What's it like for Newcomers? (apartment, job, townhome)

[robind]

I keep hearing two conflicting things - Minnesota nice and it's tough to make friends as folks already have friends.

So I thought it would be fun to get something going on this. I don't expect to move there and have everyone has my friend but what's it like?

How are newcomers received? Do you get a lot of people moving in?

Thanks!

[golfgal]

I think it really depends on you and how you are when you move to a new area. If you sit in your house and expect people to knock on your door, no, you aren't going to meet very many people. If you are outside, say hi to the neighbors, get active in various groups, etc. you will meet a lot of people. Some neighborhoods are better then others for doing things but that is the same everywhere.

[warmweather!]

I think if you go to an area where everyone is moving in, it will be easier because everyone is new there and looking for friends.

[SlyFrog]

Originally Posted by warmweather!

I think if you go to an area where everyone is moving in, it will be easier because everyone is new there and looking for friends.

I have noticed that it is a little harder than some other places I have been at, but I am not really sure what people are expecting who say it is "hard to break in here."

I know that from a business sense, as an outsider it is difficult, as everyone has their network of contacts from high school and college who all still live around here. You don't know them, so you don't get business from them. But I do not think Minnesota is that different in that way than all but the most mobile cities on the East and West Coast (where a lot more people are "new" to the area).

From a "friends" perspective, I know a few people after about 10 years of living here. I think it is a bit harder to break into, but then I'm also a fairly introverted personality, so I'm not going to blame everyone else for that either.

[Lindenin]

We (my wife and I) have had absolutely no problem "breaking in" to social circles in the Twin Cities, and we've been here for 7 years. The first people who introduced themselves to us did so on the very first night we arrived in Minnesota (they were our new neighbors at the time) and they are still close friends.

[loulou123]

My husband and I have lived here for nearly 2 years, and despite joining athletic teams and other various groups, we have 0 friends. We're not a couple of weird-os either--we like to be outside, sports, have a beer on the weekends, etc. We have invited other couples over or out for dinner, etc. and our invites have been ignored or turned down-- these people already have well-established social circles (mostly from high school) and simply don't want to add to them. Unfortunate. We're trying to sell our house and get out of here asap before our youth slips away!!!!

[kuan]

Nah it's easy. Just go out and talk! All I had to do was fiddle with my ice auger for five minutes or so and someone came over and asked if I wanted to borrow his and invited me in for a beer and some fishing.

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by robind

I keep hearing two conflicting things - Minnesota nice and it's tough to make friends as folks already have friends.

So I thought it would be fun to get something going on this. I don't expect to move there and have everyone has my friend but what's it like?

How are newcomers received? Do you get a lot of people moving in?

Thanks!

I was trying to think of a type of neighbourhood that would be good for meeting people (ie; NOT a high-rise apartment building or a townhome-style suburb where you never see anyone) but the only thing that comes to mind is, if you have children you're bound to meet people because kids are great barrier-breakers. Otherwise, a dog might be handy if you're buying your own house. If you're shy and have difficulty approaching total strangers to start a conversation (like me!) you'll definitely need help. I tried volunteering for many years and altho people were friendly, there was never any socialising. Joining a professional organisation is good if they have social events like a monthly dinner. If you have a barbecue or snow-blower or boat you'll probably be popular. My first 2-3 years here were really hard and it took me about 7-8 years before I had a group of friends who were fun, consistently social, welcoming, and didn't just ask me over when they needed an extra female. And they were definitely not what might be called "typical Minnesotans". Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

[athorson710]

I've been here for about 2 1/2 years now and I think that the majority of people are welcoming and include you. There's no doubt though that you'll run into your fair share of people who already have their groups of friends, so those will be harder to crack into. I also think though that it depends on your job. If you're at a job that has a lot of people your age, which is my situation, it was/is really easy to make friends. My advice is to just get out there, be active, join clubs/groups, be friendly, and people will respond to you. There is so much going on here that you have a lot to choose from.