Question about Springfield area

[mrsgenealogy]

Originally Posted by ajcfalcon

I'm coming from Fresno, CA. In Fresno, we have some very big differences in neighborhoods (as with any big city). You have the obvious good neighborhoods (North Fresno, Clovis, Fig Garden) and the obvious bad areas (SW Fresno). Is it the same way in Springfield?

Hi, falcon! Even though we live outside of Springfield and have only been here for a year, my husband is a contractor and does a lot of work in Springfield. It seems that every town has their old neighborhoods and the new ones, as the city grows. Having moved here from CA, I found this to be especially true in MO.

I can't say for certain but it seems that Springfield grew east and south so these areas are newer, including the shopping. I went downtown for the first time last weekend and was amazed at how old it was. To put it lightly, I was not impressed but I understand there is a great move towards renovation so I am grateful for that. I love an old downtown and hope this one retains the charm of its age as it renovates itself.

I haven't been all over Springfield but I will say that I haven't felt unsafe anywhere that I've been. I guess that's a part of what you were asking. Yes, there are plenty of less desirable homes and neighborhoods.

On the other hand, I have seen some beautiful and amazing homes in several areas, both in some of the older homes in the heart of town and east of Hwy. 65 and south of Hwy. 60, in the newer areas. There are obviously people of great wealth in this area so I'd say the answer to your question is "Yes". But I must add that I think that's just how life is and will be true wherever you go.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by ajcfalcon

I'm coming from Fresno, CA. In Fresno, we have some very big differences in neighborhoods (as with any big city). You have the obvious good neighborhoods (North Fresno, Clovis, Fig Garden) and the obvious bad areas (SW Fresno). Is it the same way in Springfield?

Hey Fresno!

Dinuba girl here...welcome to SW MO!

There are obvious differences in neighborhoods in Springfield also.
I lived there off 'n on for 8 years...it's generally that the SouthEast corner is the best, the SouthWest next best, the NorthEast next and the NorthWest has the most challenges.
The lines are generally Chestnut Expressway east & west...and Campbbell (?) north & south. Generally. Generalities...you know.
Within those areas, however, there are pockets that don't fit. Some historic districts that are seeing renewal in the northern sections...that sort of thing. Talk to the police department if you want real stats about the numbers of disturbance calls in any particular neighborhood.
I lived in a marginal neighborhood a couple of years when I first moved to SGF.
None of what you find here, in my opinion, is as bad as SW Fresno.
Hang here on this forum...you might find other opinions.
Moving soon?

[ajcfalcon]

By the way, how much do you know about the Lebanon area? Is it worthwhile, or would I be better off staying in the Springfield area?

[13YRSINTX]

I was reading on this thread and thought I'd add my two cents. I currently live in Grand Prairie, TX (wanting to get OUT). I grew up in Springfield and loved it. Actually, I didn't while I was there but look back and long to go back. Sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until you don't have it anymore! Anyway, I have tons of family there and it is a great place to raise kids. Job market is soso, depending on what you do. Healthcare has plenty of jobs. My husband is an elevator mechanic. He'd have to be in the union to make any kind of $ to survive. My ancestors are some of the founders of Nixa. Nixa has excellent school districts as well as Ozark. I lived on the south side of Spfld. and graduated from Kickapoo H.S. That by far is the best side of town. After living in the Dallas area, Spfld's north side isn't so bad either. Much more prosperous on the south side though.

[Veiled Prophet]

I am pleased to say that we are going to be in town on the 21st of this month and will have a look see around for a few days. I am so looking forward to really getting to know Springfield. Like I said, all we ever did was to pass the city by as we went to Branson or by on 44 going to OK and such. Thank you all for the help.

[mrschilicook]

Some area are better than others. You probably want to stay away from the university. A lot of growth (ie newer buildings, homes, etc). seem to be in the southern area, but there are some beautiful old areas on the east and west sides of Springfield. Nice areas around Nixa and Ozark too.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by ajcfalcon

By the way, how much do you know about the Lebanon area? Is it worthwhile, or would I be better off staying in the Springfield area?

Every town has it's good points and bad points. Small towns differ greatly.

The reason I finally settled in the are south of Springfield is partly because it's a melting pot of people from all over and therefore is very welcoming to newcomers.
Also because of the lakes.