Why are you still living in the state of Michigan?

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 17:28

I just got back from a trip around the US which took me to to six different locations visiting friends. Raleigh, Atlanta, Miami, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Denver.

About halfway through the trip, it dawned on me that Michigan is genuinely one of the worst places in the entire country to call home.

Land is entirely flat, weather is cold for 5 months per year, most of the cities are declining and either blighted or on the way to becoming blighted. People in Michigan tend to be on the conservative side, but not in a good way(very little capacity to enjoy life). There is a culture that pervades Michigan saying that people should work very hard, and be happy receiving a very low wage in exchange.

Given all of downsides, why do you still choose to live in this state?

Presumably everyone here has a college degree, and can essentially move anywhere for work that they wish. I hear a lot of excuses, such as people saying "I like the change in seasons" or "I don't think I can do any better than I can right now", which is just people trying to justify to themselves why they continue to put up with such low quality of life.

I'm interested to see some responses.

by **Rocinante** 2014-11-04, 17:32

I don't. But I think you're being unfair. The big cities suck (except apparently GR) but the coasts are awesome. If I lived in a Detroit suburb or maybe Lansing I might feel like you do. The center of the LP from moist pleasant to the border is shit too. Lake Michigan is genuinely one of the nicests coasts in the country.

by **Rocinante** 2014-11-04, 17:32

Haha moist pleasant. Total accident.

by **Other Teams Pursuing That** 2014-11-04, 17:36

to finish my degree at MSU.

Then I'm gone to Colorado.

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 17:38

Rocinante wrote:I don't. But I think you're being unfair. The big cities suck (except apparently GR) but the coasts are awesome. If I lived in a Detroit suburb or maybe Lansing I might feel like you do. The center of the LP from moist pleasant to the border is shit too. Lake Michigan is genuinely one of the nicests coasts in the country.

I'll agree that Lake Michigan is nice, but there are still plenty of blighted cities lining it. Surely anyone here could afford a vacation home on Lake Michigan for the three good months per year, but actually hold residence somewhere much better. Taking into account that there is a ton of lake effect snow each year and the water only gets up to 60 degrees in the Summer, there are still 50 other places is the US which are better.

by tanfan! 2014-11-04, 17:39

I left as fast as I could. Denver Id great. So is North Carolina.

by tanfan! 2014-11-04, 17:41

I left as fast as I could. Denver Id great. So is North Carolina.

by **NigelUno** 2014-11-04, 17:43

nucky likes it.

by **xsanguine** 2014-11-04, 17:53

Sup Nuck?

After 8 years in NYC I'm looking forward to move back this summer (at least that's the plan). I'd consider moving to Colorado but my family is in Michigan and I never realized how important that would become to me. I've missed out on a lot in the years I've been away. Sure, I can fly back for a week or two at a time a couple of times a year but it's just not the same.

I couldn't ever live in the Detroit area or back in my hometown of Lansing, though. It's pretty much GR or bust.

Lake Michigan is better than the (non-tropical) ocean, anyways. Upstate does the backpacking thing right and NYC destroys Michigan in food... but certain things become more important to you as you get older, I guess.

by **Blanch32** 2014-11-04, 17:54

Rocinante wrote:I don't. But I think you're being unfair. The big cities suck (except apparently GR) but the coasts are awesome. If I lived in a Detroit suburb or maybe Lansing I might feel like you do. The center of the LP from moist pleasant to the border is shit too. Lake Michigan is genuinely one of the nicests coasts in the country.

Only 5 months a yr???? Try 7

by Rodeo Burger 2014-11-04, 17:58

1. Lake Michigan
2. Aging parents with no one else around to help them (that I trust anyway)

I know every place has good beer, and most places have access to either beaches or mountains, but I'm in a good spot for me right now:

Downtown in the best beer city in the country, and about 40 minutes from the beaches and marinas of Lake Michigan.

I'm fiscally conservative and socially hedonistic. I have no problem meeting naughty girls in Grand Rapids and no one has ever asked me where I go to church or if I'd like to join Amway.

I'd like to live in the mountains at some point just to see what that's like, but I'll retire at least part time on a coast, whether it's Lake Michigan or the Gulf.

I do travel some for work, but I also work from home when I'm in town. I will not even consider a long commute, for any job. I'm not spending 10+ hours a week stuck in traffic, or dropping $600k for a dump in a crappy neighborhood.

by **Blanch32** 2014-11-04, 18:00

.....and the true answer is most the residents are mamas boys and homeboys. If they grew up in Ohio or new MX they'd still live there. This is a fact

by **xsanguine** 2014-11-04, 18:01

Rodeo Burger wrote: I will not even consider a long commute, for any job. I'm not spending 10+ hours a week stuck in traffic, or dropping $600k for a dump in a crappy neighborhood.

