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Status:
"The great northern Summer has arrived!"
(set 17 days ago)
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
13,611 posts, read 15,475,738 times
Reputation: 6382
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sco
What does that actually mean though? What is the difference in Sunbelt values or culture as compared to Midwestern?
I have seen similar phrases used in the Kansas/Wichita forums before and I have never understood exactly what they are trying to say.
"Sunbelt values" generally lean more heavily toward a consumer-centric focus on flashiness, personal appearance, consumption of goods (shopping), buying the right luxury vehicle, buying a large mcmansion in a new subdivision with an all-controlling HOA, etc. These trends are also true to many corporate subruban counties, but south JOCO fits the bill on all counts and the built environment is just so much different overall compared to the established core inside 435. The area inside 435 is just more Midwestern in values, architecture, built environment, etc. You just know it when you see it and south JOCO might as well be Plano, TX.
"Sunbelt values" generally lean more heavily toward a consumer-centric focus on flashiness, personal appearance, consumption of goods (shopping), buying the right luxury vehicle, buying a large mcmansion in a new subdivision with an all-controlling HOA, etc. These trends are also true to many corporate subruban counties, but south JOCO fits the bill on all counts and the built environment is just so much different overall compared to the established core inside 435. The area inside 435 is just more Midwestern in values, architecture, built environment, etc. You just know it when you see it and south JOCO might as well be Plano, TX.
Are you saying the corporate culture of southern JoCo is essentially the same thing as "sunbelt culture"? If that is the case, are corporate areas not like that in other major cities north and east of Kansas City? Doesn't yuppie/corporate culture/nuevo riche exist everywhere there is a major corporate hub? I know you were including the built environment and I know the architecture and level of urbanity isn't the same everywhere, but isn't everything else? If this culture exists in the sunbelt more than anywhere else, that's obviously because of the economy there.
Status:
"The great northern Summer has arrived!"
(set 17 days ago)
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
13,611 posts, read 15,475,738 times
Reputation: 6382
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOKAN
Are you saying the corporate culture of southern JoCo is essentially the same thing as "sunbelt culture"? If that is the case, are corporate areas not like that in other major cities north and east of Kansas City? Doesn't yuppie/corporate culture/nuevo riche exist everywhere there is a major corporate hub? I know you were including the built environment and I know the architecture and level of urbanity isn't the same everywhere, but isn't everything else? If this culture exists in the sunbelt more than anywhere else, that's obviously because of the economy there.
Yes, the video is similar to what I was referring too. JOCO is sort of trapped in that 1980s yuppie phase still. I wouldn't say that "sunbelt culture" is the same as corporate culture, but the new monied and newly developed areas often end up behaving in similar ways. The built environment, architecture, and overall culture of south JOCO definitely leans much more Sunbelt and might as well be a clone of the new money corporate suburban areas of Texas, though.
Yes, the video is similar to what I was referring too. JOCO is sort of trapped in that 1980s yuppie phase still. I wouldn't say that "sunbelt culture" is the same as corporate culture, but the new monied and newly developed areas often end up behaving in similar ways. The built environment, architecture, and overall culture of south JOCO definitely leans much more Sunbelt and might as well be a clone of the new money corporate suburban areas of Texas, though.
It seems that being successful and rising in the ranks and coming into a lot of money brings out a certain way of being in people. I really think it just boils down to human nature. I also think the distaste and dislike of the type of people being discussed is at least partly rooted in envy and jealousy. The same reason on a college campus the masses of students poke and prod at fraternity/sorority types in a negative fashion.
It's interesting you're more focused on the built environment when the poster (qhrmom) who bumped this thread and brought on this subject was talking more about the culture and behavior of people.
JoCo being a successful economic engine drawing successful people from all over the country is going to promote a competitive, busy, and more anonymous (which can = rude, indifference) environment. That's what urbanization is, despite some of us wanting to reserve the word for a more specific meaning. If by stuck in the 1980's yuppie phase you mean thriving economy - would you rather not have that be part of the KC area? If all those activity in southern JoCo were in the urban core and surrounding areas, or elsewhere, I don't think the people would be any different.
Status:
"The great northern Summer has arrived!"
(set 17 days ago)
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
13,611 posts, read 15,475,738 times
Reputation: 6382
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOKAN
It seems that being successful and rising in the ranks and coming into a lot of money brings out a certain way of being in people. I really think it just boils down to human nature. I also think the distaste and dislike of the type of people being discussed is at least partly rooted in envy and jealousy. The same reason on a college campus the masses of students poke and prod at fraternity/sorority types in a negative fashion.
It's interesting you're more focused on the built environment when the poster (qhrmom) who bumped this thread and brought on this subject was talking more about the culture and behavior of people.
