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Why do you stay in this place?

Aug 01, 2008 - 04:06:19 CDT

Earlier this week, I had the rare chance to play host to two of my old college friends, Nate and Sara, who hail from the faraway land of Portland, Ore. Finally, an opportunity to pull my Pretty Polly tea set out of storage in my root cellar.

As we sat around that tiny, pink table, dining on imaginary tea and crumpets, my compatriots asked me the question that all my expatriate friends always inevitably ask me: Why do you stay in Bismarck?

I have a few stock answers, of course:

A) My family, friends and all my stuff are here. These things are too heavy for my spindly arms to carry elsewhere.

B) Beneath a solitary weeping willow, located somewhere within our sleepy city, pirates buried a treasure of golden doubloons. I can never rest until I find this tree and its riches.

C) I just installed a new toilet seat in my house. I can't just walk away from that level of equity.

Still, I feel as if I am still seeking that one end-all, be-all, shut-yo-mouth answer I can give to anyone who dares to ask me that question. I'm looking for that one response that not only definitively answers their query, but shocks them into a state of stunned silence.

What do you, brave readers, tell anyone who asks you why you stay in North Dakota? I know most all of us, from any age, have looked down the barrel of this same, tired question from our snooty friends and relations, who hail from cities far from here.

Before you all run to your computers to e-mail me your answers, I've been kicking around a reply in my own head that I'd like to share with you in one tidy, easy-to-remember word: Festivals.

Sure, just about every place you go has its host of festivals and gatherings. Are the festivals in Bismarck-Mandan any better and richer in quality than those you can find anywhere else? Probably not.

What I get out of local festivals that I can't get from any of those in other parts of this world is a feeling of shared civic pride in this region, which I call my home.

As I've attended any of the many festivals and gatherings that have already taken place here this summer, like Urban Harvest, Rip Roarin' Ribfest, Art in the Park, Pride Fest, Capitol Shakespeare, Buggies-n-Blues and even the McQuade Tournament, I've had the chance to see just how much talent we have locally in so many realms of artistic performance.

These performances continue thoughout this weekend, at events like Capital A'Fair, Harmony Music Festival and local theater productions by the Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre and the Shade Tree Players. Be sure to check out the Tribune's Best Bets feature for information on all these events.

Every time I see these performers on stage and on display at festivals and events in our area, it sends a shiver down my spine to see and hear how truly talented these people my friends and neighbors truly are. And maybe I feel like Ican share in the accomplishments of these men and women, as Iwas born here, Igrew up here, Iknow so many of these people, and Ifeel so especially proud to see what we're all capable of.

That's why Istay here.

(Reach columnist Kelly Hagen at 250-8259 and kelly.hagen@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Rocky Mountain High wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:56 PM:

" I lived in Bismarck from 1977 to 1995 and then in Grand Forks from '95 to '00. Moved to Seattle for 3 years and then onto Denver where my wife and I presently live. I loved ND and its people, but I got to tell you, Colorado is where its at! 300+ days of Sunshine, barely any humidity, mild winters, mild summers, rarely any wind, mosquitos? What's a mosquito? Non-existant! Some of the best scenery in the world, world class skiing, world class golf, endless outdoor activities, every major store and chain at your disposal in Denver, 5 professional sports teams, need I say more? I hate to let the cat out of the bag, but all of you seem pretty content up in Norske country. But the nice thing is, if you want to visit, its only a days drive and also with many direct flights from ND to Denver! "

kk wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:41 PM:

" the high property taxes "

Blavid Bletterman wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Top Ten Reasons To Live North Dakota

10. The cold keeps the riff-raff out.
9. Great Hunts In City limits (Fargo, Bismarck). Where else can you snipe deer from comfort of your living room?
8. No annoying mountains to block up the scenery.
7. Senator Dorgans comb-over (consider one of the best in the nation)
6. Vast resources of free manure.
5. Worlds largest collection of worlds largest animals. (Jamestown, New Salem, Garrison, ect.)
4. Its not Nebraska.
3. Countem, three white bison.
2. Ice fishing builds character.
1. One word, Fleischkuekle. "

