As other have said, it is a rather sad town with too much focus on politics. Other than state government, most of the industry has moved on. There is the historical angle, but it feels more like faded glory than a proud past.

If relocating to Illinois, be aware that their state government and finances are a mess. Chicago thinks they know best about everything and refer to any place in Illinois that is not Chicago as "downstate". But Chicago did teach me about the first rule of elections - "Vote early and vote often!"

I was born in Springfield and still have family in the area. Those that have not left are either planning to or wish they could.