Springfield, MO Crime Rate (Is it Really That Bad?)

[tseemuth]

Originally Posted by El MO Zweibach

Springfield still offers a lot of bang for the buck in housing. However, because of the unreliability of the Real Estate industry here, it is suggested that you read up on Vol 18 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and then consider buying straight from the owner on a Contract for Deed because Missouri has some protections for the buyer that other states do not. And a Real Estate agent will never tell you this.
The tougher you are, the less you will pay for a house.
If you are not tough at all, consider Rogersville or Bolivar.

Your comments on housing intrigued me as you stated "Springfield still offers a lot of bang for the buck in housing. However, because of the unreliability of the Real Estate industry here, it is suggested that you read up on Vol 18 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and then consider buying straight from the owner on a Contract for Deed because Missouri has some protections for the buyer that other states do not. And a Real Estate agent will never tell you this. The tougher you are, the less you will pay for a house."

I moved down here from Iowa 2 years ago and have been searching for a house. No one could have predicted how the housing market would turn upside down, but I'm still looking for a house after all this time as it's hard to compete with people that will pay $10,000-$20,000 more than the asking price, waive home inspections, compete with investors buying real estate, homes going to pending within a couple of days of being listed and the influx of people from out of state. I'm sure I've missed some of the obstacles (for those of us that aren't rich) but please explain more about what you've stated as maybe it will help me in some way. Oh, yes, the original topic was the high crime rate, and I've tried to stay away from central Springfield, and I'd preferably like to live in one of the surrounding towns. Unfortunately, most of what I'm finding in my price range are all on the north side.

What part of Vol 18 in particular are you speaking of? What are these protections for buyers that other states don't have? Why won't a real estate agent divulge this? And exactly what do you mean by "the tougher you are, the less you will pay for a house".

Any clarification would be appreciated.

[Steveareeno5]

Originally Posted by jeffconsiglio

Anybody else with input on the crime in Springfield? Because on paper it looks VERY bad. Would I and my teenage daughter be safe living on the south side of Springfield? Back when I lived there (in the 80's and 90's), the southside was the safer, nicer side of town. Is that still the case?

I have gotten further information on this topic. But since no one seems to have answered by previous post about it, no one here will get anything from me. good luck.

[jeffconsiglio]

I'm the guy who started this thread about 11 months ago, back when I was still living in California and debating where to move.

Well, I did end up moving here to the Springfield area in early November. Or I could say I moved back here after a long absence from Springfield and Missouri. Spent about 13 years in Shreveport, then 4 years in the Sacramento, CA area before moving back here to MO for a lower cost of living and doing business.

I currently live in Battlefield, but my new business (a personal fitness training studio) is in Springfield's Plaza Towers.

Much has changed around here since I lived here many years ago. A lot of growth. A lot more traffic.

Some of my old stomping grounds, in the central part of town, now seem kinda run down to me, compared to how I remember those areas. But other parts seem new or revitalized. And Ned Reynolds is still on the air around here!

I did take a look at Jefferson City and Columbia upon first arriving back here in MO, but decided against both for various reasons. And since I don't like living in really big cities, like KC or St. Louis, Springfield it is.

I had plenty of friends when I lived here many years ago, but hardly know anyone here anymore. Which perhaps is just as well, as I'm fairly busy with getting my new business off the ground. And friends will come with time.

Not sure if this allowed or not...but if you know anyone looking for a highly experienced personal trainer, who won't get them injured, please keep me in mind.

You can check out my new business website at https://SpringfieldPersonalTrainer.com if you're interested.

I'm also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jeffconsiglio1965

And feel free to ask me any questions you might have about my perspective on Springfield, now that I'm living here again, after over 20 years of living other places.

[TRex2]

Originally Posted by TRex2

I hope you will keep us up to date on how things go, and how you see different parts of the city, once you move back there.

Update from the guy who started this thread:

Originally Posted by jeffconsiglio

I'm the guy who started this thread about 11 months ago, back when I was still living in California and debating where to move.
...
I currently live in Battlefield, but my new business (a personal fitness training studio) is in Springfield's Plaza Towers.

Much has changed around here since I lived here many years ago. A lot of growth. A lot more traffic.

...

And feel free to ask me any questions you might have about my perspective on Springfield, now that I'm living here again, after over 20 years of living other places.

Thank you for actually coming back here to update us.

[jeffconsiglio]

Originally Posted by TRex2

Update from the guy who started this thread:

Thank you for actually coming back here to update us.

You betcha.