As my brother says wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:59 PM:

" I was born in Minot, ND and moved to great ol' Orange County California. I lived within walking distance to the beach. I experience so much. When I asked my younger brother to move back to California with me, he is 21, he stated "NO WAY" I will remain in Bismarck for the rest of my life. I thought WHAT? My brother had been previously hounded by Bismarck police in his underage age for Teeanage drinking. I thought for sure he would say yes out of all people. He stated why when I have everything I ever need here. I have safety because the police do care, I have a river that I can jet ski on and boat, I have Huff Hills just south to snowboard in. I have a skatepark to ride my skateboard. I have 2 great colleges to choose from. I can hunt, and I can fish, I can camp, and I can have a bonfire. All in one state all in one city. This is the greatest place to live. I wish more people would see it as he said. I immediatly started thinking positive. Bismarck has potential for great growth. We may be behind in some things but we know how to catch up real quickly. "

Mandan wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:58 AM:

" To snap your comments make you sound bitter and ignorant and fearful all in one. I lived all over the country from coast to coast and found ignorance and racism and rampant crime most everywhere I lived and/or visited. L.A., Indianapolis. NC, GA, AL, TX, NY, DC, etc, etc, but I knew the best place to live was right back here in ND even with the drawbacks of people with your attitude! My husband was all over the world but feels the same way and why he came home. You obviously have no idea what some of these other places are like! In other states people would ask why I would come back to a "cold desolate place like ND" my answer was try it you might actually like it! Some have and did love it and is why they live here now! ND is not for everyone but why put people down for loving to live here just because you don't? That to me is ignorance at it's finest! "

citizen wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:29 AM:

" I have lived in ND all of my life and while I agree it is beautiful, peaceful and safe, it also has many drawbacks. People here are very narrow-mined and resistant to change. When I run or bike on the trails while visiting other states people are very friendly. In ND I greet everyone I pass on the trails and rarely get a response. If it is so safe here why are people so suspicious of friendly people. As soon as I can retire and leave I will. "

Few Words Tonight wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:20 PM:

" Why do I live here? Because I want to. If I didn't want to, I'd live somewhere else. Does it really need to be more complicated than that? "

Glenn wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:48 PM:

" I tell people the truth. I lived in Europe for 13 years. I have lived in other states (Texas, Florida, Indiana, Idaho, Arizona, Georgia) and I have simply discovered that the best place to live out of all of them is Bismarck, ND. All those other places are fabulous places to visit - what culture and fun (and lots of people, traffic, etc.). But here, with the clean air, open spaces, beautiful sunsets, rolling hills around the Missouri River..., here is the place to live. "

JV Journalism wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:41 PM:

" Because I can't sell my house "

NDfor years wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:27 AM:

" i have lived here for many years, and in that time frame have met very few people that I could call friends. Pople are friendly here, but to get to really know anyone here is extremely difficult. I hate to say it . but people have no desire to let you in their tight circles. I have lived in many other states, but have never been exposed to the narrow mind thinking that exists here.

You could say why don't you move, but when your married you have to live were your spouse works unfortunately.

True the few cases of crime is a plus, but too cold weather, poor wages, and other negatives really don't make it worthwhile..

That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it...

