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Old 06-24-2009, 08:18 PM
 
114 posts, read 486,345 times
Reputation: 37

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just remember a lot of towns in Iowa are like close knit families, they will seem standoffish at first but eventually they'll come around and grow to love you as a citizen of the community. It's just as hard moving from one town in Iowa to another as it is to move from another state.
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Old 06-25-2009, 06:10 AM
 
6,342 posts, read 11,089,409 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsy77 View Post
I am also living in Iowa now, moved here 3 months ago. It's not my first time living here, but I am from another state also. If people are treating you weird, it's because they think you're an "outsider." And if you are from California, it will be even worse. Trust me, I know. I am dealing with it right now. I have a new job in an office, and I keep hearing comments about how I must be bored here or how I'll hate the weather, or how I probably want to go back to the city, bla bla bla. None of that is true. Yes, I'm from California, but I don't think I'm that much different than anyone else. So it's not necessary to treat me differently. It will take time for people to "accept" you. But once they do, you will probably make lifelong friends out of them. And if they still act weird after a few months, just tell them to get over themselves and quit being so territorial. We're all different and from different places, it's no big deal. And everyone is free to move where they want. I didn't see a padlock on the Iowa border when I entered the state. Although some people around here have been acting like I shouldn't be here. Because "all these Californians are moving to the midwest and trying to take over..." Gee, I wish I had a dime for every time I've heard that lately. Come on people, grow up. Good luck to you! They'll come around eventually.
Perhaps you should consider living in the Kansas City area. I've noted the California lifestyle is embraced here and in fact if you visit Johnson County which is a suburban county of KC you'll probably feel right at home.

I'm a native of Connecticut and don't like the California lifestyle at all especially after the negative experiences I've had in KC. I've actually had a few people here over the years suggest that I move to Iowa. Having lived in Minnesota for a while I suspect Iowa is a bit similar to parts of MN.

After the way I've been treated by people here (various threats) and hearing cracks about being a "Yank" or "New Yorker" (I'm not a NYer) among other things it is evident they prefer people from the west coast or neighboring states. Traditional Conservatives and Kansas City don't mix...

Last edited by WILWRadio; 06-25-2009 at 06:24 AM..
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Old 06-25-2009, 08:16 AM
 
Location: Indiana Uplands
26,407 posts, read 46,581,861 times
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^
Agreed 100%
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Old 06-25-2009, 07:38 PM
 
3 posts, read 9,918 times
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Hey, thanks everyone for your input. Some really great advice/insight here.

Things have really seemed to "open up" this week. I've tried to relax and smile alot more and most people will smile right back at me. And some ladies are starting to stop by my desk and chat!! I really think they are some truly nice people at my new employer, and I totally agree with the poster who said that it will take some time, but then you could really make some lifelong friends (or words to that effect ) I guess I did intuitively know that, but I was just impatient and was REALLY missing my buddies from my old job back "home". All in all, I would say that what would normally take a couple of WEEKS in Indiana, took about two MONTHS here in Iowa and I think I was just totally blindsided by that--something I was just not prepared for. But, I have a feeling things will continue to just get better and better here.
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Old 06-25-2009, 09:45 PM
 
804 posts, read 1,964,889 times
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The United States of Mind - WSJ.com
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Old 06-25-2009, 10:57 PM
 
3,393 posts, read 5,278,709 times
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Originally Posted by Persimmony View Post
Nah that's just part of moving. One day you start to like it, the next day you find every reason to hate it. Pretty normal.
I don't think so. He or she is moving back to the place that it trashed. That is not normal.
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Old 06-26-2009, 06:13 AM
 
6,342 posts, read 11,089,409 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anita7894 View Post
Hey, thanks everyone for your input. Some really great advice/insight here.

Things have really seemed to "open up" this week. I've tried to relax and smile alot more and most people will smile right back at me. And some ladies are starting to stop by my desk and chat!! I really think they are some truly nice people at my new employer, and I totally agree with the poster who said that it will take some time, but then you could really make some lifelong friends (or words to that effect ) I guess I did intuitively know that, but I was just impatient and was REALLY missing my buddies from my old job back "home". All in all, I would say that what would normally take a couple of WEEKS in Indiana, took about two MONTHS here in Iowa and I think I was just totally blindsided by that--something I was just not prepared for. But, I have a feeling things will continue to just get better and better here.
I lived in Indianapolis for a while and noted the people are generally pretty friendly and welcoming. Even now when still just passing through central or northern Indiana, I've noted that people are friendly, especially the younger ladies, when I make a stop. I can see why the move to Iowa has been such a change for you.

Be thankful you did not move to Missouri or eastern KS. Some people are too friendly to the point of being over bearing and too aggressive while others are anything but friendly and I'd classify them as hostile.

My experiences while traveling through Iowa would indicate the people are similar to people in some parts of New England. While there are parts of New England where people will never warm up to you and simply ignore you (they won't be nasty or hostile like in the KC region) mostly they take their time to see what you are about before getting to know you. After they've been around for a while they will usually open up a bit and become more friendly.

Here's to hoping that you will have many productive and happy years in your new home.
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Old 06-27-2009, 07:06 PM
 
Location: Coralville, Iowa
7 posts, read 24,315 times
Reputation: 28
What do you mean Iowa City is a nice town if you have never been anywhere else? It was rated one of the best towns in the US!
I love being from here. My German family came here illegally in 1853 and we have been here ever since!
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Old 06-28-2009, 01:44 AM
 
Location: Des Moines
586 posts, read 2,185,417 times
Reputation: 385
Damn illegal immigrants still taking all our meatpacking, cannery and blackesmithing jobs 148 years later!
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Old 06-29-2009, 11:05 AM
 
1,911 posts, read 3,755,076 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anita7894 View Post


Hi, Persimmony, interesting about Iowans being reserved. I do remember reading that in this forum last fall when my boyfriend and I were trying to decide whether to come here or not. When I get some time, I need to reread some of those posts for other good advice. And yes, I def want to start going to a church, as I know that is one great way to meet people. Just need to make it a priority. Thanks for the suggestion.

Also, just want to say to all that my bf and I really like the Cedar Valley so far. The people on the hiking/biking trails are always very friendly and it's really pretty here. This area has pretty much everything we need and we hope to stay here for a while.
Some Iowans are so reserved, the government couldn't even bail them out.

I totally know what you mean...you're not supposed to start conversation, everyone seems to not have much of a flair for social skills. I miss that about Chicago...you could just talk to most anyone and they were friendly.
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