A former manufacturing hub along America's first major highway, the National Road, Springfield made its name through companies like International Harvester, which changed the agricultural industry and attracted people to Ohio. The city's manufacturing sector started declining in the 1960s as companies closed or left the area, and with them went the population. Now, with just over 58,000 residents, Springfield is growing again thanks to a diverse immigrant population. "We have a lovely immigrant community — largely Haitian nationals — who bring a lot of richness to our city," says Cathy Reid, a Clark County Public Library reference librarian. The city's changing population has boosted the economy, with more restaurants and stores opening and houses being bought. Many people still commute to larger cities for work but return to Springfield for a lower cost of living and growing opportunities.
Springfield is a city in and the county seat of Clark County, Ohio.
is located in southwestern Ohio and is situated on the Mad River, Buck Creek, and Beaver Creek, about 45 miles west of Columbus and 25 miles northeast of Dayton.
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Frank Lloyd Wright home restoration
Home prices are a major reason people choose to live in Springfield. "Our cost of living isn't that high, especially compared to the big cities we're close to," Reid says. The median home price is around $180,000, substantially lower than the national median of about $400,000. Across the city are Craftsman-style homes, American Foursquares and ranch-style houses, along with the occasional Tudor-inspired house or Dutch Colonial. In the Cedar Hills/Broadview neighborhood west of the Mad River, acreage grows, adding much more space between neighbors. Downtown has seen an influx of townhome construction, with 230 single-family units built in the Bridgewater neighborhood.
A few historic districts hold even more architectural diversity. South Fountain Historic District has several signature styles, including Victorian Italianate, Carpenter Gothic and Stick-Eastlake. Nearby, the Wescott House is Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie-style creation in Ohio. "When I moved here 32 years ago, the house was sort of in ruins, but the Wright Foundation rehabilitated it into an absolutely glorious state," Reid says. "We're very lucky to have an original Wright house here." The house dates back to 1908, featuring handmade art glass and original wood detailing.
Beautiful Victorian home in Springfield, Ohio features a covered porch and a detached garage.
The Wescott House located in Springfield is Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie-style creation in Ohio.
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Business incentives in downtown Springfield
The city is working hard to re-establish the downtown area, including building a new parking garage to accommodate commuters and shoppers better. There are incentives for businesses that move into the downtown district and for companies that hire Springfield residents. Through these efforts, downtown Springfield is returning as the city's hub for dining, shopping and entertainment. Coffee shops sit next to fine dining establishments and beer halls. Shopping includes art galleries, boutiques and second-hand sellers. The Springfield Antique Extravaganza, hosted three times a year, brings over 2,000 antique dealers to the city so shoppers can root through their treasure troves.
Station 1 restaurant in Springfield, Ohio is a city favorite.
The Springfield News-Sun is a daily newspaper published in Springfield, Ohio.
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Taking Interstate 70 to employment hubs
Business Route 70 cuts through the center of the city, splitting into two primary roads. It also connects to Highway 68, which intersects with Interstate 70 in under 3 miles. I-70 leads drivers to larger cities, like Dayton and Columbus, which have more employment opportunities. Springfield City Area Transit offers several fixed bus routes around the city and a dial-a-ride program. Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center is in downtown Springfield, and the closest commercial airport is Dayton International Airport, about 27 miles away.
Hiking Buck Creek State Park and supporting legendary arts
Buck Creek State Park is one of Springfield's main year-round attractions. The 4,000-acre park allows swimming, boating, camping and fishing at the C.J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, although the reservoir is closed until Spring 2026. There are also over 7 miles of multi-use trails. Three other major trails — The Little Miami Scenic Trail, The Simon Kenton Trail and The Buck Creek Trail — pass through the city. Near downtown, Snyder Park has playgrounds, tennis courts and Buck Creek access. The creek is popular for whitewater rafting, while the Mad River is better suited for canoeing. Both experience occasional flooding. As the birthplace of famous singer-songwriter John Legend, the city has a bright arts and culture scene. Colorful murals and bronze statues honoring prominent historical figures bring life to the downtown area. The Clark State Performing Arts Center is the city's jewel, hosting headline artists and touring shows from its state-of-the-art auditorium and studio theater. It's also home to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The Little Art Theatre is one of the nation's oldest independent cinemas, and the Springfield Museum of Art is Ohio's only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum.
