What does Duluth, MN offer that Iowa doesn't? (Minneapolis, International Falls: rent, credit)

[Camden Northsider]

There is a hotel close by the main "drag" (forget street name) in Duluth that was pretty affordable (maybe it was the Days Inn? - not sure). Otherwise, if you can't find anything affordable in Duluth, you could stay in Superior, WI a lot cheaper - but Superior's not as nice as Duluth IMO (at least what we saw was seemingly more industrial, not much for water views or attractions around, etc. but it's a pretty short drive into Duluth).

I would guess that there are a lot less rednecks per capita in MN than IA - MNans are generally known to be better educated per capita comparative to many (or most?) states. I've lived in small towns in SD, IA, and MN (as well as the "big cities" in MN and SD), and I've by far encountered way less rednecks in MN than anywhere else (this applies to my time in MI as well). That's not to say that there's not redneck closed-mindeness here, but the "MN Nice" mentality, in general, tends to prevent any direct confrontations (instead we have passive agressiveness here) that might come about as a result of it.

Also, is it fair to ask what one city in MN has in comparison to what all cities collectively have in IA? And Duluth I would think would be a nice place to propose - I would probably wait for it to warm up a little more.

[bbtrips]

I've lived in Duluth my whole life, but spend a lot of time in Ames, Ankeny and Des Moines, Iowa due to family being there. I must say that I see distinct benefits to both. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Duluth truly offers a great deal. Where else can you ski (downhill, cross country) or snowboard for a few hours before or after work? That is a great benefit to me, as I love the outdoors. One of my favorite things to do is to go on hikes, and within a short drive (or even in the city) - I can hike for hours and hours and generally only see a few people. We also have tons of lakes, so you can fish for a few hours after work. SO, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, I believe Duluth will be your bag. If you don't mind the colder winters, and the downright damp/cold spring - you should love it. Because we are on the shore of the world's largest freshwater lake (by surface area), Spring is quite chilly. I am from here, and I still hate that part. When everyone else is warming into the 70s and 80s, it can still be 40 degrees with drizzle/fog closer to Lake Superior. From April into the end of June, the prevailing wind at Duluth is from an easterly direction (i.e. - off the lake!) approximately 80% of the time. Now, with that said - you can ESCAPE this - by driving well inland - but if you live close to the lake - it is with you all Spring and eary Summer. Summer here is phenomenal (once it begins!). Very few times that it hits the 90s and humidity is "generally" not too bad.

It is obviously much warmer in Iowa, and there are outdoor things to do there. Winters are still cold, although you get more frequent breaks, and it is not quite as cold. It does appear to be pretty windy there, though. Summers there are HOT and humid - due to the corn-effect (evapotranspiration from the green corn in the late Spring/Summer).

I fell in love with the city of Ames, so I can only really speak to that, but it is growing very nicely. They have a wonderful downtown that is vibrant. We were just there, and someone had a food cart at 10 at night - serving up gyros and such. It seemed to be a really nice downtown, with lots of college kids due to Iowa State being located there. There are more shopping options as well. Duluth tends to be way behind in this. In Iowa - they often just buy up farms and build, but in Duluth, the terrain, along with the heavily wooded building sites - does complicate things. AND - the nature of the city is to fight new development - rather than embracing smart and appropriate development. SO, you won't see a Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera here yet. But - it does have many local gems - and the locals can help you find themthrough here. We also don't have a Super Target (something we are fighting for!), they are JUST finally building a Super Walmart (although they have one in Superior and another in Cloquet). So, we tend to get things later, if at all. If shopping is your bag, we do have a decent mall (better than Ames - although Ames is expanding theirs - where Simon Malls is not doing that yet in Duluth). Our mall is a bit dated, but there have been some improvements. In Iowa, there are several nice malls, the Jordan Creek Shopping District in Des Moines is PHENOMENAL!

People in Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames tend to be VERY friendly. There are many friendly people in Duluth as well, although some say we are more reserved (probably just partially frozen!). I did talk to one guy who came here from the Coast Guard, and he said he thought it was the friendliest place he had ever been - and would DIE to be able to stay here. He was from the East Coast.

Anyway, that's a rundown. If you have other questions - don't hesitate to post more - we're always glad to help!

