[Justplainjoe]

I am interested in what it is like to live in Marion, MI and/or Osceola County MI. I currently live in Maryland (however, I am originally from the North) and I am thinking of moving to Marion. Would appreciate comments.

[michigan83]

I don't live in Marion, but I do love that area!

While much of northern Michigan is forested, the area around Marion (and McBain too) is Dairy country. Lots of farms and rolling hills. When I was a kid I used to go with my dad up to the livestock auction in Marion. The livestock auction is pretty much the biggest thing going on in Marion, which should tell you that we're talking about a tiny town here. The people will be pretty conservative there, so hopefully that's not a problem for you. For some reason there's a lot of Dutch Reformed people settled in that area. It's like a northern version of Holland or Zeeland, MI.

[Justplainjoe]

Michigan83, thank you for the prompt reply. My friends who live there ARE somewhat conservative. I am going to see the area this Oct after my return from Afghanistan.

[michmoldman]

If you can make it there...job wise, it is a beautiful area. The best part would be that you are centrally located and would have access to any number of things to do and amazing places to see. I would imagine you could get a great house in that area for an amazing price. Good luck!

[darstar]

Originally Posted by michigan83

I don't live in Marion, but I do love that area!

While much of northern Michigan is forested, the area around Marion (and McBain too) is Dairy country. Lots of farms and rolling hills. When I was a kid I used to go with my dad up to the livestock auction in Marion. The livestock auction is pretty much the biggest thing going on in Marion, which should tell you that we're talking about a tiny town here. The people will be pretty conservative there, so hopefully that's not a problem for you. For some reason there's a lot of Dutch Reformed people settled in that area. It's like a northern version of Holland or Zeeland, MI.

Taking a look at the Holland area, ( tis the richest county in Michigan) , the Dutchmen are very conservative, and can come off quite standoffish, down right unfriendly...sometimes. They may have the first dollar they ever erned, but they DO have some well kept homes and neiborhoods. Not all Dutch are that way, its the reformed religious groups that came to this country, and settled in places like Holland, Grand Rapids, and in Ill. South Holland., that reflect the comments about their way of life.

[michigan83]

Taking a look at the Holland area, ( tis the richest county in Michigan) , the Dutchmen are very conservative, and can come off quite standoffish, down right unfriendly...sometimes. They may have the first dollar they ever erned, but they DO have some well kept homes and neiborhoods. Not all Dutch are that way, its the reformed religious groups that came to this country, and settled in places like Holland, Grand Rapids, and in Ill. South Holland., that reflect the comments about their way of life.

It's definitely a similar bunch up by Marion.

Actually, the epicenter is slightly to the north... McBain has a very strong religious Dutch presence. I don't know if the force is all that strong in Marion. It might just be the regular conservative rural folk in Marion and not the Dutch types.

This map pretty much says it all:

Google

[darstar]

Originally Posted by michigan83

It's definitely a similar bunch up by Marion.

Actually, the epicenter is slightly to the north... McBain has a very strong religious Dutch presence. I don't know if the force is all that strong in Marion. It might just be the regular conservative rural folk in Marion and not the Dutch types.

This map pretty much says it all:

Google

Interesting stuff. I was not aware of this Dutch settlement area of Michigan. Lots of things come clear to me now....as I used to travel through the area going and coming from SW Michigan on the way to the U.P.
In a smaller way, its somewhat like SE Ohio and the Amish, and eastern Pa. with varations of the same. Then there is a small pocket around Elkhart, In.....Some ethnic groups are just more visiable in areas, than others, has a lot to do with their religion.. Here in the U.P. we have the largest consentration of Finns. out side of Helsinkie, but most are not bound by their fath. Very hard workers, and winter means nothing to them.......

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by michigan83

It's definitely a similar bunch up by Marion.

Actually, the epicenter is slightly to the north... McBain has a very strong religious Dutch presence. I don't know if the force is all that strong in Marion. It might just be the regular conservative rural folk in Marion and not the Dutch types.

This map pretty much says it all:

Google

I lived in McBain for a couple of years and didn't find the people there standoffish in the least. Yes, LOT's of Dutch last names in town but overall it was a very good group of people living there.

[michigan83]

I lived in McBain for a couple of years and didn't find the people there standoffish in the least. Yes, LOT's of Dutch last names in town but overall it was a very good group of people living there.

Thanks for the clarification! I didn't mean to imply that there was anything bad about the people in McBain. When I said "similar bunch", I just meant churchgoing Dutch folks.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by michigan83

Thanks for the clarification! I didn't mean to imply that there was anything bad about the people in McBain. When I said "similar bunch", I just meant churchgoing Dutch folks.

Absolutely! For how small the town was, there were several very active churches. Of course the Reformed Church, and there was also a very active Baptist Church.