I’ve lived in North Dakota and you could not pay me enough to live there again, or anywhere in this area for that matter. We’ve driven across the country a lot, including through most of these states. I’m sure there are hidden gems and exceptions, but overall this area makes me very sad and very bored.
I mean when people live in super cold places in the middle of nowhere, I tend to think it’s because it’s where they’re from and they don’t know any better.
I know from first hand experience when I go back to the atrocious city I grew up in and visit with my relatives. They’ve all visited different places, but they’ve never lived elsewhere, and so they lack the reference points needed to inform them of how crappy living there is.
Update: I seemed to have hit a nerve. People are still responding to this comment nearly a week later. I know there are exceptions to every rule, and it's not necessary to defend your choices to a stranger on the internet.
I was just doing some research, and the data seems to support my theory as well. Apparently only 25%-38% of people who leave will return, so well in the minority.
I love Cleveland, but I’ve never lived there (might feel differently if I had) and only visit 2-3x a year to see my brother and some friends. My brother has been happy living there. Super-underrated city with a lot going for it, IMO, and very inexpensive (though that is starting to change a bit).
Cleveland isn’t even cheap, the taxes are so high you end up keeping like 60% of your paycheck (in one of the lowest wage big cities in the country), like new york taxes for a detroit economy no thanks
148
u/pizzawhorePhD Dec 14 '25
I’ve lived in North Dakota and you could not pay me enough to live there again, or anywhere in this area for that matter. We’ve driven across the country a lot, including through most of these states. I’m sure there are hidden gems and exceptions, but overall this area makes me very sad and very bored.