[Luzette]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

Actually Michigan is one of the most populated of all the cold and snowy states. The only reason for this was the auto industry, and now we are just gradually returning to where we should really be. I suspect we will lose quite a bit more people, but still stay one of the more populated northern states. There is only so much a state with our climate can do to attract people because most people want to live where its warm.

I agree with this statement. If the majority of people enjoyed a cold climate our towns would be over flowing during the winter months like they are in the summer. Instead the towns just about close right up because people don't want to come and walk the streets in cold, snow and ice. I know the exception are the folks who come for skiing and to snow machine.

[DaniellaG]

I lived most my life in MI and then have lived in CA,FL,NJ and what I miss about MI is the affordable housing in an upscale and safe area.
I agree that if MI had nicer weather year round the population would rise even with the employment issues. When ever I tell someone I am from MI they state something about the winter being ruff.

[Starrman69]

Having resided in Florida for over 3 years, I miss Lake Michigan, particularly the Holland State Park area. It was just a quick drive from Battle Creek. I also miss the Meijer stores. You can get just
about anything you're looking for on a shopping trip. It does seem strange coming back on visits and wondering through the various stores and hearing English being spoken...

[AlohaHuey]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

Actually Michigan is one of the most populated of all the cold and snowy states. The only reason for this was the auto industry, and now we are just gradually returning to where we should really be. I suspect we will lose quite a bit more people, but still stay one of the more populated northern states. There is only so much a state with our climate can do to attract people because most people want to live where its warm.

I think the climate in MI is very attractive to those who enjoy the four seasons. It doesn't get bitterly cold like Chicago and Buffalo seem to, or ridiculously hot in the summer. There are many lakes to attract weekend travelers. All this is secondary to an attractive job market...I mean, Research Triangle Park has its own weather issues (hot muggy summers), and western Washington has a cool rainy climate most months. Austin is hot in the summer, too. Yet, these areas attract employees.

[Luzette]

Originally Posted by Starrman69

Having resided in Florida for over 3 years, I miss Lake Michigan, particularly the Holland State Park area. It was just a quick drive from Battle Creek. I also miss the Meijer stores. You can get just
about anything you're looking for on a shopping trip. It does seem strange coming back on visits and wondering through the various stores and hearing English being spoken...

I think I'd miss Meijer stores too. More and more it's the place I go for groceries. They seem to have the best produce, and I don't know where they're getting it from that it's so much better than other chains.

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by Luzette

I think I'd miss Meijer stores too. More and more it's the place I go for groceries. They seem to have the best produce, and I don't know where they're getting it from that it's so much better than other chains.

Meijer buys produce locally whenever possible, so maybe that has something to do with it. If it's in season, a lot of the stuff is from Michigan. Asparagus, apples, lettuce, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, etc

[Luzette]

In the summer it's mostly all local produce everywhere, but I haven't been finding good produce through the winter months anywhere outside of Meijers. It's got to be coming from the southern regions, but they're getting it from different suppliers than the other stores around here. They've also got the best selection of various nuts too. I love their cashews and pecans.

[AlohaHuey]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

Actually Michigan is one of the most populated of all the cold and snowy states. The only reason for this was the auto industry, and now we are just gradually returning to where we should really be. I suspect we will lose quite a bit more people, but still stay one of the more populated northern states. There is only so much a state with our climate can do to attract people because most people want to live where its warm.

Actually, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and New York are all cold and snowy and have more population than MI.

[zthatzmanz28]

Went to dinner last night and suddenly realized how much I miss real middle eastern food...

[wagonman76]

Originally Posted by Luzette

I think I'd miss Meijer stores too. More and more it's the place I go for groceries. They seem to have the best produce, and I don't know where they're getting it from that it's so much better than other chains.

Several people I work with have said the same thing about Meijer produce. That was the first thing they said when Meijer came to Petoskey.

I like how Meijer has about the best selection of automotive and related things, aside from going to a parts store.