Define Cost of Living
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2/28/2012
I've seen several people refer to the great cost of living in Springfield. I want to clarify that. Housing is less in Springfied than other areas. However, Missouri is a heavily taxed state. It has what is known as "the working poor". There are jobs here, but people don't make enough to support their families because the wages are also low and the cost of everything else is the same. Charity is big here because people can't make ends meet. There are no federal taxes on groceries, but there are state taxes on them. Tax Free Weekend doesn't really happen because you still have to pay the state taxes. There is a state income tax that is too high. There is also personal property tax on everything you own (including cows and hay bales). The sales tax is comparable to any other city I've lived in. When I went on vacation a couple years ago to florida, the highest price I paid for gas the whole trip was in Springfield.
Springfield's school system boasts of having some awards, but it really isn't good. Just everyday grammar is horrible around here. In an effort to make math easier in elementary school, they just confused the kids with all the gimmicks they used. Math is straight forward and very logical. It doesn't change wether you're doing simple addition or college calculus. Just teach it! I go to college and most of the students, if they even show up, don't study, don't do the homework, and the teachers have dummied down the tests just to get them to pass. Its disgusting!
As for culture, forget it! Springfield has many wonderful outdoor enjoyments with lakes, excellent parks, nature trails and the nature center. However, on a beautiful day, and there are many, everyone is at the mall! The restaurants are not worth eating at, so you can save your money eating at home. In fact, the best sushi in town is at the mall! Maybe that's why they're all there.
I work with the public and I am so tired of the braless (not sexy either) women, fat women in skin tight shirts, people wearing their pajamas in public because they are too lazy to get dressed, and meth rotted and toothless people. Where is the pride in your appearance?
I didn't think I would have so much to say, but there it is. There are other places in Missouri to live that are more enjoyable if you want the benefits without the negatives.
Kimberly | Springfield, MO