Welcoming Newcomers (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor: homes, rent, vacation)

[detshen]

I grew up in Michigan, but I moved away for many years. I have recently moved back to Detroit to be closer to my family. I'm happy to be back, I like it here, I enjoy Detroit and am very active in cultural activities. I am not in the least bit depressed. Why does everyone feel the need to question my decision to move here as though I am a complete moron? Every time people find out I moved here by choice I hear "why?" "are you crazy" "your going to be miserable!"

Stop! A simple "welcome to Michigan" "welcome to Detroit" would be so much nicer. The only big complaint I have about being here is that people act like they live in the worst place in the country. Why is the culture so negative? I have never experienced a place that has so much to offer feel the need to badmouth at every turn. I'm getting tired of being the newcomer who has to defend Michigan so I don't feel like an idiot for coming.

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

i totally agree with you!!
I encourage people to try michigan! I for one moved only because I am an elementary teacher and did not want to start my career subbing for years! But the classrooms i have taught in heard me read "M is for Michigan" and learned to say pop (all fifth graders) and i have michigan maps up in my room! I am proud of michigan-yes i know the economy sucks-it sucks everywhere! (yes michigan is one of the worst) but it will get better!!!
Welcome back to michigan-was just in the detroit/ann arbor area this past weekend-i miss michigan!!!
we need better attitudes to help turn michigan around!

[khfar]

You know, I totally get what you are saying. I've been here almost a year, and when I meet people and they find out I'm from Texas, they ALWAYS say something like, "WHY did you move HERE?" It gets really old.

On the other hand, I don't hear a lot of negativity where I live. People are employed and happy, which is nice. The only time I really hear negativity is on this board, when some people get on their "Michigan sucks" soapbox! Go figure!

[MIcouple]

I'm moving to a new state this month and would be very frustrated if everyone there greeted me in such a negative way - I'm sorry you've had such an averse experience! Although I'm leaving MI (for my fiancee's job) I'll be sad to go. I can't say I know that much about the Detroit area (although my fiancee went to UofM so I spent a lot of time in Ann Arbor) because I'm from the other side of the state (Grand Rapids) but I've enjoyed spending various days there for Tigers or Red Wings games, or spending the night out before a concert etc.

If you're happy with where you're at - don't let others bother you too much.

[detshen]

Mostly I just find it sad that people don't have pride in their home. I know Michigan is having troubles, but there are far worse place to be in the world. I'm in Detroit so everything I like to do is here, concerts come to town, the symphony is very good, music clubs, restaurants and sporting events are here. I enjoy the seasons. Half the country has winter, it's not unique to Michigan. There is plenty to rave about if people just look around and actually see it.

I have some great friends who like it here and are always finding new and interesting things to do and I seek out positive people so I'm enjoying it here. I just wish the culture in general promoted pride in Michigan.

[Sparrow_temp]

I think people here are just being realistic. We've been in the 1-state recession thing for a long time and have long periods of cold weather with the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. More people are moving out of MI than coming in so when somebody comes from a warm sunny state that is doing better economically than MI -- it's just natural to wonder WHY?

If the economy here ever begins to boom again, I think you'll see plenty of people here with pride in their state.

[detshen]

Originally Posted by Sparrow_temp

I think people here are just being realistic. We've been in the 1-state recession thing for a long time and have long periods of cold weather with the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. More people are moving out of MI than coming in so when somebody comes from a warm sunny state that is doing better economically than MI -- it's just natural to wonder WHY?

If the economy here ever begins to boom again, I think you'll see plenty of people here with pride in their state.

People are not being realistic, the negativity goes way beyond realistic assessments of the problems Michigan has.

People will not want to come and start businesses here because when they hear the residents bash their own state people assume it must be INCREDIBLY horrible since most people speak well of their home states. So what if MI has some cold weather? So does Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Philly. etc. Not everyone wants to live in a warmer climate with hot humid summers. Half the country and much of Europe manage to thrive despite a seasonal climate without constant sunshine.

I lived in San Diego, many people wanted to go back to their northern homes and have seasons again. Have you been to Seattle in the winter? The temps are a bit warmer but it drizzles constantly, that isn't pleasant, but people feel pride in how they live well and enjoy life despite the "bad" weather. In MI its just an endless WHINE and this is far more damaging to the states reputation than winter.

