[pgriffin]

Hi,
I've been reading the posts on this board and would like to find out more about Springfield, MI. I am going to be moving to Battle Creek in about a month, and I'm trying to learn more about the Battle Creek area. So far, the crime stats have me concerned, but if I understand correctly, there are good areas and bad areas of BC...which is just like most places. Is Springfield considered a "safe" part of BC? Is it fair to say that the northern part of BC is the part to avoid? I'm definitely looking to live in an area that is considered safe, and I am considering living outside of the city in a more rural setting. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[kazoopilot]

Springfield is not rural. It's mostly an industrial area with several 1950's era suburban subdivions. It's not dangerous, but not totally safe either. If you want rural, look into Climax or Athens. Both are small towns within 15 minutes of Battle Creek.

[deslok]

Battle Creek is a city with a population the size of about 50k, with a land mass that could easily fit about a million more people in it. ( size of manhattan) This makes it a very spread out city, which most locals grow up thinking is the norm. To minimize the drive time in this spread out place, try the Harper Creek or Lakeview areas of town, you won't find much crime. If you would like specific streets of those areas that do have the crime, look no further then capital ave sw, or the post edition of town. Other then that, Battle Creek isn't a very dangerous city.
While the areas of climax and Athens are safter, they also have basically nothing to do other then say you live in those towns. You will be driving to Battle Creek to do all your shopping, and entertainment. Trade off of living in a midwestern small town with nothing to do, or living in a midwestern mid sized town with a few more things to do on the horizon. Check out Marshall if you really want rural but also want something to actually do. Anything more specific you are looking for?

[pgriffin]

Thanks for the information. Both your posts are giving me the information I am looking for...at least to start! I think I would prefer a more rural setting, even if it means nothing to do. Is there really a lot of crime...specifically violent crime...as shown on the city data detailed profile site? It seems to me that for a town of 50,000 people, the number of rapes, robberies, assaults and burglaries is excessively high. I know sometimes statistics aren't interpreted accurately, and I was wondering if that is the case here, or if the stats are accurate, but mainly concentrated in the "bad" areas? Unfortunately, I haven't been to BC yet, so I can only go by what information I can find on the internet, so opinions and information from people who live in the area is very much appreciated.

Another question...how would you rate the area around the VA hospital as far as "safe"? On the map, it appears to be at/past the edge of town and heading towards a more rural area, which would lead me to believe it's a pretty good area.

Thanks again for the continued input!!

[SWV]

Nowhere these days are "safe", Get that notion out of your head. But If you want to feel more comfortable check out Climax or even Galesburg which is about 10 mins away.

[leadsquirter]

Check out the little town of Augusta which is just about 5 miles west of the VA Hospital. Easy access to Kalamazoo from there too.

[pgriffin]

Thanks for the information. Any suggestions on the best way to find a house/duplex to rent in any of the areas suggested (Augusta, Climax, Athens, Galesburg, Harper Creek or Lakeview)? So far, I've been able to locate plenty of apartment complexes in Battle Creek, but no luck with houses/duplexes to rent. The Enquirer only had 3 properties listed, and didn't give any information as to the location. Thanks again.

[kazoopilot]

You won't find many listed online. Picking up a local paper is probably the best way to go, or try craigslist.

[allbusiness]

Springfield, huh? Well, it's nice except for this one family. The daughter is OK. Plays the saxophone, I hear. But the son is a really rotten kid. Of course the old man drinks a lot...and the mother seems to have a hairdo from the 50's. ;-)

ps: Oh yeah, there's a baby girl that I keep forgetting about....

[KMSFLA]

I agree with Deslok - check out Marshall.