NODAK by chance! "

ND exit left wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:47 PM:

" We live here because of the cheap food,cheap gas, cheap wages, cheap incomes, cheap state agencies, and the nice long drives in the countryside to get anywhere.........like Mn. Oh and by the way food, and gas are cheaper in Iowa, Wages are up in almost every state but this one, and Cheap state agencies have caused them to have illegal reserves. Then to top it all of the lawmakers, and voters of this state voted that issue into their news. "

Its the people wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:28 PM:

" ND isn't perfect, no place is, but it seems to serve the purpose well for a lot of state residents. We have crime, we have racism, we have all those things other places have, but we have a lot of things other places don't. We even put up with the 2 or 3 months of bitter cold, because we know spring is on the way, and it's something to look forward to. To me it would be dull to live in a place where the weather never really changes, although some people choose that and that's fine. That's just me, and January temps are a small sacrifice to be able to stand that first spring morning outside and hear the birds and watch the trees become alive again and witness the new and fresh season. Racism sometimes can be more in the interpretation or the eyes of the beholder, although it exists here as it does everywhere. If you wave at someone and don't get a response, it could be worse and you could be somewhere where an innocent wave could result in road rage. Someplace where you would be afraid to look at someone in the mall wrong. There's pros and cons everywhere. "

Grumpy Old Republican wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I stay here because IT'S HOME! I tried other places, different regions, big cities, and just found that it's not HOME there. Yes, the wage base sucks out loud, the drivers are inattentive and dangerously dim, and January weather could often lead the Pope himself to curse. But...it's HOME. My family is here, and I can't get them all to move with me somewhere else. My happy hunting grounds are here. Real estate is not something that can be relocated. Then there's the generic reasons: friendly (MOSTLY, anyway) people, clean air, no genuine traffic, no real serious crime, etc. I like the idea of "getting away" and only needing 10-15 minutes of drive time to be in the middle of nowhere. And if the "big city" feel of Bismarck/Mandan gets on my nerves, there are several small towns with friendly faces I can get to on the Harley in half an hour to kick back with a cold one. "

still in bis wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:52 AM:

" easy: no traffic, no people, free parking, $2 beers, everyone speaks english, the air is clean (something people here dont realize, but in the big city it is terrible) no cover charges, hardly any real crime, no 1500 sqaure foot homes for $300,000, i could go on but the point is the reasons that are important to me which are no people and traffic and wide openness of everything are what keep me here, winter is no fun for 3 months but that is just something we choose to live with "

IT Happens wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:55 AM:

" ND isn't a bad place to live BUT it does have it's cons that's for sure. Most people here are very narrow-minded, they don't like change, they are happy in their little world and don't want anything to mess with it. Also this state is very, VERY racist!!! I moved here about 16 years ago and was blown away by what I would hear North Dakota people say about anyone who wasn't white. I guess they just figured because I'm white I was use to hearing that kind of talk. That 1st year I lived here I swore there had to be a KKKlan that ran around at night chasing anyone that wasn't white out of the state, but I soon came to realize thats just how a majority of ND people are. In the time I have lived here you can see how much things have changed, people aren't as friendly, it's almost impossible to get anyone to wave to you as you drive by each other, Courtesy for your fellow man has gone the way of the DoDO, the only thing that's still truly alive and kicking like it was years ago is good ole ND racism... "

Charger wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:41 AM:

" To those who ask that question, "Why do you stay here", I always reply, "By asking that question, I don't think you would understand my answer" and leave it there. Everyone leaves happy. "

Escape wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:26 AM:

" To It's the People:
Point well made! As I mentioned in my post, it's not for me. I am one of those people that left years ago due to lack of opportunities as did over 200 of my 250 classmates I graduated with. There are good people everywhere, not just in ND. The fact is however, that there is high degree of resistance to any type of change in this state. The state population here has been fairly static over the last 40+ years, and ND continues to export a lot of good people. The officials of this state have started to address this issue, but for many of us it was too little too late. "

Its the people wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:07 AM:

" In reading the comments, it appears ND is not for everyone. Good!! How would everyone fit in this state? Every place has something to offer, and everyone has different needs and different ideas of what they want from where they live. ND appeals to some and fills the needs of some. For those who aren't fulfilled here they should be gone to wherever they need to be. But no one should be belittleing anyone else for where they live. If we live someplace, anyplace, and are happy there, then we have been successful in finding a spot that meets our expectations and needs, regardless where it is. Don't knock those who remain in ND, it has what they need. Don't knock those who have chosen to leave to find what they need someplace else. But go ahead and knock those who live someplace and complain and are NOT happy, because they haven't put forth the energy or effort to find their comfort place....unless maybe such a place doesn't exist for them. "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:46 AM:

