springfield (crime rate, school, university)

[jd_hassell]

Hi everyone!
I'm new to the site & I wanted to ask a question.
I'm seriously considering attending Missouri State University next fall and I am wondering what people know about the school as well as what there is to do around campus and in Springfield.
Also, I've heard that Missouri is kind of a mix between the north & the south, so I'm wondering if the Springfield area is more like the north or the south?
I'm from Detroit and I've never been to Missouri, so any info about Springfield & Missouri State would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you!

[spfd4um]

I would have to say that Springfield people have a southern way of thinking. In MSU you may find it completely different and I would have to assume that within the students it is not much different then you would see up north.

spfd4um.com

[razzy]

I live in Springfield, and its a decent town. The people are nice, and the surrounding scenery is pretty with a lot of outdoor stuff to do. It is part of the "Bible Belt", so you'll find a lot of churchy people here. People complain about MSU being "too liberal" around here. We just passed a stupid law that will keep people under 21 out of the bars. Before this, you could get in at a few different places and see bands and stuff if you were under 21.

The thinking here is definitely more southern than northern. You'll find a few rednecks around here. The weather here is decent, though. Doesnt snow too much or get extremely cold during the winters. The summers are hot though, and in the spring we get a lot of exciting weather (severe thunderstorms, occasional tornado).

All in all, its a pretty nice city. Crime rate isnt too high, murders are rare, and people in general are nice.

[jd_hassell]

Thanks for your response. You said "too liberal" but is that in comparison to really conservative views or just in general? Because I'm really conservative and I'm hoping the environment there isn't crazy liberal, like a lot of people are up here

[razzy]

I think its in comparison to the overall conservatism of the city, but overall, MSU is not a liberal university, compared to places like Stanford or someplace like that. The faculty runs the gamut from ultra-churchy conservative to moderate to liberal, from what I hear.

If you are "really conservative", you'll fit right in here in Springfield

[Ozarks21]

It's a good town - I've lived here since 1999. The university and the city are two different worlds. Off campus this is a very conservative area (great if you're trying to raise kids like I am). On campus is more liberal academia (though no Berkly).

MSU is large enough that you should have no problem finding a group of friends that you are comfortable with. I didn't go to school here so I can't tell much more about that. I know the fraternities and sororities have a large presence, as you would expect with of school of this size.

I consider Springfield to be Southern in character. To me that is good. People are polite, chicken is fried and gun ownership doesn't get raised eyebrows.

[spfd4um]

The Campus may be liberal, but when you leave you will know you are in the Bible belt and right at the buckle! Which I think is a good thing if you want a good town. Keeps everything in check so to speak! I think Springfield is well rounded and a good place to raise children, with plenty of Cashew Chicken.

spfd4um.com