Are the plains dying?

[ryperry]

I would have to agree with dave norris. We would rather live out here with good quality people than an influx of criminals. North Dakota may have a small population, but the oil boom is certainly bringing people in around where I live in the southwest. Out here you don't have to worry about crime and things that you would in Michigan. We are not naive, obviously crime will occur because man's heart is wicked no matter where you go. All in all, this is a good state to live in. You also have to disregard the comments of the guys that say they don't like living here. They have been here all their lives. Me on the other hand, we just moved here to help plant churches and we are excited about going wherever God wants us to go. This truly is the Peace Garden State.

[chester]

The plains are not dying. People just don't choose to live on the plains vs. metro areas because of personal reasons. You will never see the plains emptied to the extent that some "educated professors" predict...you will always need ranchers, farmers, energy, etc... which still thrive on the plains...it just doesn't take as many people to do these jobs as in the past. I think the only reason the SouthWest United States is booming in population is because of the influx of people from south of the border. The South East is booming for the same reason...only their new immigrants come from farther south in Latin America. Most of these new immigrants can not handle our harsh winters I'm guessing.

[3-Oaks]

Originally Posted by mackinac81

Hi Dutchinnd,

Yeah, when I saw your username I thought you had to be from the mitten

I'm reading more encouraging stuff than I thought. You see, I just got my teaching degree, and there is no real market for teachers (or anyone, for that matter). I'd really like a social climate similar to W. Michigan, but with all the bad news I've heard from the plains I didn't even consider it. I might just research Fargo/Bismarck etc... and see what I like.

You could also check out smaller towns in between Fgo & Bismarck. Valley City, Jamestown, Cassleton, etc.