Submitted by Total-Article-7017 t3_115hff1 in springfieldMO
Hey, Springfieldians! I’m a 29yo single female and am considering relocating to Springfield this fall. I grew up in Springfield before we moved to Central Missouri. Looking for the good/bad/ugly regarding the area, including any feedback from singles navigating through the dating pool.
The one thing I would add a large majority of the crime is not random acts. Almost all of it is drug or money related fights
Yeah, came here to say this. If you’re not buying meth I doubt you will have a serious problem with crime
Until a meth head breaks into your car and leaves his dimebag of meth on the floor. Happened at the Burrell parking lot. Didn't find it until we got home. Called the cops and they tested and positively identified it as meth in my kitchen lol
Used to be this way, but crime is becoming more random and heat of the moment type things. Less "beef" crime.
Only thing I disagree with is the traffic. I’ve lived in several places and the traffic and roads here are heaven compared to a lot of cities.
I didn't say Springfield traffic is the worst in the country, did I?There's always going to be somewhere worse, it doesn't make Springfield less bad.
Perhaps it’s just a matter of perspective then. Again, I think the traffic is fine, you can still get from one end of Springfield to another in 20 minutes or less. If you consider that bad, then I’d be interested to hear what you think is good.
I would point to things like sitting through three cycles of the light at Battlefield and Kansas, or trying to head south on Campbell at 5:30pm, or navigating that absolute clusterfuck around Republic Rd, Kansas, and James River. Or trying to get anywhere on Glenstone any time of day.
This said it all.
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Take STI tests seriously. The rates have not improved since 2020: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Report-Springfield-among-US-cities-with-the-highest-STD-rates-567107921.html
"Springfield among US cities with the highest STD rates"
oh god lol
itsa the boogs!!
Looks like Springfield is no longer in the top 100, so that’s an improvement https://www.innerbody.com/std-testing/std-statistics
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It's totally white trash. Trumpers, morons, and meth. Go elsewhere while you're still young.
Lol you’re telling good people not to move here. Fuckin stupid. This place will always be bad thanks to this logic.
Yeah you’re right, this isn’t accurate at all! Totally forgot to mention the horrible violent crime and property crime rates, insane drug use, insane driving and backwards ass mega-Church-cults based in the area!
I'm not going to tell GOOD people to come to a bad place. Otherwise, I'm a bad person; a liar.
lmao yeah i'm 38 and this is why i'm moving too. i'm not sure why i ever convinced myself moving here for work would be a good idea, this place is everything they warned it was and more haha
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i mean, are we wrong? if you've lived anywhere outside missouri it's not even an argument really.
all these methheads, proud boys, and conservative christians here can go fuck themselves lol they're degenerates.
I have lived east coast, west coast, down south and no matter where I lived you will see the same if u even remotely look for it. California is a shit show, New York City was amazing until it was taken over by whiny Libs and those rhat think they deserve everything without working for it ( That is slowly destroying every town) Drugs are everywhere. Cost of living is out of hand everywhere. That said Springfield isn’t bad besides the politics within the city GOOD OLE BOY THING ( if you want it just pay up) and Mega Churches
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since you agree with us then, why do YOU live here? or choose to stay here?
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god damn.
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i think on the contrary that old people prove to be very fragile and stubborn people especially the midwestern population. they're resilient in their beliefs.
but to say to yourself, it is what it is, or "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" is to sell yourself short on what life actually has to offer. to have lived in one place your entire life is the definition of sheltered and insulated. you'd have to be resilient to let yourself live that way. i met iraqis who were the same way. it's why they didn't leave the country. 'family lived here for thousands of years'. sure, see how that worked out for them now too.
i couldn't do that to myself or my family.
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even if you were unfortunate enough to be in the army with their notoriously shitty duty stations you know that's a patent lie come on now!
i'll put any of your shittiest duty stations up against mine(fort polk, LA hah!) and springfield and you gotta tell me why springfield is preferable.
if you told me i had to check-out and go back home to springfield from fort polk, i'd probably actually cry. i don't know anybody that chose to live there longer than a few years.
