2026 Compare Cities Rankings:
Gainesville, FL vs Springfield, IL

#15 Most Competitive Public Colleges

#44 Best Green Cities

#56 2005 Best Places to Live

#88 America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Mid-Size Metro Areas)

#57 America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Mid-Size Metro Areas)

#133 Best Green Cities

#196 2005 Best Places to Live

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

I've lived here for over 40 years. Springfield is a decent place to raise a family. Solid midwestern values, and I've always felt safe. Opportunities exist, but there  More

I moved (back) to Springfield after living in various cities and towns around the country - as large as Milwaukee, as small as Baker, NV - and can say without  More

whole town smells like dirty ***** and  More