Does Wisconsin have "Wisconsin Nice"? (transplants, house)

[icecreamsandwich]

From my reading on Minnesota it seems to be an awesome place but one thing that transplants tend to mention is that the locals are friendly but mostly superficially and it's very hard to become close friends with them. Is this the case in WI or are people more open and relaxed in that regard?

[Packersngolf]

Having lived there most of our lives, I find Wisconsin people very outgoing compared to many other states. Have no fear - nice folks!

[43north87west]

That exists in Wisconsin to some extent.

In my opinion, a lot of people expect that extroverted behavior automatically means that people are also friendly or courteous. I think that this suite of disconnected expectations, is the reason that the concept of "Minnesota nice" exists. People are extroverted, no question about it. There is the illusion of friendliness--they'll chat with you in line at the bank, or at the bar, or at some sporting event, or pretty much wherever. And they'll talk to you as if you have been friends for years. But they aren't looking for new friends, and they will probably let the door slam on you on the way out of the bar, after just telling you their life's story.

The difference seems to be that in most places, people are less chatty and sociable. They're not discourteous, but just not as willing to strike up a conversation with a random person. So there isn't that "illusion" of being friendly where there is no intention.

It also seems that a lot of the Midwest is not very transient. Everyone is from there anyway, so they have lots of friends (for 30 years). They don't need more friends. This is less evident in major cities, where people are moving in and out more frequently.

[susancruzs]

I moved to NE Wisc. 4 yrs. ago, I've found it to be awesome! I've met a great group of people, have friends I go to lunch with on Mondays, another lunch bunch on Fridays, nice, down to earth friendly people. It didn't take me long at all to find people to go places with if I want.

First year I was here someone I met let me use their tickets for a Packers game, how great was that? Granted, a preseason game, but I had never been to Lambeau so 4 of us went, a super time!

[sholomar]

some will be more outgoing than others. You will find that attitude more in the east/SE part of the state.. I admit I have those traits to a degree, I don't have a desire to have a large social circle and chat with people I don't know. But I'm an extreme example. Take the initiative and don't get offended or take it personally if you stumble upon one that wants to be left alone and you'll be fine.

It's not so much a hatred for other people, just a lack of desire for small talk on my part. You may have people too that grew up on WI and don't have the guts to leave but want too, or don't like the population density and traffic, so when they get home, it's their space, their haven, they don't want to be bothered and interrupted there. It's their place for peace. People who move to large cities by default don't mind the distraction, and people in the country or in the northwoods have so much more space they are more open to conversation.... but in your typical suburb like west bend.. when they get off work they probably just want to relax like me... with just the family. Maybe they have a long commute, or work overtime. Extra socialization on top of that will feel like 'work' to some while for others it's a way of life.

Also there tends to be a bit more gravitation towards the family unit in general than in some parts of the country... wife, kids, packers, apple pie.. it doesn't appeal to everyone (it does to me )

[BadgerGrl]

Wisconsin is waaaay better than Minnesota. There's a reason the term Minnesota Nice exists and Wisconsin Nice does not.

[Megan1967]

Frankly, I think anyone who expects to move to a new place and instantly have a circle of 20 friends has unrealistic expectations. I was born and raised in WI, however, so maybe I'm an example of "Wisconsin nice." I will talk to anyone anywhere, but I don't expect to then invite some random person over to my house for a bar-b-que.

[robertpolyglot]

Originally Posted by BadgerGrl

Wisconsin is waaaay better than Minnesota. There's a reason the term Minnesota Nice exists and Wisconsin Nice does not.

Count your blessings. I hear "Minnesota Nice" and cringe. When I was fresh out of college, I had an opportunity to see the Twin Cities for a job-related visit. Coming from the West Coast and being naive, all I got to see was how cool Minneapolis and especially Saint Paul looked under a Feb. blanket of snow. Now, that I've gotten to know more Minnesotans, their monotone "Nice" takes some work to adjust to. I have NOT seen this among Wisconsinites because (1) they are more multi-ethnic and (2) they are closer to Chicago, possibly. But, yeah, no "Wisconsin Nice" to my knowledge.

[northbound74]

Overall, Wisconsin is nice.
Being chatty and courteous is a nice trait, it just isn't always with intentions of being a friend.
I'll take it over grumpy looks and blank stares any day.

[sholomar]

True, but feeling obligated to wave, make eye contact with, and smile at every person that drives or walks by in a busy suburban environment.. I'm just not going to do that. When I'm out and about I have tasks to complete and tend to zone on in them and get them done. Gotta have a balance.