I would suggest buying on the south side! North side Springfield is sort of sketchy, but has some really nice options for fixer uppers if you don’t mind sketchy! Sequiota Park is my favorite! It’s very pretty and a nice place to take dogs for walks! Phelps Grove park is also pretty nice, but a lot of people walk their dogs there! People are bad drivers but I think most of Springfield is nice! There’s lots of nice thrift stores and coffee shops, and downtown is lovely!!