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I’m in training right now for a job with the state. Still get to live at home in KC for the time being but within the next year I’m going to have to relocate to Springfield. I was in a pinch trying to find an entry level job right out of school so I thought Springfield wouldn’t be so bad since it’s somewhat close to home, but now that I’ve visited a few times I’m wondering why on earth I thought that this would be a good idea (despite multiple people advising me otherwise) desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose…
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Doctors, nurses, and other professionals make a living here too. It can't all be proud boys for days.
We have a really good music community and a roller derby team.
Wait, really? Do they actually have derbies in Springfield?
Yes! Go to the Springfield Roller Girls FB page and the schedule is posted there. They are always looking for skaters and volunteers, some of the best people I have met in town!
No women’s healthcare in Missouri , lots of aunties on the Illinois side ready & willing to help out though
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Barely a blue state…Would be red if it weren’t for Chicagoland
Unless you are into churching, culting, or mething, it’s hard to find a good partner in Springfield.
I wish I could refute this. As an old, married, former Baptist, it’s hard to find non-church, non-cult, non-drug friends. Lesser of three evils (shrug)?
Born and raised in Springfield- family still lives there. Don’t do it. I moved and don’t miss it at all. Anytime I go back, it gets worse. My sister 28f lives alone in Springfield (east side aka “safe side”) and has had so many sketchy experiences while I’ve lived in 5 other states - and have never felt unsafe like I do when I visit home. Also the rent to wages is horrible and not sustainable. Healthcare is also backwards there and my family has to go to St. Louis for better care. I can’t think of a single reason to move there.
I forgot to mention that my sister is single and has difficulties dating people who don’t have children already/divorced in Springfield vs more modern cities wait longer to get married/have kids so the dating pool is better.
Same boat for me, also to add: my family that does still live there, at least 80% of them want to leave too.
100% of my family is still in Springfield and are miserable but do to low wages, they can’t afford to move.
When were you last in Springfield? It’s probably pretty similar.
As long as you don’t live on the northwest/central parts of town it’s not as bad as everyone wants to make it out to be. As far as dating 26m here and it’s pretty much like anywhere. Dating apps run it usually but there are some good bars that you may be able to find some cool people at as well.
It’s not even that bad in the central part of town. I’ve lived here for almost 5 years now and haven’t had any issues whatsoever aside from a single graffito on the fence opposite my apartment sometime last year.
No I don’t think it’s that bad either, there are just rougher neighborhoods
Married, so not much help on the dating scene, sorry about that one. I fall pretty libertarian politically and socially, and the “don’t be a shitty person” rules pretty much apply. Been here 2 years , moved for work during the pandemic, and we’re planning on staying for a while. Springfield is very much about how much work you’re willing to put into being a part of it, I think. I’ll admit, 100% of my friends are either from work or spouses of work friends, but I’m ok with that. I don’t have time for much else and I work with great people. There are plenty of people to be friends with. If you’re a regular somewhere, people remember you. Customer service, while spotty, can also blow you away because people are genuinely just trying to make their day a little better by making other peoples days better. Traffic SUCKS, but it sucks basically everywhere. Good food, though we’re missing a good Pho, Vietnamese, and honestly, good tacos (don’t @ me haters, I have my preferences and Springfield ain’t got it). If you’re willing to put yourself in awkward situations as a first timer, there’s book clubs, bars groups, sewing clubs, yoga classes, gyms, and tons of outdoor groups. Pick a hobby, someone else here has it, and you can find people to hang with. You just have to be willing to try new things. As a note though, this is kind of my philosophy on lots of things. Also, if you want, people will leave you TF alone, and that’s great to me too. In my neighborhood, we all spy on each other, but leave each other alone. We like it.
Do you have pros/cons to moving already?
Dating pool wise I would assume it’s much like anywhere. As a single male myself, I resort to the apps due to limited time with work.
Hey girl, I’m a 27 yo female in Springfield. There’s a fb group for Springfield (basically SWMO) that’s pretty hilarious and allows women to post guys they’re seeing and make sure they’re not seeing other people, not a criminal, or other craziness. I’m engaged, so it’s just entertainment. You have to be invited by someone already in the group. If you’re interested, PM me! It’s hilarious lol
As far as dating, I think it depends on the type of person you want to date. I haven’t dated dudes in a long time. I think apps are rough bc most just want to hook up. Or it seems a lot want to pretend they’re into long term, but string along several women. Of course this is all if you’re into men only. Women and the general queer community are awesome too! 😊
Ahhh yes, blast him sis. My wife is apart or that group and it's provided us many hours of entertainment.
