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Old 10-23-2016, 07:52 AM
 
Location: Minneapolis
256 posts, read 287,197 times
Reputation: 282

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Haha yeah I was gonna say, what you're experiencing now is called "Fall/Autumn", one of the four things called "seasons" that we have here in Minnesota

Seriously though, glad you're enjoying it so far. I don't know how people can live places that don't have actual distinct seasons.
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Old 10-24-2016, 01:15 PM
 
1,830 posts, read 1,359,344 times
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Hmm... Native Californians, born and raised in CA, considering living in MN year round? Big change in climate, for sure. I'd suggest heading to Tahoe during the coldest time frame, then imagine LIVING in said climate for at least 3 months of the year, to somewhat simulate MN winter living (and that on the milder side).

This will be on the warmer side of MN winters - minus the arctic fronts from Canada and wind chills of MN. It may take a few years to adjust, but I think if you learn to embrace the cold by participating in activities, you and your family will have a better chance of successfully assimilating to climate and maximizing lifestyle of the region.

Bear in mind, there have been groups of native Southeast Asian populations that have successfully adjusted to life in MN's frigid winter climate, so it's certainly doable for you and your family - provided you have the right mindset and constitution.

But I have known several native Californians who have stated they could never live in any other region of the US, whether due to climate or otherwise, so that is something to consider.
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Old 10-24-2016, 06:25 PM
 
Location: QRoo Mexico.
82 posts, read 215,237 times
Reputation: 47
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!
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Old 10-24-2016, 06:55 PM
 
517 posts, read 1,052,528 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamnkats View Post
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!

Oh! That is the funniest thing I read all day!

The great thing about northern Minnisota is the drown proof lakes. For several months of the year you can drive your car on them.

You will know it is winter when you go down to the lake and see people driving around on them.

Cheers
Qazulight
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Old 10-24-2016, 07:54 PM
 
1,349 posts, read 1,709,013 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamnkats View Post
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!
You do know winter is like Dec-Feb right?
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Old 10-24-2016, 08:11 PM
 
2,579 posts, read 2,071,136 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamnkats View Post
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!
Dear god, no. This isn't even a cool fall. People are still wearing shorts and sandals (me included - am I am not a winter-lover by any stretch).

Seriously, if this feels cold to you, invest now in some very good winter clothing (boots, especially) and figure out some ways to embrace it comfortably when it does come. Shoe shoeing, indoor driving ranges, MN Zoo membership (if you are in the southern metro - the indoor trail in the middle of January is a nice retreat), cc skiing, a Y membership, whatever .... if you don't embrace it, winter can get long here. And you can't get into it without decent clothing (doesn't have to be expensive, just the right stuff).
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Old 10-25-2016, 06:33 PM
 
242 posts, read 433,175 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamnkats View Post
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!
I grew up in Wisconsin and my wife grew up in SoCal. She grew to love Minnesota quickly. And, if you think you're experiencing winter now, you have no idea what you're in for. I recommend heading to Dick's and buying a nice North Face jacket, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf now Seriously, you'll grow to love it!
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Old 10-25-2016, 06:34 PM
 
242 posts, read 433,175 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr roboto View Post
Um...
Yup October ain't winter folks. Wait until December, and especially, January and February. And March, April, and the early May snowfall.
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Old 10-25-2016, 07:20 PM
 
603 posts, read 573,957 times
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Aside from the weather, every aspect of life will be better in Minnesota than in California. Whether it is worth it to you to make that trade or to self limit your career advancement for California weather is a decision only you can make.

I will say this: the one time I let geography overrule career advancement/a better job it turned out to be one of the ten biggest mistakes in my life.
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Old 10-26-2016, 05:29 AM
 
1,830 posts, read 1,359,344 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwimBikeRun15 View Post
Sorry for the long post, need help!

Recently, I have been approached by my employer (Fortune 500 company) about potentially moving to the HQ in the Twin Cities. Over the next year I would train and be "groomed" with a target move date of mid-2017 or later. I like the company and have been given a lot of good opportunities over the 10+ years I have worked for them. I have pretty much no more advancement opportunities unless I move to the HQ.

Background:
- Married, one kid (less than 1 year old), and plan to have one more some day
- Wife and I both work for large Fortune 500 companies and we both have our MBAs from a Top 15 school
- Both wife and I were born and raised in SoCal (hence my "am I crazy" comment)
- We tried to buy a house but we are pretty much priced out of safe neighborhoods with good schools (a 4 bedroom house would run over $1 million)
- Combined we make >$250k
- Job market in SoCal is soft for people who work for large corporations. A few companies have moved their HQs out of SoCal (Toyota, Jacobs Engineering, etc). I don't see it getting better any time soon because of the cost of living. Small/medium companies are an option but they have less advancement opportunities.
- We would be far away from family but they have the financial resources and time to travel to visit

My questions:
- Back to my comment above, are we crazy to give up living near family and perpetual good weather? I am trying to think like a family man and cost of living is weighing heavily in this decision.
- Is it hard to make new friends through kid's schools, sports, etc?
- I have been to MN in the winter, but having never lived anywhere where it gets below 40F I am thinking that this will be a huge adjustment? Is it doable? What should we do to not go crazy?
- Anything we are not considering?

TLDR: Living in SoCal, should we move to MN?

I was a bit sidetracked by the weather issue based on the few immediately previous posts, but given your description above, I think you should seriously consider the move based on the following (all my opinion, of course):

1. The overall quality of life for your whole family will be better. Other than ocean beach (there are lake beaches) and mountain access, the Twin Cities will offer similar lifestyle amenities (dining, museums, symphony, theatre, sports, year round outdoor activities).

2. Career advancement opportunities for yourself and possibly your wife. Who knows, no move has to be permanent, and if you do not care for life in MN there may be other relocation opportunities down the road.

3. Your child is young enough to fully assimilate into the local culture and should have no more of a difficult time making friends in MN than SoCal. I am not the most outgoing person, but even I was able to form a couple of friendships after moving mid-year to a new high school during my Junior year. Joining sporting activities and school clubs often helps, but then your child is still too young for this to be an issue. At that age, I found actively seeking out 'mom-and-me' playgroups to be beneficial for both child and parents to meet similarly situated parents. You get what you give. Also, if you intend to send your child to public schools, in general, the Twin Cities will offer superior public school education than SoCal.

4. As mentioned, the change in climate, especially winters, may be a challenge. It all depends on your individual make-up and attitude. Head up to Tahoe during winter for a weeklong vacation, walking around the area both during the day and evening to get a feel for living in a cold environment. Taking up outdoor sports/activities will alleviate some of the cabin fever many get during MN's long winters. Dress appropriately and layer, layer, layer.

Perhaps you and your family can schedule a quick visit this coming winter to get a better feel for the situation. Try during the coldest months, maybe late Dec.-Jan.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qazulight View Post
Oh! That is the funniest thing I read all day!

The great thing about northern Minnisota is the drown proof lakes. For several months of the year you can drive your car on them.

You will know it is winter when you go down to the lake and see people driving around on them.

Cheers
Qazulight
Well, how the heck is one suppose to get to one's wood stove-heated ice fishing hut??

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamnkats View Post
ok, so apparently this is not winter? really? i've really been pulling for global warming so we'll see. when does real winter start? how can this NOT be winter? it is FREEZING! i can see my breath!
LOL. Wait until it gets so cold your nasal surface blood vessels pop, resulting in spontaneous nose bleeds upon stepping outside.

Last edited by mingna; 10-26-2016 at 06:11 AM..
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