Less than a year until salvation (Minneapolis, Duluth: buy, to live in, price)

[knke0402]

Originally Posted by ComfortablyNumb

I'm 21 and about to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. I have spent 21 years in either Minnesota or Wisconsin. I have also travelled considerably. And after all of this, I think it is safe to say the only person who would ever want to live in Minnesota or Wisconsin... was born in the midwest. And probably not in Chicago.

Growing up in Maple Grove, you are kept in a shell of ignorance your entire developing life. When you go to places like ANYWHERE ELSE, especially on the coasts, you see how America actually is. You see that it's not just a bunch of psuedo-wealthy racist kids and mediocre ethnic restaurants and neighborhoods that Twin-Cities-ers love to brag about. It's schools are cake and overrated (An honest report in Washington evaluating every states curriculum gave Minnesota a D). You see that Minnesota has absolutely nothing to offer, besides cheap living, and that it's just pathetic. Plus, the winters only make this worse. I was talking about the summer.

It's affordable, though... but thats because there isn't much demand to live there.

Anyway, next January, I am out of the midwest for good, and I hope to never come back for any reason whatsoever. Any one else share my dislike of the midwest?

I don't get why so many people in Minnesota think it's so great. It's just like so many people in Madison think Madison is great. Madison is neat, but it's not great... or anything even close... and anyone who thinks that is just stupid, just like people in Minnesota. Minnesota has this lame inferiority complex; It knows everyone thinks its lame and sucks, and it loves to get super defensive and throw around stats or factoids (Highest somalian concentration!) that no one cares about. Everyone is really psuedo-ambitious or totally unambitious, which explains why tons more people leave the state than move in (-14,000 between 2000 and 2005!).

So I'm sure you'll say "Don't let the door hit you on your way out," but I just wanted to voice my elation at the fact that I am finally breaking out.

Cool.

How do you plan on moving away? Just driving to somewhere and hoping to settle in? You're degree from the midwest doesn't mean hsit on a national basis, unless you did really well. Anyways, you used the word "psuedo" too much, it got annoying.

Also, Minnesota has much to offer, just because you dont like it, doesnt mean that they arent attributes. If you have ever been out of Maple Grove, or Madison or the Midwest at that you will know that its hard to compete with the wildlife here. The health index is far better here than anywhere. Just because you're healthy doenst mean anything. Its the aggregate, the entire region of being healthy that plays its role. The TC are a healthy place and that is shown by hard working outgoing active people."Minnesota has absolutly nothing to offer" ? Are you kidding me? What DOESNT MN have to offer? An ocean? Nice weather all the time? -I get that, thats obvious, but there is plenty to offfer. How about jobs? Health care? Cost of living? Nature? 4 professional sports?

You're unintelligent comment about more people leaving the state than coming doesnt make any sense. If you look at population trends, well-i know you didnt, because if you had you wouldnt have made a stupid remark- that alll states not in the "sun belt" are losing people. Ever heard of baby boomers? Yeah, theyre starting to die. People dont have 4 5 6 kids anymore-people have 2 kids. People arent having kids unitl their late 20s-30s now days. Thats why population numbers fluctuate.

I see the U of Wisconsin really helped your research skills. Try coming up with valid arguments and points if you're going to make silly claims venting you unwanting and self loathing of where you live.

[icequeen2008]

I love Minnesota. I was born and raised here. I did move away for about a year but came back. What an eye opener. You never know how good you have it until you dnt have it anymore. Believe me their are far worst places to live then Minnesota. I love the cold weather. I hate hot weather and am totaly uncomfortable in it. The grass is NOT greener on the other side. Minnesota DOES have great school and great services and great medical care. Need I go on?

[reader1234]

Dear Comfortably Numb,

It must first be said that just because you are 21 by NO means concludes you are unaware, banal and lack the mental capacity at your age to form an intelligent, factual opinion based on actual experiences. Stand your ground! (do you need a suitcase?)

Me - over a half-century old, have been to 25 states, lived in more than one, traveled outside the US, self-educated and professionally educated, receptive to any and all cultures, many life experiences, not venal (or ever will be), very optimistic till proved otherwise, prefer a simple life (BUT - with substance).

That said - I moved to MN to experience and enjoy all that was expounded - couldn't wait to engage in any and all things proffered, in short - eager and excited...

...then reality hit.

I have been disappointed and misled - to a staggering degree. My new descriptives now include; banality, insolence, vapidity, indolence, apathy, impudence, ineptitude, arrogance (of?!) - add infinitum.

Should you require facts - not conjecture - I can provide instance upon instance of a myriad of situations, conversations and actions which defy any social setting, culture or region. Much latitude and compassion were given allowing for situation, possible personal distress, personality variances, "stranger phobia", etc. yet my experiences remain constant.

