[Peter B]

Very liberal here in TVC. Medicinal pot initiative passed 2 to 1 last year.

[btroop]

I am a follower of Christ and live in the Port Huron area. I love it. Plenty of believers here and PH is big enough to supply most of what you need.

[deslok]

I would say that not all dutch people are intollerant. I know a bunch in Saint Louis missouri that are just regular people socializing with whomever. The one's I have met in Grand Rapids though are the dutch people I know of that are intolerant, judgemental, and have an elitist mentality about them. You know, you get the dutch "stare". The type of look that basically says, " I am talking to you right now, but it is only out of curiosity for how other people of your kind think." Or if your in sales, services of any kind you might get this.... "Thanks for spending a few weeks drawing up this proposal for me. I really appreciate it. I just remembered, my good friend does this though and I am going through them. Thanks for buying through me though to begin with."

[magellan]

Originally Posted by deslok

I would say that not all dutch people are intollerant. I know a bunch in Saint Louis missouri that are just regular people socializing with whomever. The one's I have met in Grand Rapids though are the dutch people I know of that are intolerant, judgemental, and have an elitist mentality about them. You know, you get the dutch "stare". The type of look that basically says, " I am talking to you right now, but it is only out of curiosity for how other people of your kind think." Or if your in sales, services of any kind you might get this.... "Thanks for spending a few weeks drawing up this proposal for me. I really appreciate it. I just remembered, my good friend does this though and I am going through them. Thanks for buying through me though to begin with."

Next time you're in GR, look me up. I'll take you through some neighborhoods that aren't so scary.

[Blue Grass Fever]

I'd have to say the thumb area of Michigan, which tends to be overlooked in many subjects, is very conservative. This, to me, is the "holy roller" land of Michigan.

If you want 'big amenities', there are many conservative suburbs of Flint, Saginaw and Port Huron. I'd even check into Lapeer and Bad Axe.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by deslok

I would say that not all dutch people are intollerant. I know a bunch in Saint Louis missouri that are just regular people socializing with whomever. The one's I have met in Grand Rapids though are the dutch people I know of that are intolerant, judgemental, and have an elitist mentality about them. You know, you get the dutch "stare".

Wow, that is totally different than the Little town I lived in up by Cadillac that was almost all Dutch. McBain was/is almost totally Dutch and they are some of the friendliest people you would want to meet. Could be just the attitude difference of bigger city to small town USA as well. We had friends for quite a long time before anybody knew my Mother's maiden name was Portinga and was about as Dutch as you can get without being born in the Netherlands. I also have to agree with one of the posters from a while ago in that there isn't a lot of chit-chat and small talk for the most part and that can come across as being stand-offish at times.

[odinloki1]

Originally Posted by M TYPE X

The most conservative part of the state in actual behavior is eastern Michigan, from Monroe up through Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, and Saginaw. Union socialists don't want change, very status quo.

The western part of the state centered on Grand Rapids is socially conservative and economically progressive, unlike the unions controlling the rest of the state.

What is economically progressive? The employees serve every whim of the owner and stockpayers that are 1000s of miles away? The employers oppress and treat employees like slaves? That was life before unions. Think about what you say.

[jackedward32]

Originally Posted by Rawlings

I'm looking to relocate with my family--wife and young children--to MI. We're evangelicals and active Republicans so we want a pretty conservative part of the state. But we also want the ammenities of the big city we're coming from. I've heard that Grand Rapids is a good bet...any other suggestions?

Without a doubt - Zeeland or Holland.

Zeeland I believe is pretty close to being a dry town and the folks in Holland frown on you if you do any work on Sundays.

[ntchanga]

I second jackedward32!
Zeeland or Holland, although they are both quite small. Holland has quite a few amenities though, and you are about 30 minutes from GR. Hope College is there and the lake is absolutely beautiful!
BTW: My brother lives in Holland. People definitely take their Sundays seriously there. He doesn't even mow his lawn on Sunday...

[summer22]

interesting to hear all the comments about Grand Rapids... out of all the Western Michigan/Northwest Indiana cities it is the only one with a gay club... so I actually thought it was one of the more progressive cities of the region.