[natedogg202]

Originally Posted by bbtrips

I've lived in Duluth my whole life, but spend a lot of time in Ames, Ankeny and Des Moines, Iowa due to family being there. I must say that I see distinct benefits to both. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Duluth truly offers a great deal. Where else can you ski (downhill, cross country) or snowboard for a few hours before or after work? That is a great benefit to me, as I love the outdoors. One of my favorite things to do is to go on hikes, and within a short drive (or even in the city) - I can hike for hours and hours and generally only see a few people. We also have tons of lakes, so you can fish for a few hours after work. SO, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, I believe Duluth will be your bag. If you don't mind the colder winters, and the downright damp/cold spring - you should love it. Because we are on the shore of the world's largest freshwater lake (by surface area), Spring is quite chilly. I am from here, and I still hate that part. When everyone else is warming into the 70s and 80s, it can still be 40 degrees with drizzle/fog closer to Lake Superior. From April into the end of June, the prevailing wind at Duluth is from an easterly direction (i.e. - off the lake!) approximately 80% of the time. Now, with that said - you can ESCAPE this - by driving well inland - but if you live close to the lake - it is with you all Spring and eary Summer. Summer here is phenomenal (once it begins!). Very few times that it hits the 90s and humidity is "generally" not too bad.

It is obviously much warmer in Iowa, and there are outdoor things to do there. Winters are still cold, although you get more frequent breaks, and it is not quite as cold. It does appear to be pretty windy there, though. Summers there are HOT and humid - due to the corn-effect (evapotranspiration from the green corn in the late Spring/Summer).

I fell in love with the city of Ames, so I can only really speak to that, but it is growing very nicely. They have a wonderful downtown that is vibrant. We were just there, and someone had a food cart at 10 at night - serving up gyros and such. It seemed to be a really nice downtown, with lots of college kids due to Iowa State being located there. There are more shopping options as well. Duluth tends to be way behind in this. In Iowa - they often just buy up farms and build, but in Duluth, the terrain, along with the heavily wooded building sites - does complicate things. AND - the nature of the city is to fight new development - rather than embracing smart and appropriate development. SO, you won't see a Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera here yet. But - it does have many local gems - and the locals can help you find themthrough here. We also don't have a Super Target (something we are fighting for!), they are JUST finally building a Super Walmart (although they have one in Superior and another in Cloquet). So, we tend to get things later, if at all. If shopping is your bag, we do have a decent mall (better than Ames - although Ames is expanding theirs - where Simon Malls is not doing that yet in Duluth). Our mall is a bit dated, but there have been some improvements. In Iowa, there are several nice malls, the Jordan Creek Shopping District in Des Moines is PHENOMENAL!

People in Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames tend to be VERY friendly. There are many friendly people in Duluth as well, although some say we are more reserved (probably just partially frozen!). I did talk to one guy who came here from the Coast Guard, and he said he thought it was the friendliest place he had ever been - and would DIE to be able to stay here. He was from the East Coast.

Anyway, that's a rundown. If you have other questions - don't hesitate to post more - we're always glad to help!

Thank you for your very informative post, and to everyone else that has helped. I also am planning on visiting Duluth June 24. Is the weather pretty nice then?

[acrylic]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

Thank you for your very informative post, and to everyone else that has helped. I also am planning on visiting Duluth June 24. Is the weather pretty nice then?

It's generally in the above 65, but usually around 70ish. June is very rainy (at least in my perception, it is). But I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself then. Better than coming in April or May, though.

[newcastle]

You could also consider a B and B rather than a hotel, Duluth has lots of them. Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Duluth MN Lodging Inn Accommodations

Drive up the shore to Gooseberry Falls. for a picnic and a hike. The falls are gorgeous and their is an easy trail leading down to Lake Superior. Fantastic views and a great place to propose.

[Slig]

You don't find places like this in Iowa:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...803425114,,0,5

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

I am very interested in moving to Duluth in the near future. So I guess my question is what does Duluth offer that a city in Iowa doesn't? What is Duluth like? I heard there are a lot of rednecks? Is that true?

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[northbound74]

Originally Posted by bbtrips

There are many friendly people in Duluth as well, although some say we are more reserved (probably just partially frozen!). I did talk to one guy who came here from the Coast Guard, and he said he thought it was the friendliest place he had ever been - and would DIE to be able to stay here. He was from the East Coast.

That was my impression of the place...

[santos]

natedoggie, what is your concern with rednecks? Get engaged it you like, natedoggie, but personally because I have been there, what would be cool is to wait to marry until you are graduated from college and cheap hotels won't be such a big concern. OK, dude? Did you buy a ring? You need a ring.

[tbaarr]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

I am very interested in moving to Duluth in the near future. So I guess my question is what does Duluth offer that a city in Iowa doesn't? What is Duluth like? I heard there are a lot of rednecks? Is that true?

I am a relocated californian that now lives in minn, I am a trucker and have delivered to duluth mn on occasion.

the people there are just like the people in iowa as I have delivered in Iowa also and the so called iowa rednecks and the minn rednecks are about the same.

Trust me ,they can be avoided. Dont base your decision on fear of rednecks. base it on whether you can live and let live.

Rednecks are like rattlesnakes. Give them a little distance and they wont bug you. In fact you may just catch yourself totally ignoring them. LIKE I DO.

Good luck bro. hunting and fishing is great up there.