I'd never heard the term "Minnesota nice" till IN Minnesota and BY Minnesotans. No- I'm not a recluse and conversely not a social fanatic. Tip; A group is given a title or description as a result of outstanding reputation or performance by others outside of the group. I've now heard the correct term is "Minnesota vice" or Minnesota mean". Of course, no term is all-encompassing and those outside of the group, sadly, suffer. Additionally, it seems, the term "MN nice" may have been initiated because there was great surprise when an instance of compassion or kindness was discovered. If someone wishes to be an elitist - they should have some quality or accomplishment which others admire and of a high degree. I enjoy engaging with true elitists and what they have to share. (A young college student expressed their embarassment and thought the 'MN nice' business was a load of... Their opinion was unsolicited!)

My initial, visual experience regarding the countryside; horror at the expanse of razed areas and lacking the beauty I anticipated. Twin-cities; Overrated, lack of cultural diversity, very limited in professional artists (one who supports themselves entirely through their artform), restaurants-parks-social activities -ho-hum, etc., etc. The Twin-cities did not live up to the reputation I initially heard - I was sadly disappointed. In ecological matters - decades behind. Awareness of events, activities outside MN - limited. Compassion to others - only a rare, small handful of wonderful people - very few I've actually encountered. Treatment of the disabled - I encountered much shocking behavior. Politeness - (thank you, please, etc.) - near nil. Schooling - don't ask. I have extreme concern for our youngsters in both the near and distant future. Need more? If you wish to refute the above, I'll be happy to provide facts, dates, instances, phone calls, locations, detailed circumstances, what responses were, difficulties...

Apology: To those 'outside the group'- I am not speaking of you. You have my sympathy and understanding and are rare treasures in this state.

"Minnesota-nice" - your group exhausts me. "Rare Minnesota treasures" - your group is wonderful albeit small!

Too tired to go on,
Reader1234

[jschjei1]

Originally Posted by reader1234

Dear Comfortably Numb,



I'd never heard the term "Minnesota nice" till IN Minnesota and BY Minnesotans. No- I'm not a recluse and conversely not a social fanatic. Tip; A group is given a title or description as a result of outstanding reputation or performance by others outside of the group. I've now heard the correct term is "Minnesota vice" or Minnesota mean". Of course, no term is all-encompassing and those outside of the group, sadly, suffer. Additionally, it seems, the term "MN nice" may have been initiated because there was great surprise when an instance of compassion or kindness was discovered. If someone wishes to be an elitist - they should have some quality or accomplishment which others admire and of a high degree. I enjoy engaging with true elitists and what they have to share. (A young college student expressed their embarassment and thought the 'MN nice' business was a load of... Their opinion was unsolicited!)

My initial, visual experience regarding the countryside; horror at the expanse of razed areas and lacking the beauty I anticipated. Twin-cities; Overrated, lack of cultural diversity, very limited in professional artists (one who supports themselves entirely through their artform), restaurants-parks-social activities -ho-hum, etc., etc. The Twin-cities did not live up to the reputation I initially heard - I was sadly disappointed. In ecological matters - decades behind. Awareness of events, activities outside MN - limited. Compassion to others - only a rare, small handful of wonderful people - very few I've actually encountered. Treatment of the disabled - I encountered much shocking behavior. Politeness - (thank you, please, etc.) - near nil. Schooling - don't ask. I have extreme concern for our youngsters in both the near and distant future. Need more? If you wish to refute the above, I'll be happy to provide facts, dates, instances, phone calls, locations, detailed circumstances, what responses were, difficulties...

Apology: To those 'outside the group'- I am not speaking of you. You have my sympathy and understanding and are rare treasures in this state.

"Minnesota-nice" - your group exhausts me. "Rare Minnesota treasures" - your group is wonderful albeit small!

Too tired to go on,
Reader1234

First, about the MN nice comments. I grew up in a small town in western MN. Lived in the state for 22 years, then left for a job opportunity in North Carolina after college. I lived there for 5 years before moving back to the midwest and heard the term "MN nice" more times in those 5 years out east than I did in the 22 years growing up there.

Secondly, it seems that your experiences were not what you expected. Well that happens. But to take your few examples and then generalize it over most poeple is just not right. So you've seen several instances of "much shocking behavior" in treatment of the disabled. That, in no way, means that most people in the state act that way. Most of the people I've met from New Jersey were rude and obnoxious. Would it be right for me to then say that all people from New Jersey are rude and obnoxious? I don't think so.

[jschjei1]

Personally, I love the winters in MN. There is so much to do. I think a lot of people who do not like the winters are people who don't enjoy the outdoors in general. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing are all great activities. When I was a kid, we were outside all the time playing in the snow. I enjoy the variety in weather. While the winters may be cold, I'll take that over the heat we had when I was in North Carolina. A couple summers ago the temperature topped at 90+ degrees for more than 80 days that year. I like some hot days but that was just too much for me. The winters did not get as cold as they do in MN. However, having a high of 40-45 everyday doesn't give you much to do. Ice fishing? Nope, no ice. Activities in the snow? Nope, no snow. Go swimming or grilling outside? Nope, too cold for that.

