As a Southerner, how would I be received? (Fargo, Bismarck: relocating, motel)

[undertheironsea]

I was thinking about the northern part of the country (especially North Dakota) for job opportunities after grad school, and I was wondering, how do you think I would be treated, being from the Southern United States?

Don't jump to early conclusions, however. I have a Southern drawl, I'm from South Mississippi, but I'm not your stereotypical media "redneck." I did not grow up in a trailer, I HATE country music, I don't wave a rebel flag or drive a truck, I dress more urbanite than farm boy...etc, etc. I still wonder, with the accent and just knowing I'm from the South, how I would be handled.

Here (I'm in Arkansas now) the problem is that I'm not Southern enough, and I just wonder if just being Southern at all would be cause for jokes and snickers at my expense in the north. I want to find a nice, round the calendar cool weather place with friendly people to spend the early years of my career, and I don't want to take a job offer and suddenly regret it.

Not only that, but if homes are very expensive, I would be losing money and respect.

Hopefully someone can give me a good idea of what it's like.

[Dreamer_552]

I have lived in the South for 28 years and visited Grand Forks a year ago. I can only speak as to my visit and contacts in the Grand Forks area. I was welcomed and very surprised at the care given to my needs upon arrival. I stayed at a small motel in Walsh County. Everyone was very friendly.

I also receive a periodical newsletter from a man in Grafton, Walsh County. The people sound like people I'd love to become neighbors with.

Finally, as someone who moved from PA to CO to KY to FL, in general you'll find most people will meet your expectations of them. If you expect to find friendly people who welcome newcomers no matter where they're from, then that's how you have to be nd that's who you'll find. If you are suspicious, unfriendly and unwelcoming yourself you'll find that's what you'll find.

[Sharpeye]

I moved here last year and love it. People are great, and there's very few riff raff like in Jacksonville Fl.

[danarchy]

my current job, i work with one guy from the south, he has probably the best outlook on life of anyone ive ever met. i guess it just depends on each person, but honestly, i spent 2 years in the south and, well, im not a big fan of the people. im quite biased now. ive been many different countries and being in the south was more foreign and unwelcoming than being in eastern europe

[arvid1985]

the southern drawl and the norwiegen drawl will clash..lol so your gonna have to slow down to talk

Lots of good ppl in ND you will be recieved just fine

[undertheironsea]

After asking the same question in about 3 other state threads, I think I like North Dakota and Montana more than the rest.

I just hope housing isn't terribly expensive and I'd be able to find a nice job with an MBA from an Arkansas university.

Haha, and that's okay about the Norweigan (sp?) accent...I actually find it really interesting.

[dakotaolson]

Having been raised in MN and then moving to GA for a while before moving to ND, I definitely love ND! I live close to the capital city of Bismarck and my husband commutes 25 miles to town to work. I married a ND native, so we have family close. You will find that housing is extremely cheap compared to the south! We live in one of the small towns of about 800 people and most houses are sold for less than 100k. Many are sold for much less than that even. ND people are good, honest and accepting. I sort of think of it this way, "If you are stupid and ignorant, then you will be treated that way." So, enough said! Bismarck is an awesome city that has a ton of new growth as far as businesses and homes are concerned. The cost of living is much lower than other states, so it's affordable living. Check out the Bismarck websites that are available. Good luck!

[Jammie]

Hi Sea, I don't think you'd have a problem at all relocating to N.D. You'll be my neighbor just to the north. The people in the Dakotas are very friendly and will help their neighbors just like people did in the olden days. You may be in for a bit of a culture shock if you live in a fast paced, busy area. The cost of living is extremely cheap compared to most places. There are a lot of wide open spaces in the upper midwestern states. One of the things that you need to be aware of, though is that we have some pretty harsh winters up here. The last two have been absolutely beautiful, but we can get a lot of cold and snow. Hope you decide on ND and enjoy your life there!

[crosbynorthdakota]

you'd be fine, we always welcome anyone.....well almost anyone , but housing is pretty cheap, for ex. you can get a nice, 3 bedroom house in crosby for around $30,000, possibly less than that

[chester]

I can only speak for the western part of the state. Many people from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana come through to work or live in the oilfields, and their southern drawls are not considered out of the ordinary anymore, in fact, they joke that we have a northern twang. As far as the Eastern part of the state, the State Universities in Grand Forks and Fargo have 11,000-12,000 students from all over the country and world, so I don't think your southern accent will make you a target of any jokes...people will probably comment that they find it is cute.