Springfield City Guide

Local Horseshoe Sandwich is a must-try. The city offers Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Halal food. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Late-night food mostly via fast food and delivery apps.

Developing scene with wineries, breweries, and live music venues.

Decent coffee scene with local shops and some specialty cafes. Not a major coffee destination.

Tipping is expected: 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for rideshare, and 15-20% for other services.

Buy SIM cards at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, or retailers like Best Buy. eSIMs available. ID or passport required, especially for postpaid plans.

Generally clean streets and reliable waste and recycling services.

Some 24/7 convenience stores and fast food places. Limited 24/7 pharmacies and clinics.

Supermarkets like Harvest Market, County Market, ALDI, and Walmart cover daily needs. The Asian Market offers international products. Stores usually open 6 AM to 10 PM daily, with Sunday openings and limited holiday closures.

Card payments are widely accepted, though cash is still used occasionally.

ATMs are easy to find at banks and retail spots. Expect $2.50–$5 fees for out-of-network withdrawals, plus your bank's fees.

Public and private K-12 schools with instruction mainly in English. Higher education includes University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. No prominent international K-12 schools.

Growing remote work scene with co-working spaces like The Incubator and Innovate Springfield. Work-friendly cafes and networking opportunities present.

Strong park system including Washington Park Botanical Garden and Lake Springfield areas. Good for walking and running.

Good park and trail system, especially around Lake Springfield. Generally safe with active running groups.

Various gym chains and local fitness centers available.

Tennis courts available in public parks and private clubs.

Padel courts are uncommon and not widely available.

Yoga studios and wellness centers offer various classes.

Various schools offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, and boxing. English-speaking instructors common.

No local skiing; nearest options several hours away with artificial snow.

Lake Springfield offers kayaking and paddleboarding with local rentals.

No surfing available; city is landlocked.

No diving or snorkeling opportunities.

Good quality private healthcare with major hospitals like Memorial Medical Center and HSHS St. John's. Emergency number is 911. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS widely available.

Tap water meets state and federal standards but may taste chlorinated; contaminants exceed guidelines in some tests without posing known health risks.

Good parks and playgrounds. Kid-friendly spots include Henson Robinson Zoo and Knights Action Park. Baby supplies available in major stores.

Generally accepting city with legal protections. Limited dedicated venues but a welcoming community.

Pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and vet services available. Policies vary by place.