JoCo being a successful economic engine drawing successful people from all over the country is going to promote a competitive, busy, and more anonymous (which can = rude, indifference) environment. That's what urbanization is, despite some of us wanting to reserve the word for a more specific meaning. If by stuck in the 1980's yuppie phase you mean thriving economy - would you rather not have that be part of the KC area? If all those activity in southern JoCo were in the urban core and surrounding areas, or elsewhere, I don't think the people would be any different.
Obviously culture and behavior of certain areas can collectively change and I wouldn't disagree at all with qhrmom regarding that. JOCO is the primary economic driver for the entire state of Kansas and a good chunk of the KC metro area so it definitely has a big pull factor through in-migration from a mostly regional area, but also some coastal areas. I would agree that the culture of JOCO is faster paced with more rudness than several decades ago. That goes right along with a much faster rate of population growth, development, and population density.
"If by stuck in the 1980's yuppie phase you mean thriving economy - would you rather not have that be part of the KC area?"
No, I didn't imply that. Of course we all want a thriving economy, regardless of location. JOCO just has a greater rate of conspicuous consumption compared to other places I have lived. I am much more fiscally conservative and don't understand the need to go out and buy things just to say I've bought them or to impress anyone. This seems to be more common in new money corporate suburban locales. Those that have that "new success" often feel the need to show off or splurge on buying various things.
Obviously culture and behavior of certain areas can collectively change and I wouldn't disagree at all with qhrmom regarding that. JOCO is the primary economic driver for the entire state of Kansas and a good chunk of the KC metro area so it definitely has a big pull factor through in-migration from a mostly regional area, but also some coastal areas. I would agree that the culture of JOCO is faster paced with more rudness than several decades ago. That goes right along with a much faster rate of population growth, development, and population density.
"If by stuck in the 1980's yuppie phase you mean thriving economy - would you rather not have that be part of the KC area?"
No, I didn't imply that. Of course we all want a thriving economy, regardless of location. JOCO just has a greater rate of conspicuous consumption compared to other places I have lived. I am much more fiscally conservative and don't understand the need to go out and buy things just to say I've bought them or to impress anyone. This seems to be more common in new money corporate suburban locales. Those that have that "new success" often feel the need to show off or splurge on buying various things.
I don't disagree with you about needlessly wasted money or the ways of the nuevo riche. I am definitely much like yourself. I'm not sure what my point actually is, but I think it's maybe that the newly monied regardless of where they are often are ostentatious and showy, even if in urban areas, and that that behavior goes along with any area where people are becoming newly wealthy, which is ultimately a good thing. Areas that exhibit this phenom are obviously creating new wealth and success, which is a good thing. So it happens to be concentrated in the south or sunbelt and thus is associated. I'm glad KC has a part of the action. Ultimately I think it's a good thing and nothing to deride, but rather to stay away from if you don't like it. Maybe what I'm missing here is your underlying vehement dislike of Kansas. Or maybe more accurately your love/hate relationship with Kansas.
If you have no problem with more snow and colder weather, I would think Minneapolis, MN or Madison, WI would be a far better fit. Both cities are more liberal (yes, even compared to inner KC) with a comparative cost of living. They both are much more dense too which makes for a more urban vibe. There is no way I would live in Overland Park if I was single without children if I had other options. And personally, compared to most cities of a similar size, I feel that KCMO is a little blah.
I personally would choose Madison. It has a low crime rate for a city of it's size, walkable, very liberal, and pretty affordable. It's probably not nearly as religious either. The dominant religious groups there are liberal Catholics and Unitarians. Compare that to the more conservative religions that are dominant in the KC area. I guess the job situation may be a deal breaker though.
DISCLAIMER: I just jumped to the end of this thread without reading the other posts, so please forgive me if I'm addressing something that needn't be addressed.
Here is how you've described yourself---"liberal-leaning non-religious"
My answer to your question of whether or not Kansas is right for you---NO.
Do yourself a favor and head to one of the other cities/states you've listed as possibilities. I would also describe myself as a liberal-leaning, non-religious young professional, and have spent the bulk of my years living in Kansas. I grew up in Lawrence, which (in case you weren't aware) is widely considered the liberal hot-bed of the state. Still, I am excited to be leaving the state.
To be fair, the state does have a bit to offer. I am afraid that you will be disappointed, however, especially given a few of your possible alternatives. Also--I saw at the start of the thread that you may be interested in Overland Park...? Though I know I'm biased when it comes to saying this, I can't let you do this to yourself. If you must live in Kansas, live in Lawrence.
Here's the thing---being a liberal-leaning individual in Kansas, you will constantly be frustrated by the goings-on in the state's politics. Especially with the current occupant of the governor's mansion, you will find yourself scratching your head so often that you will soon be bald.
Just a thought.
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