Springfield Bashing (Chicago, Rockford, Peoria: insurance, home, school)

[RichardSimmonsIsCreepy]

Hey guys! I know I'm new here, but I've been a "lurker" on this forum for a while now. I've noticed a lot of people here in the Illinois forum seem to have a strong dislike for Springfield, while singing the praises of places like Bloomington-Normal or Champaign. A few common complaints I hear include:

-Poor job opportunities unless you work for the government or a hospital. I can agree with that to an extent, but what job opportunities does Bloomington have outside of insurance and ISU? What does Chambana have outside of the university?

-Little to no culture. Folks, This is central Illinois. If you want real culture, we live right in the middle of two major cities that have plenty of it.

-It's boring. Yeah, compared to a Chicago or a St. Louis. But for a 200,000 pop. metro, there's plenty do do here. Museums, water park, state fair, concerts, drive-in movie, great restaurants, comedy club, ect. You might have to look under some rocks, but there are things to do here. Plus, St. Louis is close enough where you could take an evening trip (which I've done).

Springfield has problems, sure. But IMO the positives far outweigh the negatives. The population is growing, we have a big and beautiful downtown (I think Peoria is the only one that rivals Springfield in that department downstate), just about all of the main "big city" amenities, ect. I question if the majority of the people who gripe about Springfield on this forum have actually been here.

I've even seen people on here go as far as comparing Springfield to Decatur. Are you kidding me?! I grew up in Decatur, but moved to Springfield as an adult. Let me tell you, Springfield beats the hell out of Decatur in terms of amenities, things to do, and just about any other category. Heck, I even saw KISS here in Springfield months back. Say what you want about KISS, but you'll NEVER see them perform in Decatur.

[Maintainschaos]

I do agree with your sentiments, by and large. I think most people that complain that Springfield is a boring place just haven't looked very hard. In fact, compared to the other metro of its size (Champaign), there are at least things to do in Springfield that aren't centered around the university. Going out to bars and hanging out with sophomores and juniors is fun for a time, but eventually you get old enough that it isn't so interesting anymore...

However, what I think Springfield lacks, compared to Champaign, is the big university. Unfortunately, the University of Illinois--Springfield is so tiny compared to UIUC, and UIS is located in a suburban area, so it feels a bit disconnected from the city. If Springfield had a university of the size and caliber of UIUC, coupled with it being the capital, home to a number of hospitals, some insurance corporations, and the SIU med school, all of the Lincoln historic sites and museums, the Illinois state museum, etc. I think it would be unrivaled as the premier (for whatever it's worth) city in central Illinois. However, it does not...so it's basically vying for 2nd or 3rd in central IL...

Oh well. My motto is: Springfield--it's not that bad!

[Maintainschaos]

Originally Posted by madpaddy

...but going out to the Springfield bars with a bunch of adults who act like Sophomores and Juniors is somehow more fulfilling?

If those are the types of people that you go out with, then no matter where you go out you will not find yourself pleased. And no, I am not trying to sound like Linicx; however, pretending as if C/U doesn't cater to the university and the majority of the students that attend it is ridiculous. Yes, there are things to do in C/U that don't revolve around the university and the students, but the majority of the things there do.

[linicx]

Say what you will about Urbana-Champaign - which is OFF TOPIC - the fact remains the University campus is the size is of a medium-size town. Champaign is a college town and Springfield is a politiical town. You cannot rewrite history.

[madpaddy]

Originally Posted by Maintainschaos

If those are the types of people that you go out with, then no matter where you go out you will not find yourself pleased. And no, I am not trying to sound like Linicx; however, pretending as if C/U doesn't cater to the university and the majority of the students that attend it is ridiculous. Yes, there are things to do in C/U that don't revolve around the university and the students, but the majority of the things there do.

Within walking distance of campus, businesses certainly cater to the student crowd. As you get farther away from campus, not so much. Campustown and Downtown Champaign have two very different looking crowds on a Saturday night.

[-Focused-]

I've been to Springfield a couple times. I always liked it. I have nothing bad to say about it.

[Fish Taco64]

I've only been there once, last summer for a concert but I really enjoyed the trip. The one complaint I had was that almost everything was closed(it was a Sunday). But a very nice downtown area with lots of things within walking distance. I live in Rockford and it blows our downtown away.

Btw, did eventually find Bennegans was open, and had a great lunch