Tbf If your cheating on your partner with 4 other women or providing unsolicited dick pics or other forms of harassment, you deserve to be put on blast.
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Ahhh yes, blast him sis. My wife is apart or that group and it's provided us many hours of entertainment.
Tbf If your cheating on your partner with 4 other women or providing unsolicited dick pics or other forms of harassment, you deserve to be put on blast.
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Alright I was on girls club and another one but I haven’t seen anything in months. Did they make a new page? It was such good entertainment seeing the douches on blast.
It’s called blast him sis!
So these guys, many of whom end up being innocent normal men without any bad past, are having their photos posted without their consent? By partners they like and trust? Wow, exemplary behavior there.
I'm glad the breach of their trust and violation of their privacy is "entertaining" and "hilarious" for you though. I feel bad for any men who've had the misfortune to date any of the women from the bullying-scumbag FB group. Hopefully these men catch on to the vile nature of these women fast and get away from them. Probably why these group members stay in the dating pool long enough to "need" such a group.
No, they post men they encountered who wound up assaulting them, have recent criminal reports for similar behavior (assault, domestic violence, rape), or have threatened them. It’s to put out a warning knowing the male, who already posted their photos publicly on tinder or whatever dating site, might not be a safe person. There are over 15,000 women in the group. It’s not a few women who can’t catch a date.
I can’t say some women don’t misuse it, but the admins moderate the content posted. There are strict rules that get you banned such as “I hate men” or certain language.
As a person who has been assaulted more than one person from dating despite researching beforehand and even meeting them through work/school, I think it’s helpful. I disagree with it being male exclusive.
Check out “blast her bro” on fb if you need its counterpart.
Then why did you say:
>allows women to post guys they’re seeing and make sure they’re not seeing other people, not a criminal, or other craziness. I’
That's not posting known abusers/cheaters/etc. What you described there is posting a guy you're dating (who may be innocent or may not) to see if anyone has any dirt.
You were either giving misinformation in your first comment or you're giving it now.
You're contradicting yourself.
Are you just worried you're posted there already or will be? Calm tf down, it's a FB page, nothing to worry about unless you have something to worry about.
I'm a girl. Just one with moral standards, and who doesn't enjoy seeing bullying and stalking go on.
>nothing to worry about unless you have something to worry about.
Some of us are capable of giving a shit about others. I get that you wouldn't know what that's like.
Bless your heart. Crazy to think by giving a heads up on ABUSERS equates to "not giving a shit about other people" in your pretty little head. That's cute. EDIT TO ADD: a big part of the group is also blasting SA from the victim themselves to warn local ladies, but your right I would hate for a guy that R*pes girls to get bullied.... we're just big ol meanies.
Moved my family here to Springfield from Southern California. A lot better standard of living. Lower cost of living, work at a place that pays me more than what I made in California. More family activities and more opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation. Don’t know much about the dating scene but downtown is usually busy with young people enjoying themselves with plenty of festivals and events as well as you got the college. Springfield has a great small town feel with big city amenities. It’s great!
I came from northern MO in mid 2000s and found it refreshing in comparison. Every bedroom community surrounding is starkly different. I would advise reviewing the city’s heat maps before you make a housing decision.
I usually use the maps at https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-springfield-mo/ or https://communitycrimemap.com/ which gives much better details. Unfortunately, the city's heat maps only go up to 2021, otherwise I would find them useful. Why there isn't anything for 2022 I certainly don't know, unless the data hasn't been compiled yet. I'm always looking for crime statistics among others, as I'm trying to find a house. I would definitely rather be in a surrounding town, but finding houses there for sale at my price point is almost non-existent.
You are gonna hit second winter. It sucks. Dating apps kind of suck. Or maybe I am the wrong person for them. Also, I am older than you. So my advice might not be the best. Best of luck!
