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Why do you live in Minnesota?

Molly Bloom January 28, 2014, 7:00 AM Jan 28, 2014

Minnesotans today woke up to another day of sub-zero temperatures, school cancellations and dangerous wind chills.

Some are making the best of it, like racing a 135-mile course or partaking in an ice fishing extravganza.

But others may need a reminder. So…

Today’s Question: Why do you live in Minnesota?

About the blogger

Molly Bloom

mbloom@mpr.org

reggie

Umm… because we have the best public radio service in the country?

PaulJ

Birth lottery

Scott44

I wasn’t born here, and did a bit of growing up on the East Coast. Both mom and dad are from North Cental Minnesota. When dad retired from the Airforce they both wanted to back to Minnesota. I have been here since the age of 12. Abouth the only other state I would concider is Alaska.

AndyBriebart

Sure, this cold of weather wears on you but it just makes you appreciated summer more. My wife and family keep me here. I the increasing role of government in this state makes me want to leave. The Black Hills, Sioux Falls area, or maybe Texas.

JQP

its funny you say that. My MN relatives moved to SD for the freedom from MN government too …. (first Deadwood for Casino jobs, then Murdo for regular work) and later one of them got a govt. job. … and now … they are screaming to get out of SDak’s as they put it “working your self to debt” life.

Greener grass and all that…
- AndyBriebart
  
  I have a few connections to do what I do here in sales that I would out there. Always a risk, but with risk comes rewards.

Jamie

A question that in recent weeks has been much on my mind…

I’d have to go with family and mostly stable jobs. It sure isn’t the cold, the taxes, or the mosquitoes.

Yanotha Twangai

FYI, the high-tax-high-service government is a big part of why those jobs are stable.

Caitlin

So many reasons! The dramatic change of the 4 seasons, the amazing park system and natural beauty of woods and lakes, the strength of the nonprofit sector and community ties, and of course the arts and the coolest Public Radio ever 🙂

Jim G

My Norwegian great-grandparents chose the same rocky, glacial farmland they remembered in their homeland. My German forebearers, came late to this country to escape the Kaiser’s military conscription. So, they also settled in this bitterly cold land. My roots run deep in Minnesota, entwining the glacial drift preventing the northwest gusts from uprooting me to warmer climes, to the great consternation of my warm blooded Californian spouse.

Shantell Webb

Its all about the Twin Cities. I moved here from Wisconsin in 1997 and since then Minneapolis and St. Paul are the two reasons why I have chosen to stay living and working in Minnesota.

Gordon near Two Harbors

My family came here in 1874, and I feel very fortunate to have grown up here. We have a great culture, millions of acres of public land for outdoor recreation, a spectacular Lake Superior coastline, the Boundary Waters Wilderness, three biomes, 11,000 lakes, four distinct seasons, great schools, fantastic arts communities, progressive politics, etc.

I’ve travelled all over the country (and lived in Montana and Oregon for a short time), and have found VERY FEW places that provide the variety and quality of life that Minnesota provides.

JQP

because dying here is even more permanent.

Love Minnesota

It has a sense of place, tradition, yet it’s forward thinking. Enjoy the change of seasons. It has a sense of community, maybe that’s because so many people are from here and don’t leave. To me, places like Atlanta, Los Angeles and other major metropolitan areas seem so transient compared to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Not born here

And that so many are from here is what makes Minnesota, sadly, inhospitable to those who are not from here. Everyone is wrapped up in their family community and not very open to those outside their circles. If I win the lottery I will leave.

kevins

I like the simplicity here compared to other places I have lived. I like that my second daughter is a U of M grad, and I, Ohio State. I like that my granddaughter can live in town but get out to the trees and prairie to play with the dogs in no time. I like the intensity of the growing season, including the mega-gardner neighbors of mine we call farmers. I like the view from my front window after a blizzard, although taking a few weeks of of each end of winter would suit me fine.

Ziplock

The ever changing anticipation of the next season to come…

KHW

I have it too good to live elsewhere

Eric Wheeler

I moved here about four and half years ago from Oklahoma to attend grand school at St. Cloud State. I now live in St. Paul and work in Minneapolis. I definitely think the changing of the seasons here is a beautiful thing and seems to be more dramatic than in other areas of the country. That might be reason enough. However…

I love the Twin Cities in particular because of the diverse populations, thriving arts & music scene, amazing bars/restaurants and the generally physically active community. One of the best parks and trails system in the country allows for year-round biking and plenty of outdoor sights to check out year-round (Minnehaha Falls is amazing anytime of year). I love winters in Minnesota in particular because the snow and sub-zero temps allows for all sorts of outdoor activities that you simply can’t do in places where it only occasionally drops below freezing. Ice climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, pond hockey, ice fishing… the list goes on. Spring brings great relief from the cold temps and excitement for summer. Summer brings block parties and fun on the lakes. And fall brings some of the most beautiful colors I’ve ever seen. What a beautiful place to live, work and play!
Jillian Helleloid

I have lived several places (OR, TX & GA) but I have spent most of my life in MN. I live here because of family, friendly people, the outdoor life style, the lakes, having 4 seasons and the overall beauty of this state!
Una Duckfoot

I would feel more trapped in the house if I lived in TX than MN. When you go outside you can always add another layer if it’s cold, but when it’s hot, once you are down to skin, that’s it.

Snow also gives people an opportunity to act as a community. How many stuck cars have you helped push this winter?
PinguinoRoja

Ahh,, that wonderful point in the year where we ask ourselves: What the hell are we doing here? It will fade come mid-May.
tj22

I moved here from Florida 3 years ago and I would never go back. The community here is active, culturally diverse and progressive. Plus, you can’t snowboard on that lower peninsula. The only thing I miss about the East Coast is our ability to be frank with one another and discuss controversial topics without getting uncomfortable.