Reviews & Comments
Springfield, MO
re: Meth labs - 7/6/2006 -
8/18/2009Unfortunately, when it comes to drug use, you run about the same risk of living close to a meth lab in Republic, Nixa, Ozark, Willard, etc. as you do in Springfield. But you are right, the crime rate in Springfield is much lower (and, I believe, much less random) than it is in KC.
Springfield, MO
re: Meth Labs - 12/13/2006 -
8/18/2009I realize I'm very late to reply to this post, but you've brought some hot-button issues to the table that I feel should be addressed, Gina. It is a sad fact that the Midwest in general, but specifically Springfield, MO is a hotbed for meth. Due to the poverty that exists here, people turn to meth more often than other drugs because it can be made in your home (and sold). You did the right thing, reporting suspected meth use to the police. Unfortunately, there is only so much police can do. I think it's shear bad luck that you had to move twice. That being said, always research your neighborhood before moving. Like other mid-sized cities, Springfield has many registered sex offenders, and it's your job as a home-searcher and parent to scope the area out first for criminals and evidence of what could be gang violence before moving somewhere. While I firmly believe that no areas in Springfield are "scary," the W. Chestnut and Scenic area is a bit more unsavory than other areas, where you can rent or buy a house in a similar price range.
Springfield, MO
re: Poor Library System - 8/16/2006 -
8/18/2009I wonder which library you visited. Greene county (home to Springfield) is generally considered to have one of the best library systems in the state. The five libraries in the city limits are very diverse because they're all tailored to a different demographic. For example, if you were expecting a large research library and visited the Midtown branch, I can see how you'd be disappointed.
However, even if your closest library doesn't do it for you, you can get any book in the system sent to any library in the system. Can't find what you're looking for in the system? Ask a reference librarian about MOBIUS, which enables you to get a number of books from outside the system sent to any library in the county. Don't live close enough to a library? Programs like Walking Books and Bookmobile make books accessible to everyone.
Or maybe books aren't your thing. Check out the latest issue of Libewire for endless programs for children, teens and adults. There are meeting rooms and private study rooms in both The Library Center and The Library Station. Both of these libraries also have separate genealogy sections. The downtown branch provides tons of computers with a minimalist collection heavy on newspapers and magazines that's geared toward business people on coffee break and teenagers. Brentwood is a cozy branch with a larger-than-expected collection and large dedicated reading room.
I may be way off here, but I think you probably didn't really do your research on the system before you posted. Next time, look into something a little more before you bemoan a whole city based on one experience you had there.
Springfield, MO
re: Gang/crime problems - 4/19/2007 -
12/8/2008This is true, crime is on the rise, and the police response is a problem. You can take comfort in the fact that most of the violent crime that happens here is not random. However, it's not safe to assume that just because you're in certain parts of town, you're safe. That's not the case. As in any town, big or small, midwestern or not, you should always be aware of who's around you, always lock your car, etc. etc. That being said, I've never been afraid of walking around by myself (more than I can say for any other city) as long as I'm smart about it.