HATE THE COLD? Then why do you stay in Minnesota? (houses, school)

[Old Tired Man]

Back when I lived in Minnesota I used to talk to people all the time who just HATED THE COLD WINTERS and the generally miserable Springs and Falls Seasons. I used to ask them why they continued to live in an area where cold weather was much more common than pretty much anyplace in America, and I never got a straight answer.

This question and poll is only for people who live in Minnesota who HATE the cold weather and think that the Spring and Fall season is not so great either.

[uptown_urbanist]

People have lots of reasons. It's tough to just pack up and move. Maybe they own houses, have good jobs, have kids in school and prefer not to move them, have family here. Maybe there are enough other positives to outweigh the weather negative. I can't say I love the Minnesota weather, but I can live with it. Now if actively considering a new relocation THEN weather would be a consideration, but once you're already somewhere there's about a million other things to factor in, too.

[cielpur]

I hate the winter. I do love the other three seasons in MN -- even the 95 degree humid days in the summer and the brisk autumn days. But I truly dislike snow and freezing weather and I think it moderately affects my emotional state (S.A.D.?). Why do I stay? The connections I have to the area, primarily (I grew up in the metro). The quality of life is high and the cost of living is good for what you get. I also enjoy living in an area with an educated populace -- this leads to many opportunities for pursuing interests beyond work which would be harder for me in other areas.

I'm not closed to moving to a warmer state, though. In fact, if the right job opportunity came along I would very seriously consider it. I'm single and have no kids which makes it easier. I'm currently trying to decide if trading in the factors that keep me here is worth it, and I'm still leaning towards "no." But I'm becoming more open to it as time goes on.

[cielpur]

By the way, it looks like I don't qualify to answer your question based on the fact that I enjoy the other seasons. Like UU said I'm sure it's basically work and family related for those people who choose to stay here. I actually haven't met anyone that hates most of MN's weather like you have.

[golfgal]

I can't say I've run into anyone in MN that doesn't like spring, summer and fall or at least 2 of those seasons. I like them all but when the time comes for the seasons to change, I am ready for the new one. It's one of the best parts of the weather here I think. As I get older, I'm sure I won't like winter as much but who knows.

[Mplsite]

I moved here knowing that winter at its coldest (late Dec-early Feb) can be brutal. Just dress for it and don't spend lots of time wandering outside and you'll be fine. I'm wearing multiple layers of socks and wear 4 pairs of gloves when it gets really cold (including alien-looking exterior cycling gloves) and thermals of course: both a thin and thick pair at the same time if necessary. I'm also wearing a cap to cover my ears under my balaclava and yes, I rode my bike a bit today. How someone couldn't like spring/fall I don't know, unless you refuse to dress/layer properly.

When you put up your poll you might want to stick to winter, since spring/fall are pretty popular.

[uptown_urbanist]

I agree with the others. I was just thinking about not liking winter cold, but I have yet to meet someone who didn't enjoy at least some of the year here -- after all, there's a huge range! I suppose if you ONLY like dry desert heat then you wouldn't find anything to like. I guess the fact that I enjoy fall and spring means I shouldn't have answered the question! I don't live in MN because of the weather (but would never move away because of it, either), although there are some seasons I really like, and like Golfgal I do appreciate a change of seasons.

[iNviNciBL3]

If i could relocate me, my family and friends to Arizona or New Mexico i would do it in a heartbeat.

[Galan]

I finally got tired of the cold and I moved - first to western SD (which believe it or not is considerably warmer than MN) and then to South Florida. One thing I will say about MN is the economy there is second to none! It's one of the best places to be if you've got a 4 year degree or higher and need a good paying job. In my opinion, we have one of the most underrated economies in the country. The down side is that the cost of living in MN is high and the taxes are high as well. You guys who live in MN may think you don't have high taxes, but move just about anywhere else (other than IL, CA, NJ or NY) and you'll realize how high the taxes in MN are. However, with that said, the fact that they don't tax food and clothing does help alleviate things a lot. In the end though, the weather became a deal breaker. You expect to have bad weather in January and February, but when you're still getting in all the way through April and May you start to question your sanity for living in such a place.

[Glenfield]

I don't think you'll find many people here who would agree that spring and fall are generally miserable. Personally, I think winter can be hard, but it's also a time that can be incredibly beautiful and peaceful. And when the seasons are ready to change, so am I. I guess it all depends on how you approach things.