Is there still "Minnesota nice" in the 21st Century? (Minneapolis: relocate, transplants)

[Lindenin]

Originally Posted by Li'lBeaver

Job opportunities in most of the rural out state areas of Minnesota are very poor. Those areas that do have some industry seem like they prefer to hire local natives or someone who has a relative or friend already working for them?

I couldn't disagree more. Companies don't succeed by hiring a guy's drinking buddy or neighbor's nephew. Outstate Minnesota, including places like Duluth, Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Alexandria, Thief River Falls, and Warroad, have a disproportionatly high number of successful firms. We're not talking about Mom n' Pop type family businesses, but places that Wall street respects. Look at Arctic Cat, Rural Cellular, and Marvin Windows as just a couple examples of local companies that have thrived in the places where you suggest that the hiring is all nepotism. Those companies would not have the track records they do if they weren't looking for new talent and energy.

It sounds like you need a change of scenery. I encourage you to look for one. There are enough people wanting lake property up your way where I'm guessing you'll find buyers.

[golfgal]

There are MANY job opportunities in outstate Minnesota. I know in Marshall MN there are several major employers that are looking for employees all the time. The jobs range from factory workers, to computer programmers, to business executives and doctors. The cost of living is less for the most part in outstate MN as well.

[JameeLynn25]

There are nice people and there are nasty people here just like anywhere. I have to admit though the majority of people are snobby. I am from Duluth and also lived in Minneapolis. I cant wait to move somplace warm with nicer people!

[Lindenin]

To all of you wanting to move somewhere with "nicer people". Can you define for me what it is that you want? What will make people nice enough to enjoy a place? Do they have to do certain things? Be a certain way? I'm curious.

[JameeLynn25]

Originally Posted by Lindenin

To all of you wanting to move somewhere with "nicer people". Can you define for me what it is that you want? What will make people nice enough to enjoy a place? Do they have to do certain things? Be a certain way? I'm curious.

Hi Lindenin. I guess my experience visting the south I have found alot of the people there to be more spiritual. Take Tulsa, Ok. for instance. The bible belt. Dont get me wrong, they have there far share of rotten people, but being there for the short amount of time I meet some of the nicest people ever in my entire 26 years here on earth! There is no such place where are all "friendly people". Its just that some areas have more godly charachteristics.

[judogl44]

By "nicer" I mean when we are sitting on our front porch or doing outside work and neighbors walk by-and we live in a neighborhood where they do lots of that-and we wave and say "hi" and some just turn their heads. We have put it down to 1) we're older than most and 2)when we moved in we had out of state license plates. I'm not looking for coffee klatsches or life long friendships-just neighborly friendliness and that's non-existent here. There's a big difference in southern vs northern hospitality.

[Lindenin]

Originally Posted by judogl44

By "nicer" I mean when we are sitting on our front porch or doing outside work and neighbors walk by-and we live in a neighborhood where they do lots of that-and we wave and say "hi" and some just turn their heads. We have put it down to 1) we're older than most and 2)when we moved in we had out of state license plates. I'm not looking for coffee klatsches or life long friendships-just neighborly friendliness and that's non-existent here. There's a big difference in southern vs northern hospitality.

I guess the reason that I have been such a skeptic on this thread of those who say MInnesota Nice doesn't exist is that in my neighborhood, people are friendly. When I'm out doing yardwork, I have people stop and ask about my project, comment on how they did it, ask about my family, etc. I can go several blocks and still see people I know and wave and have a chat. I am invited to neighborhood gatherings, parties, and dinner parties. I even have a couple older locals who love to stop and tell me about the history of my house when they are out on their evening strolls.

Could it be that it isn't a north vs. south thing, but something that varies by neighborhood? I live in an older neighborhood with sidewalks and a variety of housing. Maybe you don't get the same thing in a more transient outer-ring suburb, where everyone is passing through?

I would add that I'm not "from here". All of the people who are inviting me to dinner parties and neighborhood get-togethers are people I've met since I moved here, simply by being in the same community as them.

[judogl44]

Okay-here's Minnesota nice for you. We live in a beautiful town and beautiful upscale area. Last winter our Minn. nice neighbors snowmobiled at 12:30AM completely around our home 4 or 5 times. Now the snow goes and they have their 4 wheelers-right thru our back yard. Last night some Minn nice person veered onto our front lawn leaving really nice tire marks. This is a great neighborhood where they don't even wave or acknowledge you're alive (except for 2 immediate neighbors). They even walk their dogs with their noses up in the air.

[timberwolves100]

In my opinion whether people are "nice" or not usually boils down to the neighborhood your in or places you visit.

Now if you look at places with high population and/or poor economic enviroments you will have not-so nice people there usually. Usually how people act are a reflection of how they view themselves. If they are unhappy with their life and hate themselves, they will more than likely hate others as well.

If you were to compare Minnesota to more heavily populated states such as California or New York, I think you would find Minnesota to be more friendly on average just because people that live here generally don't have as much to stress about or have to deal with as many people. As the population grows here people will probably think we are losing the "Minnesota nice", when in fact it has to with the increased numbers of people and frusteration with traffic/jobs ect. I have noticed this pattern pretty much anywhere I've been.

[JenLee]

Originally Posted by judogl44

Okay-here's Minnesota nice for you. We live in a beautiful town and beautiful upscale area. Last winter our Minn. nice neighbors snowmobiled at 12:30AM completely around our home 4 or 5 times. Now the snow goes and they have their 4 wheelers-right thru our back yard. Last night some Minn nice person veered onto our front lawn leaving really nice tire marks. This is a great neighborhood where they don't even wave or acknowledge you're alive (except for 2 immediate neighbors). They even walk their dogs with their noses up in the air.

Judlog, I don't know where you live; but I've never seen that type of behavior in any of the areas I've ever lived in before!

Our current neighborhood is less friendly than anywhere I've ever lived; but I chalk that up to the lack of sidewalks in the area. We still smile and wave to each other, we just don't socialize a whole lot within the neighborhood (in our 14 years here, there's never been a neighborhood bar-b-que, block party, etc.).

I guess what I'm saying is that you have incredibly rude neighbors, Judlog; no matter where this neighborhood might be!