Can’t speak to dating locals as I imported my spouse - but… if you like nature this is a great place to live. Lots of gorgeous places to explore
There are a ton of groups for lots of different hobbies. - you just have to put yourself out there. I have never lacked for something to do when I have free time (which isn’t often)
As a single person - you should have lots of options of things to pick from to grow your network
Can't speak for the dating scene, but I grew up on the West Coast and I've enjoyed Springfield so far.
There's a lot of open minded people and cool little niche communities, great food scene, community events here and there depending on what you're into.
As far as meth heads, bigotry and religous assholes that shit exists everywhere. I experienced drug addicts growing up in Washington state that would make a Missouri meth head blush. And WAY more crazy homeless people.
There's a lot of fun to be had here, and cool cities to explore only several hours drive away in any direction. Don't believe the haters.
Go to Cox for your healthcare. I’d stay away from Mercy.
If you can manage a small commute, maybe consider one of the neighboring towns. I drive 25 mins into town for work everyday, but I know people that spend that time in city traffic.
As far as dating goes, I am way out of the loop on that scene. I would suggest finding a place to meet people with the same interest or goals. If you were religious I would say church for example. Maybe find a place to volunteer if that is your thing.
Single early 30'S male here, dating is tough in Springfield if you aren't into going out to bar's. Not terrible but it's definitely harder than a bigger city or more diverse place.
Still top 20 most dangerous city. There's a reason why I'm leaving for Illinois...
Chicago is many times safer...
I'm not joking. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/blog/top100dangerous
I moved to Chicago from Springpatch in '97. Couldn't agree with you more. Not only will you find beautiful diversity, but the Mexican food is truly authentic, there isn't any Cashew Chicken within 500 miles, and the Trumpers stay put in their little southern Illinois Trump bubble.
This is the third comment I’ve seen in this sub mentioning cashew chicken - what’s that about? I’m new here, I don’t know the lore.
This dish is Springfield specific. You won’t find it outside of the SW Missouri, specifically Springfield food bubble.
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Springfield style cashew chicken originated here, and hard af to find elsewhere.
So you're just on this sub to shit on the place? I'm glad you left.
"tRuMpErz!"
FOH
If you have a problem with former residents warning away from this hellhole, then vote for people who don't make money off making it worse.
That's pretty interesting. Although it's close, it seems it would be safer in St. Louis or Kansas City. But I guess the real question for me, which there seems to be a debat over, is whether the crimes are random or created more from the presence of illicit drugs.
Both are caused by one thing: poverty.
Impoverished regions with little economic opportunity turn into places where lives of crime are the only way to survive. The most effective cures to such regions is to increase social welfare programs, public transit, and support for unhoused and mentally ill.
Small town feel with enough big city amenities.
Ignore all the types on this reddit that wont stop ranting about "Muh Trumpers MAGA bigots" everywhere. They have an unhealthy obsession and are best left to themselves to rant about it - which is why they often coincidentally complain about not having friends. (I wonder why people - even with similar political and worldviews don't want to hang out with them. Misery loves its company)
Springfield is actually pretty diverse in terms of subcultures. A crazy mix here. Alot of parks that are pretty nice despite low property taxes. Schools aren't terrible either.
You get alot of bang for your buck. Moved from Illinois in August 2022 as a family of 5 and its amazing how much affordable it is to go downtown with your family then it is in Chicago.
the last date I had was a complete disaster.
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Cloud_Disconnected t1_j92kwdo wrote
Good: there are tons of options if you like dining out. Cost of living is low overall. Lots of natural areas if you like spending time outdoors. The people are in general friendlier and more open than a lot of places. Good healthcare for a town its size. It's easy to navigate because the streets are set up in a grid. If you like theme parks Silver Dollar City is a short drive, and it's pretty good.
Bad: low wages, lack of opportunity, especially in the tech sector. High crime, especially for a city its size. Huge homeless population the city refuses to help. Lack of mental healthcare, it's almost non-existent unless you can pay for private. Traffic is balls and getting worse. Housing is more expensive than it has any right to be. MSU is a regional university no matter how many times they change their name, and doesn't bring the kind of advantages a larger university like MU does.
Ugly: more racism and bigotry than central MO. The north side is in decay. Panhandlers on every corner. Local government is a good ol' boys network that are in bed with developers.