Springfield Illinois??
 

My daughter is contemplating accepting a job transfer to Springfield IL.

Has anyone here ever lived in Springfield, and any thoughts about the city?

Oddly, the crime rate there seems rather high . . .

It's a crappy town. People love to due to all the historical stuff but it offers little and the crime rate IS rather high.

Wow, spot on!

Made the drive to Springfield over the past weekend to have a look around and search out housing options.

It is indeed a sad little city. By the end of the weekend, I couldn't wait to get back in the car and drive home.

Not sure how this job transfer will work out for her . . .

Our son lives there, teaches at the UNiv, he makes do.....we're there quite a bit visiting, people are friendly, prices are lower than in bigger cities

I spend a weekday night there not to long ago. Checked into my downtown hotel at about 7, went out to find some dinner and found...nothing. Busy during daytime hours with government employees, etc., then closes up shop.

The town is a very historical. Many people like the Midwest for its peace and tranquility.

It's fine, as long as you want to go to Branson to have some fun.

<lol>

Bob H

+1
+1

When having meetings with a few different State of IL departments, I'd do everything possible to not have to spend a night in Springfield, just nothing worth hanging around for.
I would suggest that if the job is good for her, that she have a clear idea/plan of promotion/move from Springfield. For a couple years anyone could put up with it, but much longer, yikes, no thanks.

I wouldn't put too much stock in the crime stats, there are some very crappy areas, but chances are your daughter will not live/work/commute through those areas.

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!" :D

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.