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PinchePoderes t1_j5n3qzh wrote

Willard is supposed to have the best schools but the community is very rural and internet access and distance to grocery stores is spotty. Republic is good, growing rapidly, cops there are…Dumb but friendly enough. If you have the money, Nixa is great, just kind of expensive housing imo. Ozark is great, but if you work in Springfield traffic in and out can be annoying. Not nearly as bad as living near DC though.

Edit: The restaurants are pretty bad, there are some gems but I’ve had more flops than anything. Nona’s is pricey but decent Italian, Jose Locos and Cesar’s are my go to Mexican places, Dublin’s Pass had good fish and chips last I went. The Chinese food here is weird, not that Chinese is known for being great to begin with but idk, just weird. Extra low quality. The famous “Cashew Chicken” is just fried chicken with gravy and cashews on it, it’s okay but mostly hype. Mexican Villa is like Taco Bell from Wish.com

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antares127 t1_j5njbbi wrote

Fun fact from Springfield, if you didn’t already know, that kind of cashew chicken was invented here. If you were born and raised and travel elsewhere you have to ask for it “Springfield style” to get it that way it’s made here.

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Bladestewurd49 t1_j5p4evt wrote

"Taco Bell from Wish.com" 🤣🤣 -accurate

Farmer Gastropub is where you go for Fish&Chips Nonnas used to be good, not so much anymore (there really isn't good Italian in town, just so-so American Italian) Jose Locos and Caesars - Good Calls Corner 21 is actual Chinese, and tasty Coffee Ethic, Mudhouse, or Architect - for excellent coffee Progress is your best bet high-end spot Skully's for Ramen City Butcher or Getting Basted for BBQ

I've had children in local schools for over a decade here and I'll tell you what people call "good schools" around here is about the same as "good Mexican" (Mexican Villa). Personally Republic or Ozark is your best smaller but not too small outskirt area schools. They are big enough to have some diversity without your kids getting lost in the systems. Willard is a tiny, refuse-to-grow town with a penchant for calling themselves the best in the area. Incredibly overpriced real estate with no real commercial infrastructure. It's quiet, but just about nothing in town you need other than a gas station.

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