and an important one. This will allow us to get people here, onsite. When we start welcoming people and they learn about it and get excited by it, well, that will drive momentum for the overall project.” The city expects this first phase to open in 2026.
Disc golf is on tap at McCauley Park all year round in Nixa.
The Eoff Family Century Farm Park will serve as a major recreational hub in Nixa.
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A-rated Nixa Public Schools is the No. 1 district out of 26 area districts
With an A-grade from Niche, Nixa Public Schools operates five elementary schools, two middle schools and A-minus rated Nixa High School. Nixa High has won several awards including the 2024 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Quality Program Recognition. Located 10 miles north in Springfield, Missouri State University is the state’s second-largest school by enrollment. Private liberal arts universities in Springfield include Drury University and Evangel University in midtown.
Nixa High School is a highly rated public school and the pride of Nixa.
The Missouri State University campus attracts many Nixa students.
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Downtown Nixa offers restaurants, shopping and a new arts venue
Casual but lively describes much of the shopping and dining scene in downtown, including Coyote’s Nixa Grill and 14 Mill Market, an indoor/outdoor food hall. Pubs, pizzerias and Mexican restaurants are easy to find downtown as boutiques and big-brand retailers, including a Walmart Supercenter. Aetos Center For the Performing Arts, on the campus of Nixa High School, seats 1,150 in a modern performance hall.
Nixa residents meet up for a meal at 14 Mill Market.
The city of Nixa welcomes visitors with a bright mural.
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A Mild Ozark Mountains climate and low crime rates attract new residents
Snow is fairly common, though the city experiences distinct seasons. The James and Finley rivers, depicted on the city flag, pose a flood risk. Rates of reported violent crimes and property crimes have dropped below the national and state averages since 2021 in Nixa and have remained relatively steady since.
A bedroom community of Springfield and 90 miles to Bentonville
While farmland surrounds Nixa, its proximity to several Midwest cities is a key asset. Fortune 500’s No. 1 ranked Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, 90 miles southwest. Kansas City is 190 miles north via Missouri State Route 13, while St. Louis is about 230 miles northeast via Interstate 44. Springfield-Branson National Airport, 20 miles north of Nixa, offers direct flights to 13 destinations, including Chicago. OATS Transit, out of Springfield, is a private, rural transportation provider to cities and towns in the Springfield metro area.
Young calves enjoying a spring day in a field in rural Nixa.
Nixa residents head north to Kansas City on Missouri Route 13.
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Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors well-attended events
Nixa Sucker Days, held every May features arts, crafts, fishing and concerts, as well as a parade, cornhole tournaments and a popular fish fry. One of the area’s largest events, Sucker Days welcomes about 20,000 people. The Sky High Fireworks Celebration is held at Nixa High School in late June. Nearly 100 golfers and local businesses sign up for the Nixa Chamber Golf Tournament to have fun with friends and colleagues.
I was born and raised here in Springfield Missouri. I love everything the Ozarks have to offer. Meeting new people and helping them find their new dream home is a rewarding career. I am dedicated to my clients, and work hard to help them obtain their Real Estate goals.
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