Less than a year until salvation (Minneapolis, St. Paul: neighborhoods, high school, university)

[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.

[Steelers5]

Good for you. Its not a bad idea to venture out on your own. But realize you are only 21; and I can tell you that perceptions change. Try to make the most of wherever you are and be happy. Best of luck.

[yellowsnow]

I don't know! I've lived all over the world and have never lived anywhere that didn't have some redeeming qualities. Including Minnesota! You have to look for the good things, wherever you live.

Minnesota isn't the best or the worst place I've been. Most of my personal problems with MN have to do with the length of the winters and I can't change that!

21 is a good age to make changes. See it all, do it all.

[ComfortablyNumb]

I think it is the Minnesota winter that makes me hate the state as much as I do. I loved growing up in Minnesota. I loved being able to relax by the lake with friends during High School. In big cities you can't do that.

But the winters, which usually last (at least psychologically) from October until early May, are too much.

[MattDen]

I agree that in being in the early to mid 20s age group that Minnesota and Wisconsin can be seen socially not as interesting as other states. There are a few exceptions to this rule (Dinkytown in Minneapolis) and State street in Madison (Ive talked to people about state street, but never been there) but overall its not an entertaining area of the country.

Im going to be 25 in July and in this age bracket I can say that Minnesota (except Minneapolis proper) and Wisconsin would not be for me at this age. I went to a state college up here and the social life revolved around the college community. The nightlife with the exception of a few neighborhoods in Minneapolis, is fairly bland also.

But I will say this when I am older I would not mind living in Minnesota, even though it has alot of fairly uninteresting, quaint towns. Minnesotans I have found to be the closest knit people I have met and I think the important thing is when people are older that they live in a community that is close-knit with a strong sense of community.

I know compared to other states when you look at the bulletin boards in the stores that Minnesota has more community services and socially ways to stay afloat for the older demographic then any other state I have lived in.

Also as people get out of what tends to be the partying years, people want an area that has a solid economy, good paying stable jobs, moderate cost of housing and hardly any social problems in a picture-postcard setting thats where the Twin Cities suburbs come in. The Twin Cities doent seem to have constant economic cycles to the extent alot of other states do, it varies a bit but the Twin Cities has to be one of the most recession proof areas in the country.

I think what happens is alot of people who grow up in this state (I didnt, but talked to many people who have and lived up here) leave for greener pastures but because Minnesotans are so much closer to their families and friends then other parts of the country they end coming back several years later and tend to stay put after that.

[MomsTn]

My husband was born and raised in Minnesota.
Left when he was 20. Was gone for over 18 years.
We moved back 11 years ago.... and can hardly wait to move out.
We moved back for his parents... not because we wanted to.

Yes, the winters are too long, and it's depressing not being able to see the sun, just gloom.

The only one that's really happy is our 7 year old, because she can play in the snow, and slide down the big hill.
It would be great to be a kid and be able to have so much fun.

Originally Posted by MattDen

I think what happens is alot of people who grow up in this state (I didnt, but talked to many people who have and lived up here) leave for greener pastures but because Minnesotans are so much closer to their families and friends then other parts of the country they end coming back several years later and tend to stay put after that.

[MidniteBreeze]

I am one of the people MattDen is referring to....I grew up here, went to college here, couldn't wait to get out and thought I would never come back (at least not to live). Moved to Colorado...really did like a lot about living out there and still miss it sometimes, but I also came to realize that there were a lot of things "back home" that I missed more.

Everyone is different, of course, and you may very well never want to come back. But your perspectives and priorities can change a lot as you get a little older (even by your late 20's/early 30's) and you may come to appreciate some of those things that you took for granted before.

I do agree, though, that a lot of people here do tend to be sheltered and I don't think it's a bad idea for people to leave for a while (or at least travel). I know I wouldn't be the person I am today had I never left MN.

Good luck to you.

[SouthBayTodd]

i think a lot of people think where they are from is great...not just the midwest

a lot of people have pride in their roots. i do.

[Imissthefall]

comfortably numb,

Good for you. Your young, get out there and see the world a little ya know? I was born/rasied in MN and couldn't wait until I was an adult and could move somewhere warm with no snow!! Well I did and I've moved all over since my husband is in the Navy and although I have enjoyed living all over I really miss MN. The thing I have come to realize is that everywhere pretty much has the same people only different scenary. A new place isn't going to change who you are or those around you, just the geographical location you reside in.
Good luck with your move!

[warmweather!]

I am still in high school, but I plan to go south when I'm older. I love hot weather, and I want it for more than 3 months. I like the area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), but I can't take the winter. But keep in mind, lots of people hate Minnesota, leave, and then realize how great it was. However, Minnesota is NOT for everyone, and you should discover what place is for you... But never forget, No place is perfect.