Chicago to Springfield? (lawyers, schools, colleges)

[jman07]

I've lived in Chicago for 7 years, and Indy for 2, and would never even consider living in a no name city, but there are a few job opportunities in Springfield that I am having trouble finding in Chicago. What can I expect in a city like Springfield for someone who is 32? I feel like it would be hard, especially being single and used to Chicago.

[Maintainschaos]

Here's what I can say as a former resident of Springfield:

The best things about Springfield are the low COL and the fact that schools in the area are generally pretty decent and it's a nice place to raise a family. If you are looking for a lot of nightlife and a lot of singles events for people your age, I think it will be hard to find. That's not to say there aren't things to do there (there are a lot of craft breweries opening, late night bars, some clubs), but I think most things are geared more towards three demographics: the family set, the tourist, and some of the 20-somethings that attend the colleges in the area. The downtown area is nice for a small city, and it seems like it's always getting a little bit better. A lot of things close downtown pretty early, since the area also caters to state workers, politicians, and lawyers.

Springfield and Chicago are completely different worlds, but if you're looking to settle down and have a family, it's a nice enough place. It's location and ease of getting to Chicago and St. Louis (via car or train) when you want big-city amenities is also nice.

[jman07]

Originally Posted by Maintainschaos

Here's what I can say as a former resident of Springfield:

The best things about Springfield are the low COL and the fact that schools in the area are generally pretty decent and it's a nice place to raise a family. If you are looking for a lot of nightlife and a lot of singles events for people your age, I think it will be hard to find. That's not to say there aren't things to do there (there are a lot of craft breweries opening, late night bars, some clubs), but I think most things are geared more towards three demographics: the family set, the tourist, and some of the 20-somethings that attend the colleges in the area. The downtown area is nice for a small city, and it seems like it's always getting a little bit better. A lot of things close downtown pretty early, since the area also caters to state workers, politicians, and lawyers.

Springfield and Chicago are completely different worlds, but if you're looking to settle down and have a family, it's a nice enough place. It's location and ease of getting to Chicago and St. Louis (via car or train) when you want big-city amenities is also nice.

I guess I'm not really looking for a night life anymore, but I do want to be able to meet a single girl to date and not remain single forever in a boring city.