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I grew up in Minneapolis but moved to St. Louis area (Des Peres) when my dad completed his ridiculous amount of residency for his profession and got a full-time job. He hated his boss and moved back to MN and we then lived in the suburbs (Watzata) in a rental until we determined for sure he'd stay for his job this time. Once he did we stayed in the 'burbs but changed locations and moved into a house (Edina).
When it was time to choose colleges, I knew that for a "true college experience", I ought to separate myself from my network of friends and go off on my own. I landed in Columbus for Ohio State and stayed there for 5 years total, meeting 2 of my best friends and my wife in the process. I spent a few summers in Chicago for internships that I got through a connection from my parents, who lived there when I went to college because my father got a promotional offer there (neither of my parents are super tied down to MN because both are from other states themselves). Because of my wife and the connection to Ohio (even though she's from Wisconsin -- part of how we met), we ended up in the Cleveland area where her parents live so we could get help with our daughter, but only after living back in the Twin Cities for 5 years after college. We didn't choose Chicago because by that time my folks had moved to San Francisco, where my father got yet another promotional offer.
So since I've lived in 5 different metros, and X3 different homes, very little of that has to do with where I dream to be or end up. Most of it had to do with family and jobs/opportunities, and that's how I expect most people to end up where they do.
But I must say, that throughout my life thus far I've had quite a bit of exposure to several great American cities and I've learned a lot more about what I do and do not like about certain places (and no place is 100% perfect, btw).
I'm originally from Kansas City, but spent most of my life in a small town in Kansas. I've have noticed this "I don't want to leave attitude" from some Kansans before, but it seems to pale in comparison to the prideful nature of some people from the more prominent cities like Miami, New York, or LA. It was nice to live in a state that wasn't too hung up on itself, because it encouraged me to leave.
If you want to move away, do it. The world is big. Huge. I moved away because I wanted to get some sense of it before I die and no longer have the opportunity. But I know I can always go home again.
I will never move back to Kansas. I know it is not for me and I like a nice percentage of people that share my common interests and values. Also, the climate in Kansas is horrible with summers that are much too hot.
My hometown is New Orleans. I moved from there when I was a kid, but still have family there, and still visit pretty often. I love it, but I've built my life elsewhere.
Eventually, I found myself in a small town in Texas. Long story - but anyway, here I am! Coming from a life of living in much larger towns and cities, I've noticed something in this small town.
Very few people actually MOVE HERE. Most of the people here went to school here, graduated here, married, whatever, and some have actually moved away and moved back. But the majority are natives.
For the first time in my life, I feel like the odd man out. I mean, people are friendly, but I'm not "from here." They already have their social circles that they've run in for decades. They don't need or necessarily want to include others. Coming from a lifetime of larger cities with a more fluid population, this came as a surprise to me. To be frank, though I love Texas and love many things about small town life, I definitely do NOT like this "quality." We are strongly considering a move to a larger town strictly for this reason alone.
My hometown is New Orleans. I moved from there when I was a kid, but still have family there, and still visit pretty often. I love it, but I've built my life elsewhere.
Eventually, I found myself in a small town in Texas. Long story - but anyway, here I am! Coming from a life of living in much larger towns and cities, I've noticed something in this small town.
Very few people actually MOVE HERE. Most of the people here went to school here, graduated here, married, whatever, and some have actually moved away and moved back. But the majority are natives.
For the first time in my life, I feel like the odd man out. I mean, people are friendly, but I'm not "from here." They already have their social circles that they've run in for decades. They don't need or necessarily want to include others. Coming from a lifetime of larger cities with a more fluid population, this came as a surprise to me. To be frank, though I love Texas and love many things about small town life, I definitely do NOT like this "quality." We are strongly considering a move to a larger town strictly for this reason alone.
Sounds like the town in that movie with Sandra Bullock that plays on TV all the time..."Hope something" (can't quite remember)
I think that's just a common thing everywhere in small towns and even big cities...especially those that have high native populations. People who grow up there feel like they need to get out and experience something new so they either go to college out of state or take their first job (post college or in some cases even high school) out of state, live the young adventurer lifestyle for a while; but then come back home when they want to "settle down". It has almost become part of "the American experience"
I lived in my hometown until I was 36 years old--went to college there, graduate school, worked for the local school system. I loved it. Since leaving, my family and I have lived in NC, CA, and, now VA (we've gotten around in seven years!). The way I put it to my sister was--I wish we'd never left, but, now that we have, I don't want to go back.
There's a bigger, brighter world out there beyond where I grew up--I just wish I didn't know it.
I will never move back to Kansas. I know it is not for me and I like a nice percentage of people that share my common interests and values. Also, the climate in Kansas is horrible with summers that are much too hot.
So I've heard... My point being it's my home, and I still love it, flaws and all.
I remained in my hometown. I love it here and I honestly wouldn't think about moving away. I like the familiarity, being close to family, etc.. Moving to another city would not be in my best interest.
So I've heard... My point being it's my home, and I still love it, flaws and all.
Looks like you left and moved also.
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