I’ve visited up where your from and imo it’s night and day different here. I live just West of Springfield and a 30 minute drive north or South and your in a decent sized town. South you have Branson which has all the things you mentioned plus some nice outdoors stuff like the lakes, small amusement park. North you have Springfield and everything it holds.

There is no doubt a homeless population but I’d be very surprised if it’s anywhere near what you see, I have nothing concrete to base just my own experiences from where I typically frequent in town.

The main thing I’ve seen where I live as a concern is porch pirates. But honestly just buy a camera/doorbell. I’ve had neighbors packages disappear but never lost one myself. You can get wireless security cameras for under $50 anymore. No reason really to not have one.

I’ve lived here since 2013 and have really enjoyed it. If you mind your own business people don’t really bother you.

Edited to add…people gripe about driving here. Yes there are some idiots, but they are everywhere, it’s not unique to Springfield Mo at all. And driving in a big city is so much more stressful than it is here. Again just imo. Seems like people always think their city has the worst drivers but I assure you Springfield isn’t that bad.