Yup... both these things, too.

by **xsanguine** 2014-11-04, 18:03

Blanch32 wrote:.....and the true answer is most the residents are mamas boys and homeboys. If they grew up in Ohio or new MX they'd still live there. This is a fact

Nothing wrong with loving your mom, bro. You should give it a shot... it might help that constant need for any kind of attention.

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 18:14

xsanguine wrote:Sup Nuck?

After 8 years in NYC I'm looking forward to move back this summer (at least that's the plan). I'd consider moving to Colorado but my family is in Michigan and I never realized how important that would become to me. I've missed out on a lot in the years I've been away. Sure, I can fly back for a week or two at a time a couple of times a year but it's just not the same.

I couldn't ever live in the Detroit area or back in my hometown of Lansing, though. It's pretty much GR or bust.

Lake Michigan is better than the (non-tropical) ocean, anyways. Upstate does the backpacking thing right and NYC destroys Michigan in food... but certain things become more important to you as you get older, I guess.

NYC is obviously a world class city, but I can't imagine living there for more than like 3-5 years in your 20s. I would much rather make $100k in Raleigh than $250k in NYC.

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 18:21

xsanguine wrote:

Nothing wrong with loving your mom, bro. You should give it a shot... it might help that constant need for any kind of attention.

I can understand wanting to make sure ailing parents are taken care of, but it seems silly for this to be the only reason. If anything, you should move somewhere better, and buy them a condo nearby.

by Herbie Green 2014-11-04, 18:21

I lived all over and then came back. I think I thought of Michigan the same way but realized how great it actually is. I have family, Spartans and Lake Michigan which are the three most important things in my life. Most of my friends would actually die to come back but can't because of jobs.
But if it was entirely about me I would prefer the West. I don’t think I would prefer anywhere east of Colorado over Michigan.
You are asking this on the wrong day though. There is nothing I hate more about Michigan than days like today. The November days when it is dark, the leaves are off the trees, its 40 degrees and drizzling. At least I have the game to look forward to.
I don't know why I am even responding though because I hate that attitude of where you live sucks.
Some people love NYC. I would rather live in North Dakota.

by **xsanguine** 2014-11-04, 18:22

Breslin Usher wrote:

I can understand wanting to make sure ailing parents are taken care of, but it seems silly for this to be the only reason. If anything, you should move somewhere better, and buy them a condo nearby.

Touche

by **Other Teams Pursuing That** 2014-11-04, 18:29

Breslin Usher wrote:

I can understand wanting to make sure ailing parents are taken care of, but it seems silly for this to be the only reason. If anything, you should move somewhere better, and buy them a condo nearby.

You going to pay for that condo?

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 18:35

Other Teams Pursuing That wrote:

You going to pay for that condo?

Most people who have a college education and are of the age where their parents will be dying of "old age issues" are not going to have issues putting together enough with siblings to buy a $125,000 condo. It will not even register as a blip on the financial radar. Then once your parents are no longer around, you sell it at either par or a profit.

by Herbie Green 2014-11-04, 18:40

Don't you live here yourself? If so answer your own question

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 18:46

Herbie Green wrote:Don't you live here yourself? If so answer your own question

That's a great question. Actually, the reason I took this trip was to figure out where I want to move to(or just to get an idea of what type of environment I would be best in). I like the West quite a bit, but the only place I'd be comfortable paying the cost of living is Salt Lake City, which is actually a clean city surrounded by awesome outdoor activities, but there just isn't enough going on there for me.

I think the answer here is North Carolina, and I'd have to do a bit more exploration before knowing exactly where in the state.

by **pulling69** 2014-11-04, 18:48

Which account do you want to keep, Breslin Usher or Marc Summers? Pick one so I can eliminate the other. TIA

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 18:49

pulling69 wrote:Which account do you want to keep, Breslin Usher or Marc Summers? Pick one so I can eliminate the other. TIA

This one is fine. I honestly don't plan on spending a lot of time on this site tbh.

by **pulling69** 2014-11-04, 18:57

So can I just go ahead and ban both and give you a head start?

by **Turtleneck** 2014-11-04, 19:02

I do not live in Michigan, but I sure wish I did. Saying Michigan is one of the "worst places in the entire country to call home.

Breslin Usher wrote:I just got back from a trip around the US which took me to to six different locations visiting friends. Raleigh, Atlanta, Miami, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Denver.

About halfway through the trip, it dawned on me that Michigan is genuinely one of the worst places in the entire country to call home.

