A horrible, crime-ridden city.
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2/9/2008
Across the state of Illinois, Springfield has a stereotype for being "peaceful and quiet" and "typically Midwestern". But having several friends that used to live in Springfield, having looked at the crime statistics to back up their statements about the city, and having visited the city several times, I can assure you that Springfield is the exact opposite of its stereotype.
Springfield has a very high crime rate that makes it impossible to live there without being in fear of becoming a victim of crime. In fact, it's probably the most dangerous mid-sized city in the state (with about 1,500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, where 450 is the national average and a 700 is considered high). The aggravated assault rate in particular is over 4 times the national average. Gang- and drug-related violence is the norm here. In mid-sized cities like Springfield, crime can usually be avoided by not living in the bad parts of town. However, as one reviewer mentioned, the corrupt city government demolished the hay homes where the poor people lived in favor of luxurious homes for the rich people, forcing these poor people (many of whom commit crimes to support themselves and their families) to live in areas of Springfield that used to have low crime. Because of this, gangs and drugs are a huge problem almost everywhere in the city. Further aggravating drug use is the general lack of things to do in the city, except for visiting the State Capitol. The city is also very polluted, with a lot of illegal trash dumping and vandalism.
Springfield does have a few positives. Thanks in part to a large campus of the University of Illinois as well as the presence of the state government, the public school system is good and educational attainment is some of the best in the state. The cost of living and housing is very low, and the economy is fairly stable, with lots of state government jobs. Unfortunately, that's not enough to save a corrupt city ridden with crime, trash, gangs, and drugs. Avoid Springfield at all costs, and don't say I didn't warn you!
Clint | Liberty, IL