what i hear is that the place is run by the republicans the way sicily is run by the mafia.
but, there is a lot of wide oped spaces around there, and if that is your thing it might not be so bad.

Springfield was my home town. The Republican mafia, the "good ol' boy" style of business and labor relations and the unthinking, John Birch right-wing conservatism drove me out in 1979. The two newspapers are published by the same company..a right-wing propaganda organization that seems to be mentally stuck in the McCarthy era. Tucson has been my home ever since. I've only been back to the Midwest for the occasional visit to family.
Might I suggest Bloomington-Normal. I went to college at Illinois Wesleyan there, visit often, and love the two cities. Two world-class universities, diverse populous, several industries, and an appreciation of art and culture that is totally lacking in Springfield. Best of all, the state legislature is seventy miles away, so you'll never run into any of those corrupt louts.

I agree that Bloomington-Normal is a great town.

Unfortunately, I've only been to Springfield a few times so I don't feel qualified to comment on it.

It may be a very pleasant place to live but don't expect a lot of big city activities.

then I recommend Champaign-Urbana.

I got to go with him, and I visited a few Lincoln sites and looked at a few homes with a realtor. I liked the looks of the place, but will keep an open mind. My husband was offered the job - formal offer letter to come in a week. He is interviewing in Hershey, PA tomorrow and Chicago next week. We shall see what happens.