People have to take pride before the economy will boom. I do wish the people who whine and complain would leave, then they will actually learn to appreciate what they left or be happy somewhere else, either way MI is better off.

[dutchinnd]

Okay, I grew up in GR, but have lived in Fargo, ND for over 15 years. Excuse me, but folks are complaining about Michigan weather???!! Last Friday (the 25th) we had 9.1" of snow--the third major snowfall in April. Yes, Michigan may be cloudy during the winter, but at least on the west side of the state, due to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan, it doesn't have the temps we do. And yeah, I've come to expect -20+ in January (it did hit -31 though this year), but -18 in March was pretty hard to take.
I realize that the economy there isn't good, and there aren't that many bright spots on the horizon. And I know that probably some of my high school classmates are struggling.

But what you do have is some of the loveliest landscapes anywhere. The fabulous beaches, the sand dunes that have to be experienced to be believed, the rolling glacial hills, the acres of orchards, the waterfalls, color tours, spring tulips (because there is spring happening there)--I miss it all.
I soak all of that up when I visit family, then head back to the frozen, flatl (but economically prosperous) Northern Plains.
Yes, indeed, Michiganians are on a very pleasant peninsula.

[nycjefftrain]

From my experience, the minority(or haters) are always the VERY vocal ones. The people who love it just aren't as vocal. The Free Press and Channel 4 did a poll about 6 months ago on "Do you love Michigan" and about 90 percent of people said "yes" and they wouldn't live anywhere else, regardless of the current economic issues. It's the 10 percent that is very vocal. Also, people are conditioned by bad news so when somebody does move to Michigan and has a good job people are confused because it is the complete opposite of what they've been hearing..not SEEING...big difference!! I've noticed those who leave and comeback are quite enlightened and see Michigan for what it really is....a great place to live!!

I'd like to add, while Philadelphia moved to the top of the list for "best cities for grads" this year beating out NYC, Chicago, SF, and LA...this little ol' city made the top ten list at #9...which city is that you ask?? Detroit, of course!! How could Detroit be ranked in the top ten of best cities for grads if there is no jobs?? Well...maybe because the jobs available in the Detroit area are seeking recent college graduates and not factory workers with 10th grade educations.

Read the article here:

Philadelphia named best city for new grads - U.S. business - MSNBC.com

[detshen]

Originally Posted by nycjefftrain

From my experience, the minority(or haters) are always the VERY vocal ones. The people who love it just aren't as vocal. The Free Press and Channel 4 did a poll about 6 months ago on "Do you love Michigan" and about 90 percent of people said "yes" and they wouldn't live anywhere else, regardless of the current economic issues. It's the 10 percent that is very vocal. Also, people are conditioned by bad news so when somebody does move to Michigan and has a good job people are confused because it is the complete opposite of what they've been hearing..not SEEING...big difference!! I've noticed thoe who leave and comeback are quite enlightened and see Michigan for what it really is....a great place to live!!

Maybe it's just a weird affectation that nearly everyone asks why I came here. Maybe people are just trying to make conversation, and don't realize it's so negative.

I agree the news is ridiculous and adds to the problem. In mine and my BFs family and all our old friends there is only one person out of work and he's in construction so that's a nationwide problem.




I'd like to add, while Philadelphia moved to the top of the list for "best cities for grads" this year beating out NYC, Chicago, SF, and LA...this lttle ol' city made the top ten list at #9...which city is that you ask?? Detroit, of course!! How could Detroit be ranked in the top ten of best cities for grads if there is no jobs?? Well...maybe because the jobs available in the Detroit area are seeking recent college graduates and not factory workers with 10th grade educations.

I have met a lot of people who moved here for jobs, educated people with skills are working. My BF had 3 offers in six weeks, and he's getting ready to leave his current job for one that pays more and he is already paid as much as in CA, which is a lot more when you factor in COL.

Michigan needs to get educated. People don't even necessarily need to go and spend years and a lot of money on a BA or BS, there are 2 year skilled trade programs that will lead to a good salary, even some 6 month programs. Everyone is competing for the jobs that anyone can do so people think there are no jobs.

Read the article here:

Philadelphia named best city for new grads - U.S. business - MSNBC.com

I wish I could shake people out of their negativity, people tend to get what they give. Keep expecting the worst and you are likely to get it, and the weather complaints are just silly. Americans seem to think warm weather will make life feel like a vacation all the time, it doesn't! I'll take winter over a miserable sweaty southern summer any day