How do you join in Minnesota?

[WriterDude]

Originally Posted by chessgeek

When you find out that trhe culture is far more sophisticated and extensive than where you are from (AZ), you can thank them (Minnesotans) for being grateful more often than boastful, though Minnesota has much to be proud of (Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Ctr, more theater seats than other cities outside of NYC, music scene, etc). As for the language quirks ("You betcha; don'tcha know"...), probably no one under the age of 50 uses them any longer but they can still be funny. Fargo was a great movie, but keep in mind it is a good 17 years old now.

Great thought, Chess. Thanks.

I certainly hope that nobody takes my comments as saying, in any way, that I think of Minnesota as a snowy wasteland populated by people who are in any way backward or uncultured. If I thought that for a second, I would never be planning to move there.

I'm more concerned that I'd say something ill-informed or insensitive. That's not because I'm ill-informed or insensitive, but because I'm still trying to figure out how to bust away from my wallflower spot and bust a move.

[shotz90s]

Originally Posted by WriterDude

Great thought, Chess. Thanks.

I certainly hope that nobody takes my comments as saying, in any way, that I think of Minnesota as a snowy wasteland populated by people who are in any way backward or uncultured. If I thought that for a second, I would never be planning to move there.

I'm more concerned that I'd say something ill-informed or insensitive. That's not because I'm ill-informed or insensitive, but because I'm still trying to figure out how to bust away from my wallflower spot and bust a move.

LOL, don't worry about that. Half of the states population considers it a snowy wasteland already. It isn't but we like to complain about the weather. Personally I love snow and cold so I'm usually complaining in July/August while everyone else is happy. Good luck on bustin' a move!

[JodiAaby]

I can't give you any tips or tricks but my family and I moved here a few years ago and, as a woman in her mid 20's, I can tell you the only way I've met people my age was through college and even then it's been tricky. Coming from a big city (I was born and raised in Tampa, FL), the town I live in (second largest in MN) has a very small-town-vibe about it. People know who they know and they all grew up together. They seem to feel no need to make new friends so it's difficult to penetrate that wall. I spent a year at the local community college and the atmosphere was much the same as what I can recall of middle school.

There's a lot to do here for fun if you keep an open mind and don't fall in with the wrong crowd (seems to be an issue with kids & drugs but that's normal in a small-town place, kids get bored). Lots of artsy stuff, community & seasonal events, the farmer's markets are fun if you're into all that healthy/natural/supporting your community stuff. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there a little more significantly than you would in a bigger city. My only qualms with MN are the lack of diversity and the 6 month long Winters. I'm moving back home soon because MN is just not a fit for me but I gave it 3 years and I can fully see others loving living here, particularly families and the elderly.

[WriterDude]

Originally Posted by JodiAaby

I can't give you any tips or tricks but my family and I moved here a few years ago and, as a woman in her mid 20's, I can tell you the only way I've met people my age was through college and even then it's been tricky. Coming from a big city (I was born and raised in Tampa, FL), the town I live in (second largest in MN) has a very small-town-vibe about it. People know who they know and they all grew up together. They seem to feel no need to make new friends so it's difficult to penetrate that wall. I spent a year at the local community college and the atmosphere was much the same as what I can recall of middle school.

There's a lot to do here for fun if you keep an open mind and don't fall in with the wrong crowd (seems to be an issue with kids & drugs but that's normal in a small-town place, kids get bored). Lots of artsy stuff, community & seasonal events, the farmer's markets are fun if you're into all that healthy/natural/supporting your community stuff. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there a little more significantly than you would in a bigger city. My only qualms with MN are the lack of diversity and the 6 month long Winters. I'm moving back home soon because MN is just not a fit for me but I gave it 3 years and I can fully see others loving living here, particularly families and the elderly.

This is great information, thank you! I appreciate the comments. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard that people tend to be very reserved about building friendships, I'd have, well, several dollars.

I'm especially happy to hear your opinion about the recreational options - I'm not so much about healthy and natural, but I'm big on supporting my community.