Last thoughts of 5 years in Minneapolis before I leave the Midwest

[beenhereandthere]

Originally Posted by Beenhere4ever

Sorry folks. Whatever the "job growth" in Washington, their unemployment is still much higher than Minnesota. 6.8 percent in Washington, 5.3 percent in Minnesota. If "no income tax" is the answer, seems like Washington state should consider getting one. But, of course, we know that is a dumb equation. Despite what business says in Minnesota, there is no equation between income tax and jobs. Never has been.

The higher UI rate in WA, since, due to a lot of counties, particularly on the SW coast, having UI rates of 10% or higher. MN might not have any county over 10% right now.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by beenhereandthere

The higher UI rate in WA, since, due to a lot of counties, particularly on the SW coast, having UI rates of 10% or higher. MN might not have any county over 10% right now.

Exactly. Washington state also has many remote rural counties with few jobs (coastal and agrarian counties). Also, rural eastern Washington is mostly a lower wage economy with only one city of any size, Spokane.

[Govie]

Originally Posted by Ghaukne

Worst #3: Limited diversity. Yes, we do have a big Somali population. Yes, we do have a Hmong population. Yes Lake Street is like little Veracruz. But I can count on my hand the number of black people I see at Stella’s on a summer night and its usually only one hand if that. It’s not as white as Fargo but its pretty close. Races here don’t mix. My dad’s neighbors hook us up with Mexican BBQ in Houston, but they don’t seem to mix much. And I really wouldn’t want to be black here, man, dating would suck if you are trying to get a white girl from Edina or Minnetonka.

LMFAO. You been living in the same Minneapolis/St. Paul as me? I think you may have been hallucinating during your 5 year tenure here if this is one of the perceptions you walk away with.

It's true that MN is 85% "white" (Anglo, Caucasian, European-America n - whatever term(s) you prefer), but saying that Minneapolis/St. Paul isn't diverse or that black guys can't get a date (with white women) is so outlandish it's funny to me. In fact I see just as many BM/WF couples as I do BM/BF relationships, if not more. I've also been told by blacks from all over the country and from a number of countries on the African continent tell me that MSP is by far more "progressive" and diverse than many of the places they come from.

[Rialta]

If you want sunny weather during winter, move to Colorado. People who live at higher elevations are generally healthier anyway.

[Govie]

Originally Posted by Rialta

If you want sunny weather during winter, move to Colorado. People who live at higher elevations are generally healthier anyway.

And you can get stoned legally there now as well.

[Minntoaz]

Originally Posted by Rialta

If you want sunny weather during winter, move to Colorado. People who live at higher elevations are generally healthier anyway.

which also means more weathered skin. Can't have it all.