Buck Creek State Park is one of Springfield's main year-round attractions.
The Clark State Performing Arts Center in Springfield is the city's jewel, hosting headline artists and touring shows from its state-of-the-art auditorium and studio theater. It's also home to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
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College credit opportunities at Global Impact STEM Academy
The Springfield City School District serves most of the city, educating over 7,000 students and earning a C grade on Niche. Global Impact STEM Academy is the city's combined middle and high school. It earns a B-plus rating and ranks as the No. 1 public high school in Clark County. Through the school's extensive community partnerships, the average graduating senior leaves with roughly 38 transferrable college credits. The city is also home to Wittenberg University, a Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts school with just under 1,300 students. The school has a C-plus Niche grade.
The Springfield City School District serves over 7,000 students from 14 schools and earns a C grade on Niche.
Springfield is home to Wittenberg University, a Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts school with just under 1,300 students. The school has a C-plus Niche grade.
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Clark county fairs, cultural celebrations and historic open houses
The city celebrates several events throughout the year, from holiday extravaganzas to food truck competitions. The Springfield Jazz and Blues Fest fills the air with tunes in summer. This two-day event takes place at National Road Commons, a small but popular downtown green space. The festival is free to the public courtesy of John Legend. In September, CultureFest celebrates the city's diversity. Vendors and artists share multicultural music, dance styles and traditional dishes with the greater community. Springfield is also home to the Clark County Fairgrounds, which hosts craft, cattle and antique shows outside the county fair season. Neighborhoods like the South Fountain Historic District also hold annual events. They can be small get-togethers, like monthly dessert parties, or grand celebrations that invite people from all over the city. "During the summer, South Fountain will block off their streets to hold an open house. People can tour historic homes in various stages of rehabbing to learn about the area's history and architecture," says Doug Nave, a Springfield native and Realtor at Coldwell Banker Heritage Roediger.
The Clark County Heritage Center is a Romanesque architecture-style building in Springfield, Ohio.
Coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and more can be found in historic Downtown Springfield.
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Springfield's crime rates and tornado risks
According to FBI data, violent and property crime increased in Springfield from 2021 to 2023. The city introduced the Community Police Advisory Team, which works with the police chief and city manager to identify specific community issues at early stages.While the city’s climate is often moderate, Springfield can be prone to tornadoes. The most recent incident was in February 2024, when an EF-2 storm significantly damaged over 100 homes.
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On average, homes in Springfield, OH sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Springfield, OH over the last 12 months is $185,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 4-Bedroom Manufactured Home with Over 2,100 Square FeetThis well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom double-wide home offers 2,128 square feet of interior living space with a functional open layout. The living area flows into a fully equipped kitchen with included appliances: range/oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.Flooring includes tile, carpet, and vinyl. The home offers gas forced air
Don't wait to make this peaceful home yours! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house, situated on 1,320 square feet, and 1.52 acres is surrounded by nature in a quiet area with a creek. It's in a great school district and even comes with access to a horse stable. You'll enjoy quiet mornings with deer and beautiful sunrises right from your yard. The home has been well-maintained with a new roof, and HVAC
Stylishly Remodeled & Move-In Ready - 2 Bed, 1 Bath Charmer! Step into comfort and character with this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath two-story home that blends modern touches with cozy charm from the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the beautiful brick front, clean curb appeal with a long driveway for extra parking. The inviting living room welcomes you with large windows that flood
This complete turn-key 3-bedroom bungalow offers modern comfort and peace of mind. Featuring all new mechanicals, new flooring throughout, an updated bathroom and a fully updated kitchen with tile backsplash and brand-new cabinetry, this home is ready for its next owner. The functional layout provides a warm and inviting space, while its location across from Buck Creek State Park adds a touch of
Step into a world of opportunity with this delightful Northridge ranch home, perfectly poised as your next adventure in living. With motivated sellers eager to entertain reasonable offers, this property is brimming with potential just waiting for your personal touch!Featuring classic hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the open living space, this home exudes warmth and character while
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home available for rent now! This home includes a washer, dryer and refrigerator. Cats are ok with $250.00 pet deposit and $25.00 monthly pet rent. Tenant is responsible for gas and electric. Water and trash are included in the rent. The security deposit is the same as the rent ($1,000.00). Application fee is $60 per adult, and every household adult must apply.
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