Thanks to the Young Brothers Massacre of 1932 where six police officers were mown down, Republic spearheaded a national change in law enforcement procedures when responding to armed stand-offs.
Republic, MO has always maintained a fierce, pioneering spirit
Thanks to the Young Brothers Massacre of 1932 where six police officers were mown down, Republic spearheaded a national change in law enforcement procedures when responding to armed stand-offs.
Republic, MO has always maintained a fierce, pioneering spirit. Located in a remote section of southwest Missouri, in the Northern Ozarks, this 5.6-square-mile town of nearly 16,000 started out as an early outpost for immigrants moving West in search of homesteads. When the Battle of Wilson's Creek broke out three miles from Republic during the Civil War, a marketplace was set up in nearby York to supply the Union and Confederacy. Before the railroad, the only way to get to Republic was by horseback or covered wagon. After the war, the Frisco Railroad Company expanded track through Republic, but refused to build a depot. To solve the problem, Republic raised its own funds and built a station itself.
In general, rents in Republic are lower than the national average. For the money, renters can get more space and amenities. Because it still maintains a small-town mentality, landlords don't expect potential tenants to put their first born children up as collateral. Most rentals ask for a nominal security deposit to be paid on the move-in date. Heat, hot water and sewage are frequently included. If a renter doesn't plan to stay long, it's possible to find a decent rental without a lease.
Rental prices vary by neighborhood and location. Brookline, once the town of York and a trading post for the military during the Civil War, is now a middle-class neighborhood in Western Republic. Eastern Republic, the original pioneering settlement, is an older, more eclectic neighborhood. Despite variable prices, rentals overall are below the national average.
Republic has several neighborhoods that offer all types of rental properties, including pet-friendly apartments and townhouses for rent. Depending on your interests, you'll find an assortment of rental homes in Republic that will meet your individual needs.
Brookline: The largest neighborhood in Republic, Brookline was the historical location of York, a marketplace and trading post during the Civil War. The neighborhood still attracts military folk. Nearly 40 percent of residents are enlisted active military who report for duty at the Missouri National Guard in Springfield. The neighborhood has exploded with swells in military numbers along with a rise in new home construction. Many rentals in Brookline are new construction five to 10 years old. Houses are simple two-to-three-bedroom boxy structures, and apartments tend to be garden-style complexes. Many rentals include central air, cable hook-ups and washer / dryers.
City Center: An older section of Republic, City Center is funkier and more eclectic than its counterparts. Rentals apartments tend to be in older buildings, at least 15 to 20 years old. Popular with people of all ages, there's a balance between renters and owners, old and young. Unique shops and hip restaurants (including Jeanine's and Diamond Head Restaurant) dot the tree-lined streets, where pedestrian traffic is encouraged.
S. Farm Road and Logan Street: Ritzy, sprawling homes dot this upscale neighborhood. Most professionals in the neighborhood work in the service / sales industry or are executives. Homes are larger with three to four bedrooms; rental apartments are harder to find, and those that rent will ask a pretty penny. Be sure to stop by McAlister's Deli and try their Ultimate Nachos if you choose to reside here.
Even with a train, a nearby airport in Springfield, and I-60, those who choose to live in Republic must have a reliable form of transportation. The city, located in the southwest corner of Missouri, is three hours south and west of Kansas City and St. Louis. Public transportation isn't widely used, and nearly 90 percent of all residents drive to work or school.
Self Sufficiency
Republic is no longer a pioneering settlement, Residents don't have to build their own simple dwellings, hunt their own food, store rations for the hard winter or make their own clothing and soap. The city still maintains a pioneering self-sufficiency, however. It's a tight-knit, well-run, conservative community that looks after its own. Residents of all ages have access to the aquatic, community and senior centers. Facilities through the Department of Parks and Recreation host annual sporting leagues and nearby Wilson's Creek, a historic landmark and preserved Civil War battlefield. Because of Republic's proximity to the Ozarks, residents can spend a day or two hiking and camping at Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Fun
Nightlife in Republic is not New York, but locals know how to play. Local museums, amusement parks and several county fairs fill Republic's Calendar of Events. Take in bowling, league sports at the local parks, biking, arts and crafts, or swimming at the aquatic center. In the evening, small theater troupes perform, and the local library brings in poets and authors for readings. Bars and taverns welcome in locals for a frothy draft. During the minor-league baseball season, locals can be found cheering for the Springfield Cardinals.
If you study the Republic Historic Registry or if you talk to the older folk in Republic, the school district was a simple one-room school house. Thankfully, it's evolved quite a bit! Though the town doesn't have a hospital, there are three acute care facilities located in nearby Springfield.
Shopping
As for shopping, this is farm country. While you won't find Macy's, a Starbucks and Walmart have taken up residency. You can find fresh vegetables, dairy and cheese, livestock feed, grooming supplies for your horse and anything you need to fix a Caterpillar tractor.
With rich history and modern luxuries, the town of Republic is an excellent choice for a place to call home.
