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Just a simple question to get some discussion going. What does the midwest have to offer that is wholly unique and special that can't be obtained on the west and east coast metropolitan areas? What do you consider special(terrain,people, dining scene,outdoors ect?)
Middle America is not a monolithic region by any means. That being said there is nothing particularly special about the region as a whole. There is also a misconception about the Midwest being a conservative, wholesome, uber-religious area. That maybe true in some of the smaller towns and rural areas, but definitely not the case in most large metros.
For example, I spent many years of my life growing up in St. Louis City and there was nothing particularly "Middle American", conservative, or wholesome about my upbringing. I grew up in a pretty crowded urban neighborhood, got used to urban blight, knew plenty of "gays" and "illegals", witnessed robberies, been a victim of crime, seen friends start drug dealing, commonly saw friends smoking weed, seen truckers soliciting prostitution off highway exits, seen people fighting in the streets and back alleys, witnessed a man walking down the street with a handgun, etc. etc. etc.
That being said I've also done a lot of positive things in my city like riding the Metrolink subways, attended a symphony orchestra, went to numerous professional sporting events, seen famous people in concert and out around town, regularly went to world class museums and zoos for free (got to live those free St. Louis attractions), rode to the top of the tallest national monument in the country (the Arch), gone to casinos, helped rehab historical homes etc. etc.
The Midwest is not particularly different than most other areas of the country. I think the largest divide in the country is more on rural/urban lines. This question is posed under the assumption that the Midwest is majority rural, conservative, and monolithic. Well that's just no true.
Middle America is not a monolithic region by any means. That being said there is nothing particularly special about the region as a whole. There is also a misconception about the Midwest being a conservative, wholesome, uber-religious area. That maybe true in some of the smaller towns and rural areas, but definitely not the case in most large metros.
For example, I spent many years of my life growing up in St. Louis City and there was nothing particularly "Middle American", conservative, or wholesome about my upbringing. I grew up in a pretty crowded urban neighborhood, got used to urban blight, knew plenty of "gays" and "illegals", witnessed robberies, been a victim of crime, seen friends start drug dealing, commonly saw friends smoking weed, seen truckers soliciting prostitution off highway exits, seen people fighting in the streets and back alleys, witnessed a man walking down the street with a handgun, etc. etc. etc.
That being said I've also done a lot of positive things in my city like riding the Metrolink subways, attended a symphony orchestra, went to numerous professional sporting events, seen famous people in concert and out around town, regularly went to world class museums and zoos for free (got to live those free St. Louis attractions), rode to the top of the tallest national monument in the country (the Arch), gone to casinos, helped rehab historical homes etc. etc.
The Midwest is not particularly different than most other areas of the country. I think the largest divide in the country is more on rural/urban lines. This question is posed under the assumption that the Midwest is majority rural, conservative, and monolithic. Well that's just no true.
Wait a minute.... illegals in St. Louis? There are fewer illegals there than almost any other city so that isn't an issue. (also fewer legal immigrants but I digress) Then again the idea of Middle America is inherently an outer surburban, exurban, and rural view.
The Midwest is not particularly different than most other areas of the country. I think the largest divide in the country is more on rural/urban lines. This question is posed under the assumption that the Midwest is majority rural, conservative, and monolithic. Well that's just no true.
This.
As a dedicated coastal inhabitant, the only thing I consider to significantly distinguish the two regions is water salinity. I love the salt water and larger waves on ocean coasts. Other than that, I'd easily find a city to make me happy within the mid-west. Don't get me wrong, I love Boston, but most of what I love can be found in American cities throughout the country, whether it be history, natural beauty, cultural offerings, sports. Sure, some cities and regions offer more, but that doesn't mean that quality can't be found. Again, it's mostly the salt water and ocean air that makes me only consider living on a coast. The gulf coast would be fine, too, if it weren't so hot.
Probably what MassVt said. I've never been (except Chicago which I don't really count) but I imagine it attracts lots of traditional, conservative-type folks. And again, the low cost of living. Given the choice between living in Omaha without worrying about money or LA/NYC and living paycheck to paycheck, I'd take Omaha.
LOL, why doesn't Chicago count? Because you view it as superior to the rest of "middle America?" People in Chicago are not that much different than in other large cities of the midwest, except for being more urban savvy about a few things (public transit and outlook on city life mostly).
And why compare LA/NYC to Omaha of all places? How about comparing Omaha a similar sized city like Fresno or Allentown?
Given the choice between living in Omaha without worrying about money or LA/NYC and living paycheck to paycheck, I'd take Omaha.
Wha? You very well may live paycheck to paycheck in places like Omaha, KC, etc... People of the midwest region definately worry about money.. because many places lack the diversity of jobs (some exceptions) which makes it a tough to keep up. Even in Chicago where the economy is supposedly most diverse, I find alot of people live paycheck to paycheck due to high costs. Bottom line, there are trade-offs in all places.
Another point...obviously Illinois Michigan and Ohio rank right up there with California in terms of bankruptcies.
As a dedicated coastal inhabitant, the only thing I consider to significantly distinguish the two regions is water salinity. I love the salt water and larger waves on ocean coasts. Other than that, I'd easily find a city to make me happy within the mid-west. Don't get me wrong, I love Boston, but most of what I love can be found in American cities throughout the country, whether it be history, natural beauty, cultural offerings, sports. Sure, some cities and regions offer more, but that doesn't mean that quality can't be found. Again, it's mostly the salt water and ocean air that makes me only consider living on a coast. The gulf coast would be fine, too, if it weren't so hot.
Good post. There's quite a bit to be said about the appeal of an attractive lake; I grew up on one ( Lake Champlain, between NY and VT), and I consider the setting of that lake to be much more attractive than any view of the ocean near Boston. In the Midwest, the views of Lake Michigan from the shores of Chicago and Milwaukee are astounding.
Also, I don't necessarily associate "traditional" with "conservative"; you can be traditionally "liberal" too, and lead a very interesting lifestyle...
IDK if the snow is an advantage, didn't they offer a tax credit this year to people who lived in parts of Nebraska because of insane snowstorms? I mean they must have been some really crazy storms to make the IRS give people tax credits.
Tax credits for snowstorms?? Where'd you read that??? I can't possibly see that happening. This year really wasn't CRAZY or anything. It was just winter.
Here in the SF Bay Area they run the Michigan ads regularly, looks pretty awesome!
Come visit sometime. You guys might be surprised that our coastline is gorgeous too!
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