What does Duluth, MN offer that Iowa doesn't? (Two Harbors, Glenwood: for sale, house)

[natedogg202]

Originally Posted by Duluth07

Well, I haven't spent much time in Iowa other than the trips back and forth to Kansas City to see my cousins...as far as the climate (social, political, physical) here, it's a mixed bag. I know everyone says this about their city, but Duluth is a city like none other. I've never been to a place with nearly 90,000 people (that is 165 miles away from the closest metro area) where you see a little of everything. You see gays and lesbians, you see blacks, you see Native Americans; with four colleges and universities here we see a lot of other international students who bring that flavor with them. In that respect, it's nice. Growing up here I felt very lonely and bored but after moving back I found a new respect for Duluth...you have a city with a downtown, an urban feel, and within 20 minutes you are in the woods or along the lakeshore. One big difference with Duluth and other parts of the upper midwest is the lake. Driving up Highway 61 and looking at the lake, the landscape, the quaint shops and homes, you feel more like you're along the east coast than Minnesota.

There are two main highways leaving Duluth going north to Canada; Highway 61 (along Lake Superior towards Thunder Bay, Ontario) and Highway 53 (through the Iron Range to Fort Frances, Ontario). I have found that the further inland you are the more of a redneck feel you will find. Basically because the communities along Lake Superior attract so many tourists and artists, which rubs off on the locals a little. Going north on Highway 53 (especially that last stretch towards International Falls) it's not uncommon to see no other cars for almost an hour. People aren't exposed to much other than what they see every day in their town.

Getting back to Duluth, it's hard to describe the people. I find most to be very nice and trusting; some do come off as very homophobic (the longer I'm here I think it's more naievity than anything). People do not move here to get rich. You don't see the social snobbery you would see in Uptown Minneapolis. People here often have more kids than usual, meaning that if you are a single, childless adult you will stick out like a sore thumb (I know). The stigma of being single here sucks because everyone at work either has a spouse, fiance, or is a single parent with kids (which doesn't really count as 'single' because they do have a life, lol!). In that regard it's hard to connect with other single adults who are open minded and just plain fun to hang out with. But give it time, and you will find what you are looking for here.

What I like the most is - while there are certainly these types of people in Minneapolis, the pace of everything is much faster and the metro area goes on for almost 90 miles - chances are you will never see some people again. Here, often times you run into people when you least expect it (that can be good or bad). Most people here are well-educated, again not rich or looking to get rich, but they are passionate about their communiy (just do a google search on the Duluth School District 'Red Plan'). The downtown doesn't look too hot right now but that's changing with the restoration and new buildings going up. We have a lot of potential here if more people would stick around for a while. Right now my concern is that...if you have a really good job here, and lose it, it's really hard to find another one here. A lot of people I know, if they get promoted, want a transfer to another metro area where there are more opportunities. We need people to hang in there and help out so we can get more businesses or at least get them to notice us. The school thing is going to be a nightmare but that's been going on for almost 40 years...

Thanks so much for your input! How hard or easy will it be to find good teaching and nursing jobs? How do they pay?

[big daryle]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

Well, my friend, my girlfriend and I have dated for 4 years this summer. I don't think I need to play the field any longer. I am serious about this girl, and I love her.

Well, young man, as long as you have thought it over carefully, I wish nothing but the best for you and your girlfriend.

[newcastle]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

Thanks so much for your input! How hard or easy will it be to find good teaching and nursing jobs? How do they pay?

Teaching jobs are very hard to find, and the Duluth Schools have a long standing reputation of not giving credit for past teaching years and laying teachers off in order to avoid tenure. That being said, the Hermantown, Cloquet, and Proctor Schools have a reputation for treating their teachers better. Duluth has an 11 step salary chart based off experience and education (more for masters less for bachelors) The starting salray is about $35,000 and ends at about $60,000.

Nursing jobs are available here. SMDC Health Systems and St. Lukes are the big employers. Smaller hospitals in Two Harbors and CLoquet also have openings. There are nursing schools at Lake Superior College and The College of St. Scholastica. You can check out nursing salaries at SMDC jobs.

[natedogg202]

Originally Posted by newcastle

Teaching jobs are very hard to find, and the Duluth Schools have a long standing reputation of not giving credit for past teaching years and laying teachers off in order to avoid tenure. That being said, the Hermantown, Cloquet, and Proctor Schools have a reputation for treating their teachers better. Duluth has an 11 step salary chart based off experience and education (more for masters less for bachelors) The starting salray is about $35,000 and ends at about $60,000.

Nursing jobs are available here. SMDC Health Systems and St. Lukes are the big employers. Smaller hospitals in Two Harbors and CLoquet also have openings. There are nursing schools at Lake Superior College and The College of St. Scholastica. You can check out nursing salaries at SMDC jobs.

Alright, thanks very much!

[natedogg202]

Originally Posted by big daryle

Well, young man, as long as you have thought it over carefully, I wish nothing but the best for you and your girlfriend.

Yes, I have thought about it very carefully, and Thank you!

[natedogg202]

Does anyone know if Visa debit/credit cards are accepted thoughout most of Duluth?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

Does anyone know if Visa debit/credit cards are accepted thoughout most of Duluth?

Why wouldn't they be? I've even used mine in rural Alabama.

(Sorry, Alabama readers... An attempted joke...)

[aluminumpork]

Yes, I can't remember the last time I've used cash here.

[hoohoohaa13]

Originally Posted by kuan

Instead of taking her to Duluth, take her Ely for a few days, rent a tandem canoe, go boundary waters camping. If you still get along after the trip ask her to marry you.

Good advice on 2 levels - 1. The Boundary Waters is a gorgeous area, and if you go far enough in, chances are good you will be the only people in the area. The northern lights are beautiful, if they are shining while you are there. There is no light pollution, so the colors are vibrant.
2. If you get along after paddling and portaging and setting up camp and not having showers, and having to portage, and digging a latrine, and portaging some more, then ask her.

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

Does anyone know if Visa debit/credit cards are accepted thoughout most of Duluth?

Are you serious? You want to get married and start a life, but you don't know of debit cards or credit cards are accepted?

Its 2009, man. I havent used cash for purchases in over 3 years. Of course they accept the cards. Why wouldnt they?