Springfield, Missouri is a beautiful city with a lot of potential. Unfortunately, there are also some drawbacks to living in Springfield that you should consider before you make the move. Here are 19 reasons not to move to Springfield, Missouri.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Springfield is higher than the national average. This is due to higher taxes, higher prices for housing, and higher gas prices. You may be able to find some bargains, but overall you will be paying more than you would in other parts of the country.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Springfield is higher than the national average. Violent crimes such as murder and rape are more common in Springfield than in other cities. Property crimes such as burglary and car theft are also higher than the national average. You should take this into consideration before you move to Springfield.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities in Springfield are limited. There are some larger employers in the area, but most of the jobs are in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. If you are looking for a high-paying job in a specialized field, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Weather
Springfield has a humid subtropical climate, meaning that it gets hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter. The weather can be unpredictable, and you should be prepared for extreme temperatures and weather events such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Traffic
Traffic in Springfield can be a problem. The city has a number of one-way streets and narrow roads that can cause traffic jams during rush hour. If you are used to driving in larger cities, you may find the traffic in Springfield to be overwhelming.
Air Quality
The air quality in Springfield is not great. The city has higher levels of air pollution than the national average, and there are also higher levels of ozone in the air. This can be a problem for people with respiratory issues or allergies.
Education
The education system in Springfield is below average. The public schools are not as well funded as other school districts in the state, and test scores are lower than the national average. If you have children, you may want to consider moving to a different city with better schools.
Economy
The economy in Springfield is not great. The unemployment rate is higher than the national average, and the job market is not as robust as in other cities. If you are looking for a job, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Housing Market
The housing market in Springfield is not great. The prices for homes and apartments are higher than the national average, and there is a limited supply of homes for sale. This can make it difficult to find an affordable place to live.
Culture
The culture in Springfield is not as diverse as in other cities. There is a large population of conservative Christians, and the city has a more traditional, conservative atmosphere. If you are looking for a city with more diversity and culture, you may want to look elsewhere.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Springfield is below average. The hospitals are not as well-equipped as other hospitals in the state, and there are fewer doctors and specialists available. This can make it difficult to get the medical care you need.
Recreation
There are some recreational activities in Springfield, but they are limited. The city has some parks and trails, but there are not many other options for entertainment. If you are looking for more exciting activities, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Safety
The safety in Springfield is below average. The crime rate is higher than the national average, and there have been reports of gang activity in some areas of the city. You should take precautions to ensure your safety when living in Springfield.
Transportation
The public transportation system in Springfield is limited. The city has some buses and taxis, but they are not as reliable as in other cities. If you rely on public transportation to get around, you may have to look elsewhere.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Springfield is limited. There are some bars and clubs, but they are not as numerous as in other cities. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Taxes
The taxes in Springfield are higher than the national average. The state has a high income tax rate, and there are also higher property taxes than in other cities. You should factor in the taxes when deciding whether or not to move to Springfield.
Parks and Recreation
The parks and recreation in Springfield are limited. The city has some parks and trails, but they are not as numerous or as well-maintained as in other cities. If you are looking for more outdoor activities, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Housing Costs
The housing costs in Springfield are higher than the national average. The prices for homes and apartments are higher than in other cities, and there is a limited supply of homes for sale. This can make it difficult to find an affordable place to live.
Job Market
The job market in Springfield is not great. The unemployment rate is higher than the national average, and the job market is not as robust as in other cities. If you are looking for a job, you may have to look outside of Springfield.
Population
The population of Springfield is growing, but at a slower rate than other cities. This means that the city is not as diverse as other cities, and there are fewer job opportunities and amenities than in other cities.
Conclusion
Springfield, Missouri is a beautiful city with a lot of potential, but it also has some drawbacks that you should consider before you make the move. The cost of living is higher than the national average, the crime rate is higher than the national average, the job market is limited, and the weather can be unpredictable. You should also consider the traffic, air quality, education system, economy, housing market, culture, healthcare, recreation, safety, transportation, nightlife, taxes, parks and recreation, housing costs, and population before deciding if Springfield is the right place for you.