Sketchy People Taking Over Columbia, Missouri? (Joplin, California: violent crime, Home Depot, college)

[jeffconsiglio]

After 4 years of living in the dystopian hellhole of California (long story), and being in the process of getting a divorce, I've decided to move back to my home-state of Missouri for a much more reasonable cost of living. I'm currently leaning towards the Southwest Missouri area, but Columbia Missouri is also on my radar since I have a brother who lives there.

But my brother, who would love for me to move to Columbia, did admit that the town is starting to get run over with druggie homeless people. As in the kind who seem to LIKE that lifestyle, rather than just normal people who are down on their luck through no fault of their own.

He says homeless junkies are at just about every highway exit, Home Depot, Target, grocery store, and gas station. He said he'd like to be able to get gas just once without some sketchy druggie looking dude walking up to him and asking for money.

So, I'm curious if any other Columbia residents agree with this assessment? Is Columbia really getting that overrun with homeless junkies? Or is my brother's take on this issue perhaps somewhat skewed, due to the fact that he lives in the downtown area?

I appreciate any objective input from people who actually live in Columbia.

[ShowMeBryan]

I left the area in 2018 but have been back for visits a few times. Your brother is highly exaggerating. If I had to move back to Missouri it would be Columbia. It is a good college town. Crime and traffic have gone up over the last 20 years but not so much it would discourage me. I lived there or the area for 23 years. My other Missouri choice would be Joplin but only while my dad is there. Joplin has improved but Columbia has much more to offer.

[locotony]

It's not that bad, just like anyplace else it depends on the part of town you are in as to the issues generally the southern part from stadium heading towards Ashland is good and where a lot of the newer developments and growth is. Downtown and around campus are still pretty safe although over the last 2 years there has been a rise in violent crimes but nothing on par of what you would get in say STL or KC. Biggest issue really is housing costs but coming from California they probably would seem cheap in comparison. Granted I don't live there but drove in every day from Jeff City for work until the pandemic hit and spent a lot of days and nights there and never felt unsafe