I have a friend who lives in San Diego and says the weather is so great because its 70-75 everyday. My response usually is "do you eat the same thing for lunch everyday?" I like the variety.

For the most part, people are nice, but quiet at the same time. When I go back to my hometown, I'll go up to the local bar to have a few with my parents. They have their little group of friends that they hang out with up there and that very rarely changes. I, myself, do not have a lot of friends, but I'm very close to the ones I do have. Some may think we are being rude, when actually we are just quiet and reserved. Minnesotan's live simple lives and they like it that way.

Lots of outdoor activities: fishing, hunting, swimming, camping (any of you been to the boundary water, beautiful)
The Twin Cities is 2nd behind NYC in theaters per capita in the country
One of the smallest markets to have 4 professional sports teams
Good education, health care

It's not for everyone but I really enjoy it.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Ten pounds words still can't support unfounded claims.

[Vinegaroon]

Get the heck out of there if you don't like it. You are young and the world is your oyster. I joined the military at 18 after graduating from high school in Minneapolis. I have since lived in California, Texas, Alaska, Nebraska, Connecticut, Utah, Wyoming and now New Mexico. I have traveled to many other states and countries. I return to Minnesota to visit friends, but once I left I never looked back and have no regrets. Every person has to decide for themselves. Some folks have a hard time pulling out their roots, but I didn't have that problem, I'm a wandering soul.

[SassyBelle]

Originally Posted by ComfortablyNumb

I'm 21 and about to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. I have spent 21 years in either Minnesota or Wisconsin. I have also travelled considerably. And after all of this, I think it is safe to say the only person who would ever want to live in Minnesota or Wisconsin... was born in the midwest. And probably not in Chicago.

Growing up in Maple Grove, you are kept in a shell of ignorance your entire developing life. When you go to places like ANYWHERE ELSE, especially on the coasts, you see how America actually is. You see that it's not just a bunch of psuedo-wealthy racist kids and mediocre ethnic restaurants and neighborhoods that Twin-Cities-ers love to brag about. It's schools are cake and overrated (An honest report in Washington evaluating every states curriculum gave Minnesota a D). You see that Minnesota has absolutely nothing to offer, besides cheap living, and that it's just pathetic. Plus, the winters only make this worse. I was talking about the summer.

It's affordable, though... but thats because there isn't much demand to live there.

Anyway, next January, I am out of the midwest for good, and I hope to never come back for any reason whatsoever. Any one else share my dislike of the midwest?

I don't get why so many people in Minnesota think it's so great. It's just like so many people in Madison think Madison is great. Madison is neat, but it's not great... or anything even close... and anyone who thinks that is just stupid, just like people in Minnesota. Minnesota has this lame inferiority complex; It knows everyone thinks its lame and sucks, and it loves to get super defensive and throw around stats or factoids (Highest somalian concentration!) that no one cares about. Everyone is really psuedo-ambitious or totally unambitious, which explains why tons more people leave the state than move in (-14,000 between 2000 and 2005!).

So I'm sure you'll say "Don't let the door hit you on your way out," but I just wanted to voice my elation at the fact that I am finally breaking out.

You sure have a lot of anger. All I can say is "good luck". I hope you find a place of peace and happiness. Growing up in Europe, and having traveled extensively for many years, I can say that Minnesota is a great place and I love it here.
Take care.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by reader1234

My initial, visual experience regarding the countryside; horror at the expanse of razed areas and lacking the beauty I anticipated.

Countryside where? North? Central? South? The state is composed of several very different regions.

If you're referring to the farm areas in the southern part of the state, realize that most of those areas were prairie, not forest, and that many of the trees you see as you drive were planted as part of farmsteads.

[Veridian]

Originally Posted by reader1234

Dear Comfortably Numb,

It must first be said that just because you are 21 by NO means concludes you are unaware, banal and lack the mental capacity at your age to form an intelligent, factual opinion based on actual experiences. Stand your ground! (do you need a suitcase?)....ETC. .

....


Apology: To those 'outside the group'- I am not speaking of you. You have my sympathy and understanding and are rare treasures in this state.

"Minnesota-nice" - your group exhausts me. "Rare Minnesota treasures" - your group is wonderful albeit small!

Too tired to go on,
Reader1234

I'm certain that that degree of bitterness and anger is entirely due to your immediate surroundings (i.e.: Minnesota). You had best escape as soon as possible.


P.S.: A post history of ONE incredibly acid and offensive post always gives the reader pause.