National Report Ranks Springfield #1 City to Live in Post-Pandemic
A recent Business Insider article, has ranked Springfield, Illinois as the best U.S. city to live in after the pandemic ends. The ranking was published on its website on June 11 and ranks 30 cities across the country as the places that will be most likely to recover from the global pandemic. Four other central Illinois cities also made the list.
Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance CEO, Ryan McCrady, said the findings reinforce his organization’s focus on bolstering confidence in the local business economy.
“Part of what makes Springfield so attractive is our expansive business sector, in addition to great educational opportunities, very engaged nonprofits, world-class healthcare facilities, as well as a diverse and rich history,” said McCrady. “For us, this report felt like validation for what we already know and have been striving to share through SSGA. Springfield really is a very good place to do business and raise a family, and I do believe people and businesses looking to relocate after this pandemic ends, will see that as well.”
Business Insider used nine economic, educational and demographic metrics from government data sources and academic research to compile a list of the top cities people should consider moving to after the pandemic. Springfield’s low unemployment rate and the number of jobs that can be done from home were both cited in the article. It found Springfield’s unemployment rate, prior to the pandemic, was 3.5%. The report also found that 42.9% of those jobs could be done from home, the 16th highest share among metro areas.
Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said one of the key reasons Springfield ranked #1 is the combination of private and public sector job opportunities locally in addition to the city’s infrastructure.
“A key element they looked at in this article was the ability to work remotely,” said Mayor Langfelder. “The City of Springfield operates its own utility which includes our own fiber network. For individuals and companies looking for the flexibility of working from home, Springfield has the infrastructure ready and available for businesses.”
The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA) is committed to pursuing the economic prosperity and growth for Sangamon County and the City of Springfield, Illinois. Founded in 2018, the public-private sector partnership is dedicated to advancing economic development efforts in Springfield and Sangamon County. Led by a volunteered, diverse, industry-driven board of directors, SSGA is helping create and market a financially sound community; able to attract new businesses and skilled talent, while retaining the innovative companies and local workforce who already make Sangamon County their home. For more information about SSGA, visit www.thriveinspi.org.
