[Rapunzll]

I really doubt that. Pretty soon at this rate, we will all be the same, with few cultural traditions to identify us. That's hardly 'diversity'!

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Rapunzll

I really doubt that. Pretty soon at this rate, we will all be the same, with few cultural traditions to identify us. That's hardly 'diversity'!

SW Michigan has a very large Latin population . Mostly due to the fruit and veges. farms and fields. I lived in Van Buren County for 6 years, saw it first hand. It was all about Blueberries ,the need for migrant workers , and the support industries. The problem was , for me , I was not used to so many folks that did not speak English , had no insurance , or drivers license. The illegals were everywhere , it changed the landscape.Law enforcement just gave up trying to enforce the rules. It was overwhelming , with little support from the Feds..... I was glad to be gone from there , for sure....... Holland and Grand Rapids have become extensions of this. Yes , change has come to SW Michigan, it is not the way it used to be , and , that IS sad.

[Rapunzll]

I was actually responding to your remark about it being a postive as far as changing the ways of those with a Dutch background. I totally understand your feelings about areas with a lot of illegals.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Rapunzll

I was actually responding to your remark about it being a postive as far as changing the ways of those with a Dutch background. I totally understand your feelings about areas with a lot of illegals.

The Reform Dutch settled the area long ago , they brought with them their ideals, lifestyles , and religion. That in itself , has been overwhelming over the years , for some outsiders that moved to the area. I understand traditions , I guess that too can be sad , to see ..... I saw the same change when I lived in South Holland , Il. , over the years. The locals tried to fight it , but , the encroachment of Chicago was more than they could handle. Same goes for Lansing , Il. also.

[Rapunzll]

As is the case with many groups, the Dutch in the US are probably more Dutch than those in the Netherlands. Although my daughter was stationed in NL for three years and pretty much everything there was closed on Sundays, at least in the town where they lived. That child has had a connection to Holland since her birth. Born in Nederland TX, lived in Indonesia for two years as a child, went to Grand Valley and then was stationed in NL.

[TootsieWootsie]

All I can comment is that when I was in Holland, the Dutch were really great.

[Coldjensens]

No one will be surprised to see me suggest Grosse Ile. It is a very popular community with retirees. About 30% of the population is retired (my guess).

They like Grosse Ile because:

1. Speed Limit is 25 or 35 on all roads (maybe a few are 30).

2. Everyhting that you really NEED can be found on the island.

3. It is quiet.

4. It is pretty.

5. With so many retirees there are a lot of neat retiree things to do. The community has a strong focus on retirres with community programs.

6. There are several retiree townhome communities and a couple of assisted living places too.

7. 4 country clubs, 3 yacht clubs and a tennis club

8. Crime is almost nil.

9. Four chucrhes work closely together for mutual services events etc.

10. Lots of historical awareness.

11. Half an hour to DTW.

12. Groups of retirees meet at various times of the day at the bakery or Cathy's diner to scoialize and or go places together

13. Active service clubs (Rotary, Kiwaniis etc).

If you are looking for excitement/craziness, then this is not the place for you, go to Ann Arbor. If you want to live quitely in a pretty place and visit Ann Arbor or Detroit for excitment, then this is a good location.

[Rapunzll]

CJ, my ex is from Trenton and to be honest with you, I don't care for the downriver area at all, with the exception of GI, it really is lovely there. It's own little world. We almost bought a little stone house there that was all dilapidated on the west side of the island. It has probably been all restored now!

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

No one will be surprised to see me suggest Grosse Ile. It is a very popular community with retirees. About 30% of the population is retired (my guess).

They like Grosse Ile because:

1. Speed Limit is 25 or 35 on all roads (maybe a few are 30).

2. Everyhting that you really NEED can be found on the island.

3. It is quiet.

4. It is pretty.

5. With so many retirees there are a lot of neat retiree things to do. The community has a strong focus on retirres with community programs.

6. There are several retiree townhome communities and a couple of assisted living places too.

7. 4 country clubs, 3 yacht clubs and a tennis club

8. Crime is almost nil.

9. Four chucrhes work closely together for mutual services events etc.

10. Lots of historical awareness.

11. Half an hour to DTW.

12. Groups of retirees meet at various times of the day at the bakery or Cathy's diner to scoialize and or go places together

13. Active service clubs (Rotary, Kiwaniis etc).

If you are looking for excitement/craziness, then this is not the place for you, go to Ann Arbor. If you want to live quitely in a pretty place and visit Ann Arbor or Detroit for excitment, then this is a good location.

The problem with the island , is the narrow bridge !.... I have friends on the island , and , they love it. The negative is , being on the south side, its a long drive to the north subrs., where most everything is going on. Fighting the traffic to get anywhere off the Island , would be a deal breaker for me.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by TootsieWootsie

All I can comment is that when I was in Holland, the Dutch were really great.

Not the same kinda Dutch..by far. The Reform Dutch , like the Puritan's , came to this Country , and brought their religion with them. The average Dutchman was glad to see them go.....