Turns out it was Springfield, Oregon, all along

Matt Groening finally "solves" one of the great pop culture mysteries of our time in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Matt-Groening-Reveals-the-Location-of-the-Real-Springfield.html#ixzz1rfunTxhD

 

Great. Now that the mystery is solved, Matt, can you take the show off the air? Its been at least 10 years since it was relevant.

 

This isn't the first time Matt indicated which Springfield was the real one, FWIW. I believe he indicated as such either at the end or shortly after the contest was done in conjunction with "The Simpsons" movie in 2007.

 

In fairness, I'm not sure how much control Groening has over whether or not Fox chooses to keep airing The Simpsons. He hasn't been the show-runner since Season 2 or so.

 

The show isn't anywhere near it's peak, but it's still better than much of what's on TV. Plus it still makes a fortune for Fox.

And in the "Behind the Laughter" episode, the Simpsons are described as a "northern Kentucky family."

 

Springfield (or Springtucky, as it's sometimes called) is adjacent to Eugene. It's about 130 miles from PDX.

 

Spent many nights at their Super 8 during state tournament/meet time.

 

Unless there's also a Shelbyville nearby in Oregon, and a nuclear power plant, I'm going to still argue it's set in Illinois.