Decatur/Springfield (Chicago, Champaign, Bloomington: find a job, places to live, shop)

[EC1989]

Ok..I know there is a lot of negativity about both of these cities on here.. but I grew up in Decatur and lived in Springfield for quite a while.

Decatur- Bad place to find a job. Many bad areas, many nice areas like any other city its size. Lot's of gangs but if you don't go to the wrong areas they're very easy to avoid. Forsyth and Mt. Zion are very nice though. All of the amenities a town should have.

Springfield- Again many bad areas and gang activities, you just gotta know where to go. Somewhat diverse. Reminds me of a bigger version of Decatur in a way.. only not on a downward spiral(completely).

Well both of these cities are pretty much the same they have their good and bads, but I'm sure there are MUCH worse places to live than either one of these. One factor for all the gang activity is the location between St. Louis and Chicago. It's nothing new for either town it's been going on forever...

[AnimalLover]

I agree! Lived in Decatur area, moved to Springfield area in 1995 when former employer - Federal Kemper - closed. There are good and bad parts/aspects of any city.

[irish setter girl]

The IL's and extended family are in Decatur and surrounding areas. While they live in a nice area I just can't get beyond the smell of Decatur. My FIL always says it is the smell of money but it still makes me gag We visit Springfield to eat and shop but I don't know too much about the area overall. If I had to live in Central IL I'd pick Bloomington/Normal over Decatur.

[breer23]

Originally Posted by irish setter girl

The IL's and extended family are in Decatur and surrounding areas. While they live in a nice area I just can't get beyond the smell of Decatur. My FIL always says it is the smell of money but it still makes me gag We visit Springfield to eat and shop but I don't know too much about the area overall. If I had to live in Central IL I'd pick Bloomington/Normal over Decatur.

Having grown up in Springfield, I can recall certain summer days when the eastern winds would bring the smells from ADM. I would also suggest Springfield over Decatur, as there seems to be more to do, but would suggest B-N or Champaign over either one.

[Maintainschaos]

I would pick Springfield over Decatur any day of the week. I just don't think there's enough to do in Decatur.

Poor Decatur always gets beat up in these sorts of debates, though...

[ILRef]

C'mon...you really can't compare Springfield and Decatur. Springfield is a much better place to work and live.