April, Lately
Every month I find myself coming back here, opening this space and settling into the story I’ve been living, Lately.
Today, I’m sitting downtown on the patio at Mudhouse Coffee, watching people move through downtown. The people who live here, work here, and simply enjoy being here.
March felt like a mix of Summer Days and Winter Blues.
It reminds me how quickly the days can shift during the seasons in the Ozarks. Right now, the weather feels like it is changing day by day, and that unpredictability is reflected in the downtown atmosphere. One afternoon might feel like summer, with patios full and sidewalks busy, and the next can carry a chill that sends everyone back indoors.
Some days brought warm, sunny afternoons pushing into the 90s, with parks and trails filled and everyone looking for somewhere to be outside. Other days dropped below freezing, changing that pace just as quickly. That contrast is something we know well here. It keeps us on our toes and, in many ways, marks the transition into a new season.
March always feels like the anticipated jump into spring. The moment when life starts moving faster. Schedules fill, calendars stack, and the longer daylight begins to stretch our days into the evenings. It feels less like a slow change and more like the start of a sprint toward summer.
Reflection, Lately.
Rhythm really sets in during March.
My mornings become more structured this time of year. The routine tightens up, and the focus shifts toward winning the morning and setting the tone early so the rest of the day has direction. There is something powerful about starting strong and stacking small, consistent steps before most of the day has even begun.
As the weather warms and the market picks up, evenings begin to fill with showings, conversations, and time spent out in the community. Summer socializing starts to become routine, even during weeknights, and the pace of life becomes more active. It is a good kind of busy. The kind that comes from opportunity and connection.
For me, the morning workout and routine have become the launch pad for everything else. It is where discipline turns into momentum, and momentum turns into progress. March is when that momentum starts to feel real.
Not dramatic. Not overwhelming. Just a steady rhythm.
And steady is what carries you forward.
Real Estate, Lately.
March offered a clear snapshot of where our local housing market stands right now, especially for buyers looking for an affordable entry point.
I put a home right in the heart of Galloway under contract from a sign call, and what followed was just as telling as the contract itself. Even after the home went pending, I received three additional calls from buyers who had seen the sign and were hoping it was still available.
That kind of response highlights how important the $150,000 to $200,000 price range has become in Springfield. For many buyers, that level represents the opportunity for a manageable monthly payment and a realistic path into homeownership.
What has changed over time is the type of homes available in that range. More and more, we are seeing two bedroom homes dominate the entry level market, where three bedroom options have become increasingly limited. That additional bedroom, when it exists, often becomes the deciding factor for buyers trying to balance affordability with functionality.
Another trend that has been building for years and is now becoming more visible is the rise of new construction homes with one car garages. Builders have been working to keep prices within reach, and that often means making intentional design tradeoffs to reduce overall cost and monthly payments.
It raises an important question for the future of our market.
Where are buyers, especially first time buyers, willing to sacrifice in order to achieve affordability?
Space, storage, and convenience are all part of that conversation. It will be interesting to watch how these decisions stand the test of time and how the market adapts as demand continues to evolve.
Community, Lately.
March was marked by one of the most meaningful moments in our year at Isabel’s House.
On March 6th, we hosted our annual Isabel’s House Gala, the most significant fundraiser supporting our mission to prevent childhood abuse and neglect in our region. This event is always a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. This year, that support translated into nearly $200,000 raised to help serve children and families when they need it most.
I am especially proud of our Associate Board and the role they played in making the evening possible. Their commitment to fostering relationships within our community, and their willingness to step forward and ask others to support this mission, is something that deserves recognition. Fundraising is not always easy work, but it is meaningful work, and this group continues to show up with dedication, courage, and heart.
Isabel’s House Associate Board
At the same time, important conversations continue to shape the future of our city.
The City of Springfield is actively working to remap Springfield’s zoning framework to position the community for long-term growth. A central focus of this effort is Missing Middle Housing, creating housing options that bridge the gap between traditional single-family homes and larger-scale developments.
It has been encouraging to watch residents, planners, and local leadership come together to think intentionally about growth, revitalization, and what it means to live in Springfield for many years to come.
These are the kinds of conversations that shape the future of a city, and they are happening right here in our community.
Local, lately.
Springfield is preparing for something truly significant.
As we move closer to the Centennial Route 66 Festival, you can feel the energy building across the city. Streets are being cleaned, buildings are being refreshed, and planning is underway in anticipation of what may become one of the largest events Springfield hosts this year.
We are already expecting national attention, including the arrival of The Today Show this month to promote and highlight the festivities taking place right here in our city. That level of visibility is something special, and it reflects the pride Springfield has in its history and in the people who call this place home.
As the weather warms, outdoor events begin to fill nearly every weekend. Farmers markets, downtown festivals, outdoor music, and community gatherings become part of the regular rhythm of life.
There is a unique sense of community that comes from these moments.
It is the feeling of community meeting the outdoors. Neighbors connecting, families gathering, and people simply enjoying where they live. That spirit is at the heart of life in the Ozarks, and it becomes especially visible this time of year.
Next, Lately.
April feels like the beginning of a busier season.
More listings will begin to enter the market, creating more options and opportunities for buyers. Activity will increase, schedules will fill, and the rhythm of the spring market will continue to build as we move closer to summer.
One of the things I look forward to most each year is the reopening of the Greater Springfield Farmers Market. It returns this month, and I am ready to see what new vendors may be joining this season, while also getting back into the routine of sourcing as many of my weekly goods as possible directly from local producers.
There is something grounding about that habit.
It connects you to the people, the food, and the community that make this place feel like home.
And as the days grow longer and the nights grow warmer, April feels like the official start of everything ahead. More activity. More connection. More opportunity to keep moving forward.