Land is entirely flat, weather is cold for 5 months per year, most of the cities are declining and either blighted or on the way to becoming blighted. People in Michigan tend to be on the conservative side, but not in a good way(very little capacity to enjoy life). There is a culture that pervades Michigan saying that people should work very hard, and be happy receiving a very low wage in exchange.

Given all of downsides, why do you still choose to live in this state?

Presumably everyone here has a college degree, and can essentially move anywhere for work that they wish. I hear a lot of excuses, such as people saying "I like the change in seasons" or "I don't think I can do any better than I can right now", which is just people trying to justify to themselves why they continue to put up with such low quality of life.

I'm interested to see some responses.

Those lakes that you are not all that fond of account for 20% of the world's freshwater. There is some comfort in that. And beyond their utility, they are beautiful. Then there is the UP. As desolate as the UP is, it is gorgeous and a place I would call home in an instant. While I do not live in Michigan, I live in a place with a very similar climate. I love winter and the cold does not bother me at all. In fact, I would take the cold over the heat every time. It really comes down to taste and perspective, and to be honest, I don't want to debate this with a troll. I will say that calling Michigan "one of the worst places in the entire country to call home" proves you're not as well traveled as you claim.

by Breslin Usher 2014-11-04, 19:11

Turtleneck wrote:I do not live in Michigan, but I sure wish I did. Saying Michigan is one of the "worst places in the entire country to call home.

Those lakes that you are not all that fond of account for 20% of the world's freshwater. There is some comfort in that. And beyond their utility, they are beautiful. Then there is the UP. As desolate as the UP is, it is gorgeous and a place I would call home in an instant. While I do not live in Michigan, I live in a place with a very similar climate. I love winter and the cold does not bother me at all. In fact, I would take the cold over the heat every time. It really comes down to taste and perspective, and to be honest, I don't want to debate this with a troll. I will say that calling Michigan "one of the worst places in the entire country to call home" proves you're not as well traveled as you claim.

Not trolling at all with this post. I'm genuinely interested why so many people grew up here and plan on being Michigan residents for life. Granted, there are plenty of places in the US that are equally as bad as Michigan, but especially for college grads who have good income and are smart enough to not trap themselves here in any fashion(pregnancy, marrying a trashy local, etc.), I'm just wondering what the hesitation is to experience a better way of life.

by **steveschneider** 2014-11-04, 19:15

Left a long time ago, and just went back for a visit.

Believe it or not from time to time I miss the place.

The good: super cheap, great beer, the lakes, my favorite sports teams...

The bad: tons of hicks, deteriorating cities, super oppressive (almost got thrown out of a restaurant because I walked in through the wrong door by accident and didn't go in the door where you got carded...fuckin state is paranoid about drinking/liability at every ****ing establishment), brutal winter, super boring, terrible restaurants (mostly chains)...

Out on the east coast people pay taxes, and contribute to their cities infrastructure and programs so living is in general better. The quality of people in general is higher because they are better educated and enjoy more culture (musicals/theatre, literature, music, etc.).

I forgot in Lansing they can't even afford to mow their own parks, some areas of the town are a disgrace. Last time I drove through massachussets, I didn't hit one pot hole and the state is really well taken care of it looks great!

Bottom line if you are young, leave that state and live the dream.

by **Turtleneck** 2014-11-04, 19:30

steveschneider wrote:Left a long time ago, and just went back for a visit.

Believe it or not from time to time I miss the place.

The good: super cheap, great beer, the lakes, my favorite sports teams...

The bad: tons of hicks, deteriorating cities, super oppressive (almost got thrown out of a restaurant because I walked in through the wrong door by accident and didn't go in the door where you got carded...fuckin state is paranoid about drinking/liability at every ****ing establishment), brutal winter, super boring, terrible restaurants (mostly chains)...

Out on the east coast people pay taxes, and contribute to their cities infrastructure and programs so living is in general better. The quality of people in general is higher because they are better educated and enjoy more culture (musicals/theatre, literature, music, etc.).

I forgot in Lansing they can't even afford to mow their own parks, some areas of the town are a disgrace. Last time I drove through massachussets, I didn't hit one pot hole and the state is really well taken care of it looks great!

Bottom line if you are young, leave that state and live the dream.

Lets look at some of the bad you mention.

Tons of hicks: That is every state. Some have more, but every state has quite a few. Am I to believe that the states mentioned by the OP are free from hicks? Hell, he mentioned North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Deteriorating cities: Welcome to the frostbelt. Michigan has been hit the worst, but the rise of the sunbelt has come at the expense of the entire frostbelt. Michigan might be worse off, but cities across what used to be the industrial heartland of America have been hit hard.

Oppressive: I have never encountered this problem. However, the state police have some intimidating cars and uniforms.

