Lived in Springfield for 20 years; 1998-2018 leaving only due to retirement and distant grandkids. The city grew rapidly and experienced growing pains but responded with road improvements and better traffic control. Loads of chain restaurants ( a testing ground for many in the past). Crime statistics are difficult to explain for my experience was stsark contrast with the reported high rate. Drug arrests on I-44, a main transport route from the SW to STL and Chicago may boost the numbers. Meth production in rural nearby towns is high but likely show up as cases in Springfield. Weather is darn cold in the winter months Jan-Feb, with snow after December till up to April often times. and some cold persists into a late coming springtime some years. Fall is great, as is Spring, while heat in July and August can be stifling. 4 seasons for sure are here. People are basically friendly although a bit slower to warm up to newcomers compared to OK or TX. Housing was very reasonable before the housing crunch of 2020 to present. Despite the cold in winter, am considering moving back for the 4 seasons , as most aspects of daily life there were more than tolerable and only a rare tornado gets my attention, otherwise is a peaceful place and mostly friendly people(but low diversity in general) with a Midwestern attitude of solid work ethics.
MICHAEL | Springfield, MO | Report Abuse