First, Second, third impressions (Maple Grove: real estate, neighborhoods, subdivisions)

[LonghornPaul]

Well, I have been here in Maple Grove for about three weeks. So far, everything everyone has said, has been pretty much spot on.
Not sure if "Minnesota Nice" is a euphesim for rude or standoffish, but that has kind of been a disappointment.

The good thing is that the scorn that this states puts on smoking has made me a non smoker, after 10 years of puffing away.

Lots, and LOTS of retail in Maple Grove....real estate is terrible high for a single professional (at least this one).

Hook Em Horns!

[MidniteBreeze]

Yeah, it's very anti-smoking in the metro area. Only a matter of time before we have a statewide smoking ban similar to California. Well, at least there's always Wisconsin...

[politikally]

I think the Minnesota Nice thing is limited to the outskirts of TC and the rest of MN ("Greater Minnesota"). It's somewhat reflected in the cities, but as with any large metro there's a certain amount of impersonalness as people go about their business.

All in all I think everyone is very nice around here, may just take a little proding.

[LonghornPaul]

esp. when it comes to the singles scene...no prodding necessary down there. The aloofness has been a huge disappointment. Even when you attempt start a conversation, if you have a southern accent, as I do, break out the flak jackets, because you are going to be shot down!

Anyone else from Texas considering moving here, think twice!

[yellowsnow]

My SO is a native Texan and even 20yrs later, some people still pick up on the accent. There are people who have a hard time understanding you! Honest!

Start practicing saying Uff da, and ya sure, you bettcha!

[Jeanie Hoholik]

It's Minnesota Ice, not Nice! Who started that phrase, anyway?

[garth]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

Start practicing saying Uff da, and ya sure, you bettcha!

. . . and "Ish Da" and "Fi Da."

[JenLee]

Longhorn, I'm not sure why you chose to live in Maple Grove; but I've found (through friends and relatives) that living in the suburbs isn't the best choice for a young person moving to MN. I know that to a Texan, this will sound really odd; but I've always found that sidewalks make more sociable neighborhoods, especially in the winter.

And it's true; many Minnesotans can't understand southern accents all of the time; but everyone understands smiles and friendliness. Don't give up yet.

I don't know how you are trying to meet friends here in MN; maybe that would be a good thread to post on this site?

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by LonghornPaul

Well, I have been here in Maple Grove for about three weeks. So far, everything everyone has said, has been pretty much spot on.
Not sure if "Minnesota Nice" is a euphesim for rude or standoffish, but that has kind of been a disappointment.

The good thing is that the scorn that this states puts on smoking has made me a non smoker, after 10 years of puffing away.

Lots, and LOTS of retail in Maple Grove....real estate is terrible high for a single professional (at least this one).

Hook Em Horns!

Longhorn Paul, you mention standoffishness. I am getting on a bit of a tangent, but that standoffishness you speak of that is in MN, that isn't just Minnesota. I live in GA and sometimes I can find alot of people to be standoffish and cliqueish. I have also found many friendly people. As for MN nice, I hope it doesn't mean rude and standoffish. As for your living in MN, I hope you do well. Actually, I often think about living in MN myself. I wonder what it is like to make friends in MN because my impressions of MN being a wonderful state came from geography books I read, but nothing beats actually living in a place.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by JenLee

Longhorn, I'm not sure why you chose to live in Maple Grove; but I've found (through friends and relatives) that living in the suburbs isn't the best choice for a young person moving to MN. I know that to a Texan, this will sound really odd; but I've always found that sidewalks make more sociable neighborhoods, especially in the winter.

And it's true; many Minnesotans can't understand southern accents all of the time; but everyone understands smiles and friendliness. Don't give up yet.

I don't know how you are trying to meet friends here in MN; maybe that would be a good thread to post on this site?

I agree with you about sidewalks making for more sociable neighborhoods. I notice that in the subdivisions where there isn't a sidewalk, sociability is mainly limited to the backyard, unless you are a kid and then one can soicalize with anyone.
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