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I'm sure the fact that North Dakota only has a population of about 600,000 for the whole state contributes to its status as "fastest growing", "fastest increasing" or whatever. There is so little there that any growth of any kind is going to look huge!
Well, in defense of the north, let me say that with 600,000 people in the whole state you are not going to have very many traffic jams. Ever.
It was that way once in NC too. Then came the thundering herd. Raleigh wasn't a whole lot bigger than Fargo 40 years ago, and now it's got a higher population than older urban centers like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
North Dakotans probably see their weather as a blessing of sorts because it serves to screen out much of the land-of-milk-and-honey seekers. They've got a pretty good niche for themselves with a small, mostly agriculture-based economy without a whole lot of new people piling in for whom to provide services and infrastructure. There was no boom and thus there was no bust. I doubt they're clamoring for much of a departure from that.
It was that way once in NC too. Then came the thundering herd. Raleigh wasn't a whole lot bigger than Fargo 40 years ago, and now it's got a higher population than older urban centers like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
North Dakotans probably see their weather as a blessing of sorts because it serves to screen out much of the land-of-milk-and-honey seekers.
I was thinking it but wasn't gonna say it. But honestly, having grown up in WI, then spending the last 13 yrs. in IA, we did say that the cold weather kept the riff-raff out!
In more defense not just of North Dakota, but of the whole Midwest in general, yes, it gets cold in the winter, there's no denying that, but at least in WI it was cold enough that what fell from the sky would definitely be snow and not ice. ND would be that way too. (IA's a whole 'nuther ballgame).
The Midwest has its own beauty, even IA. To other it's flat land but the prairie grasses and native flowers are very picturesque. Seriously, there is no traffic in IA. South Dakota is also very nice with the wide open spaces. Maybe I'm just a hermit or maybe just feeling a tad homesick. Ok, I am homesick. But it just makes me feel bad when people are rippin' on the Midwest. I would back to WI in a heartbeat but hubby says he's not ever living in the Midwest again.
Parts of western NY are also pretty empty and wide open. Last time I was there, I drove to Niagara Falls from Rochester, along the lake, and I swore we saw about three other cars in two hours. I loved the serenity.
If I hadn't experienced the term, "chilled to the bone," in NY, I think I would consider ND if things didn't turn around here in NC. It would have also continued my habit of living in two-word states that begin with "N."
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The Midwest has its own beauty, even IA. To other it's flat land but the prairie grasses and native flowers are very picturesque. Seriously, there is no traffic in IA. South Dakota is also very nice with the wide open spaces.
First priority right now: being near my aging parents (who are in DC). My children's other grandparents are moving to Williamsburg, VA, so Raleigh is a decent driving distance from both. I have plenty of friends and family in VA/NC. I don't happen to know anyone in ND.
Luckily my career is fairly global. I'll never be rich, but I love my work, and theoretically there is a library in every community of reasonable size.
Weather/climate is a pretty high priority for me. NY for 16 years has been bloody cold enough!
Brentwood, you didn't say what the market for single 40 somethings is in ND! Screw the job, I want a husband with warm feet and a kind heart.
I've never been to N.D. but my gut reaction is no way.
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