Brutal winter and nothing to do: This is only true if you don't like the outdoors. If you enjoy the outdoors in the slightest, Michigan is great year around.

Terrible restaurants: I am going to agree, but counter with beer. Michigan's great beers make up for the absence of fine dining.

by LoneWolfSparty 2014-11-04, 19:33

Deer hunting. Next question.

Idiots.

by **Turtleneck** 2014-11-04, 19:35

LoneWolfSparty wrote:Deer hunting. Next question.

Idiots.

Actually this is a good point. Michigan requires a certain self-sufficiency. If you need people to do everything for you then maybe Michigan is a bad place to live.

by **duffy munn** 2014-11-04, 19:44

Breslin Usher wrote:

This one is fine. I honestly don't plan on spending a lot of time on this site tbh.

Good.

by **WhiteBoyHatcher** 2014-11-04, 20:56

Can't believe I hadn't realized Usher was Nucky. Thought he would stick to Marc Summers. Did you quit your job Nuck? Why all the free time?

by Rodeo Burger 2014-11-04, 21:11

Breslin Usher wrote:

Not trolling at all with this post. I'm genuinely interested why so many people grew up here and plan on being Michigan residents for life. Granted, there are plenty of places in the US that are equally as bad as Michigan, but especially for college grads who have good income and are smart enough to not trap themselves here in any fashion(pregnancy, marrying a trashy local, etc.), I'm just wondering what the hesitation is to experience a better way of life.

Most people have already said that they have either left the state for multiple years, or plan to when it makes sense.

No one has said that they were trapped, and even if they did, it's not like it's less likely to happen elsewhere.

As for a better way of life, I guess it depends on what kind of life you like.

I'll also offer this: some move just because they think doing so is an accomplishment in itself. It's not. It may be better, it may be much worse. Those who have their parent buy them a plane ticket to come back for Christmas will never admit the mistake.

by Oscar Taveras 2014-11-04, 21:12

I currently live in the South and don't think it's leaps and bounds better than Michigan. The only good beaches are pricier than Lake Michigan (Charleston, Hilton Head). The Craft Beer here sucks. The SEC talk/arrogance is annoying. People making small talk with you everywhere is dumb (Southern Hospitality is suppose). Charlotte/ATL pro sports blow. Being called a yankee is cool the first 204 times. City being shut down with a *threat* of snow. Racism. So on and so forth.

Redeeming qualities? Golf. Warm weather. Women until they hit their late 20's. Driveable to many different CFB stadiums. Cheap living. Seafood? Actually, it doesn't sound too bad.

by **WhiteBoyHatcher** 2014-11-04, 21:16

Bottom line. Really hard for you 20-something narcissistic nitwits to understand this because you only care about you. Here is a shocker. Not everyone thinks like you do. People enjoy different things and have different priorities. One day you will grow up and realize this and let people live the way they want live without questioning why they don't think more like you. Unless you're Bob Sakimano.

by **NigelUno** 2014-11-04, 21:23

Oscar Taveras wrote:I currently live in the South and don't think it's leaps and bounds better than Michigan. The only good beaches are pricier than Lake Michigan (Charleston, Hilton Head).

Why are you still living in the state of Michigan? Data=U4aSnIyhBFNIJ3A8fCzUmaVIwyWq6RtIfB4QKiGq_w,i5v9_LJLzCxy9aKCewAkupyxo0onsQr4Bo2_6HmchOVBjMNAzbZEk5lL7Mrd4NQVKO0hv6OK11lPzko6cjwAEzXCdR8hIeP3

by **Blanch32** 2014-11-04, 21:37

Breslin Usher wrote:

That's a great question. Actually, the reason I took this trip was to figure out where I want to move to(or just to get an idea of what type of environment I would be best in). I like the West quite a bit, but the only place I'd be comfortable paying the cost of living is Salt Lake City, which is actually a clean city surrounded by awesome outdoor activities, but there just isn't enough going on there for me.

I think the answer here is North Carolina, and I'd have to do a bit more exploration before knowing exactly where in the state.

I'd go with either Asheville or Charleston. Pick Mts or beach

by **Blanch32** 2014-11-04, 21:41

WhiteBoyHatcher wrote:Bottom line. Really hard for you 20-something narcissistic nitwits to understand this because you only care about you. Here is a shocker. Not everyone thinks like you do. People enjoy different things and have different priorities. One day you will grow up and realize this and let people live the way they want live without questioning why they don't think more like you. Unless you're Bob Sakimano.

Sincerely,

Trapped in danger murder mitten

by **Blanch32** 2014-11-04, 21:43

.....and mi has far more hicks than you handers will ever care to admit. Though I can't stand coasters so there's that.

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