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I pick Indiana — Chicago, being a large, world class city would disqualify Illinois. The Midwest is a place of small to medium sized cities and Indianapolis would be a closer fit.
Location: Appalachian New York, Formerly Louisiana
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunGrins
I pick Indiana — Chicago, being a large, world class city would disqualify Illinois. The Midwest is a place of small to medium sized cities and Indianapolis would be a closer fit.
Indianapolis commands a metro of over 2 million people. The city proper is nearing 900K.
I think Indy is a good representation of the midwest. I actually like how this city has expanded out from the center to create a nice metro. But that may be its curse as well. Because it has expanded out in every direction, the core is somewhat lacking. How to increase urban housing downtown is the question. Until they come to this answer, the city will not meet its urban potential. (If that is indeed the goal...not even sure about that)...
There are some positives...the new airport is perfect. Now, they need to become a hub...but airlines today seem content with their present hubs. Additionally, the location of Indy is still spectacular. A hub of highways, no doubt. How can the city take advantage of this? Lots of questions...
I don't support MI as the "most Midwestern". If you've spent any time in the U.P. (which is a significant portion of MI) you'll know it does not feel Midwestern. The "Northwoods" are very different than your typical Midwest. Not to mention MI borders Canada by land for a while in SE MI, is separated by a lock in north central MI, and has water boundaries for the entire northern and eastern sides. MI (like many states) can't be so neatly put in a box.
I voted Iowa, but after reading through the responses for Illinois, I think I might change my opinion.
Iowa is less touched by any influence from other regions than any other Midwestern state (it's the only Midwestern state that doesn't border another country or Census Bureau region), but it's pretty much a Plains state and has few of the characteristics of the eastern Midwest/Rust Belt. Illinois, on the other hand has elements of Plains, Rust Belt/Eastern Midwest, Ohio Valley, and the Midwest's defining metropolis. Any topography, economic activity, or cultural touchstone associated with the Midwest can be found in Illinois. That can't be said for Iowa.
My vote is for Minnesota. It has one big city, and outside of that, it looks like a plains state, not that different than Iowa and parts of Nebraska. The northern part of Minnesota is similar to the northern parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. I think it has a lot of typical Midwest characteristics.
My vote is for Minnesota. It has one big city, and outside of that, it looks like a plains state, not that different than Iowa and parts of Nebraska. The northern part of Minnesota is similar to the northern parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. I think it has a lot of typical Midwest characteristics.
Northern Minnesota is the North Woods. Pretty unique among Midwestern states to parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. No part of any of the other Midwestern states resembles this area.
Southern/western Minnesota is a plains state for sure (with the exception of the Driftless Area). If you look at a map of Minnesota and draw a line along I-94 to the Twin Cities, and then down to Iowa via Highways 52 & 63, you'd basically mark the boundary between plains Minnesota and woods Minnesota.
There are parts of Minnesota that are extremely Midwestern, but given the amount of state that's northern forest, I'd have a hard time calling it "quintessential".
Indianapolis commands a metro of over 2 million people. The city proper is nearing 900K.
That is not a small city.
Did I say it was? It seems to be a midwestern-sized city while Chicago seems a bit large in comparison and is certainly one of our world-class cities. There are a number of cities on par with Indianapolis in the Midwest but Chicago -- not so much.
Northern Minnesota is the North Woods. Pretty unique among Midwestern states to parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. No part of any of the other Midwestern states resembles this area.
Southern/western Minnesota is a plains state for sure (with the exception of the Driftless Area). If you look at a map of Minnesota and draw a line along I-94 to the Twin Cities, and then down to Iowa via Highways 52 & 63, you'd basically mark the boundary between plains Minnesota and woods Minnesota.
There are parts of Minnesota that are extremely Midwestern, but given the amount of state that's northern forest, I'd have a hard time calling it "quintessential".
Well, except Wisconsin and Michigan. SO, it's not unique.
Well, except Wisconsin and Michigan. SO, it's not unique.
3 states out of ~10. I'm not sure you understand what "quintessential" means.
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