Willard offers tight-knit suburb with its own schools and amenities
Located amid the farmland outside Springfield, Missouri, Willard offers a slower pace, affordability and other conveniences like its own school district. “Willard is a suburb of Springfield. It’s a very tight-knit community, and I think it’s a place where people look out for each other,” says Melissa Skaggs, director of The Hive, a nonprofit cafe. “Schools are a huge draw for the community. If you have school-age kids, schools are the number one reason you’d want to live here.” This city of under 6,500 people also provides direct access to an intercity bike trail, a brewpub and other businesses like a cafe that doubles as a laundromat. “It’s a safe town,” Skaggs says. “I love the schools, I love the bike trails, and it has about all the stores you need.”
City has subdivisions with mid-20th century and modern homes
With many located in subdivisions, houses in Willard range from 1960s ranch-style homes to modern Craftsman and New Traditional homes with brick, vinyl and wood siding. The rural areas outside Willard offer more space, but also come with higher costs. Many homes in the area go from $160,000 to $390,000, while some on the rural multi-acre lots run between $420,000 and $850,000. However, Willard has a median sale price of about $250,000 for single-family homes, less than half of nearby Springfield’s. In Willard, “you get more house for your money,” says Sheila Johnson, a Realtor with Keller Williams. Willard also has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Willard’s nine schools serve over 4,200 students
The city is home to Willard Public Schools, which receives a B from Niche and serves over 4,200 students across its nine schools. Students here may start at schools like Willard North Elementary, which receives a B-plus grade. Willard Intermediate School-South gets a B-minus, while Willard Intermediate School-North receives a B. Willard middle and high schools both receive a B. Willard High's successful clubs include a speech and debate team ranked among Missouri’s 10 best programs in 2024. The high school’s baseball team also won a state title in 2024.
Willard has cafes, barbecue and craft beers
Willard has a diverse mix of places to dine and drink. Some may start their day with coffee and a pastry at The Hive, which distinctly employs people with disabilities. “Our motto is ‘different ability, same opportunity,'” Skaggs says. At The Washboard Laundromat & Cafe, patrons may grab more coffee and doughnuts while waiting for their loads to finish. Darla’s Diner has classic breakfasts and burgers, while Hog Tide Bar-B-Que serves smoked meats. Mile 6 Taproom is a local brewpub with a large beer garden and a mural showing past and present-day Willard. A popular stopping point for cyclists, the brewpub is named for its location off the Frisco Highline Trail. Apple Market provides a local grocery store, but shoppers looking for more variety may drive about 10 miles to one of Springfield’s Walmarts. Other shops include Calm & Collected Mercantile, an antique store carrying items like kitchenware and spices.
Bike rides, jogs, golf and swimming keep locals active
Residents here are close to various indoor and outdoor recreational amenities. Jackson Street Park has playgrounds with multiple slides and the city’s public pool. Runners and cyclists here may directly access the Frisco Highline Trail, a 35-mile path that crosses the region’s hilly meadows and woods and reaches nearby cities like Springfield and Walnut Grove. The 20-acre Willard Sports Complex has baseball fields and a recreation center with basketball and volleyball courts. For some golf, the public Greene Hills Country Club has an 18-hole course. Many may also travel a few miles east to tour Fantastic Caverns. Attractions include two large stalagmites called “The Hall of Giants" and a statue of the bloodhound that belonged to the cave’s founder.
Willard Freedom Fest celebrates July 4 early
Some of the city’s largest events include Willard Freedom Fest, which typically occurs in June at Jackson Street Park. Although the event doesn’t fall on July 4, it's an Independence Day-themed festivity with fireworks. During the day, live bands provide entertainment as many walk the grounds, sampling foods and shopping for products like house decor, candles and T-shirts.
U.S. Highway 160 is a commuter route to Springfield
Local commuters have direct access to U.S. Highway 160, which goes to Springfield. Willard is just over 10 miles northwest of downtown Springfield. In addition to work, many in Willard may go to Springfield for services like medical care. Springfield is home to Mercy Hospital Springfield. Willard is also less than 10 miles north of Springfield-Branson National Airport, the area’s hub for commercial flights.