" SE Forty, as long as you're around, I'll be in good company. "

SE Forty wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:47 PM:

" sojourner, After looking at your posts, I would say YES you do belong in Good ol Nor Dakota. Yaaa You Betcha! "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 10, 2008 6:22 PM:

" Snap, you've helped me to re-learn a lesson today. Thanks. "

haze wrote on Aug 10, 2008 3:00 PM:

" Bless you Snap - almighty one! I'm stoked. When is my first "learn to kid yourself that you are above everyone else because you have no self confidence" lesson? "

Snap wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Haze, I will take on you, freewill and dewdrop as my pupils. Whyen you are ready I will then send you on to REX and SE 40. "

Snap wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Sojourner, or should I address you "Mr. Thin-Skinned." If it helps you feel better, I will have to look up isogetical as this word is unfamiliar to me; however, your attempts at befuddling me display nothing more than an angry person with a thesaurus and an axe to grind. Glad you love it here.
S! "

Violent_typist wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:30 PM:

" I totally agree with Denise. I have lived here my entire life and plan on dying here. My husband moved here from Las Vegas and now wants to die here as well. I think that ND is a great place to raise a family. Yes, we may not make as much money here but I am not all about the money as some people are. I have what I need and am happy with that. My husband grew up with gangs, guns and drugs no place for children. Yes, ND has these problems too but not nearly as bad. It is a clean state with great people. To the people who don't like it here, well you know where you can go. Trust me we will not miss you! I am proud to say that I was born and raised in the Great state of North Dakota! "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:14 PM:

" To to Sojourner: i didnt get all the to thurd grade for nuthin... and it was the best four yeers of my life :o) "

to Sojourner wrote on Aug 10, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Wow, I had to dust off my dictionary for that last post. You must be a scholar and stuff... "

haze wrote on Aug 10, 2008 12:46 PM:

" Snap - someday I hope to be as all knowing and wise as you. We stupid ND people should strive to be like you. Then we could all educate the lower beings around us like you do. I'm going to be ill. "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 10, 2008 12:20 PM:

" Snap: my isogetical response, notwithstanding, you expect respect to "know a thing or two" when you insult others intelligence or emotions. I've been here twelve years and it didn't take twelve minutes to receive a rude, chilly "welcome" from a neighbor; or twelves weeks to taste and see the provincialism; it didn't take twelve months to exegete the cultural and ethnic reasons for it all. I went through all this and took it in stride because my point of reference was a place whose populace is measured in multi-millions and I didn't find the "fun" of it worth the cost. Isn't it fair that North Dakotans with the same sentiment are clear-headed and not just "fearful"? I apologize if I confused your label of them with "ignorant." Naturally, I correlated we who are newbies with them. Perhaps you could clarify the connotative difference between "ignorant" and "fearful" people within the context of your original post. "

Dakota wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:46 AM:

" I really love living in Mandan, have you seen as many police acting like vultures around the bars from 10p.m. til 2p.m....I'd like them to drive thur my hood at least a few times a year.. "

Personal discretion wrote on Aug 10, 2008 7:30 AM:

" I've lived in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Phoenix, Fargo and several small towns in MN (Park Rapids, Bemidji, Walker) - now I live 20 miles out of Bismarck in a small town. The only place I would ever go back to is northern MN, but there are no jobs or opportunities back there so maybe when I retire I can spend more time there. I remember moving out here thinking "I've got to be crazy" - I had no family or friends back here. That was 7 years ago...I love the quiet, the big sky, the slower life style. I don't miss rush hour traffic in Mpls or being afraid to go out walking at night. I don't miss the stifling heat in AZ or the crime in KC. I don't begrude those who feel the area doesn't have enough to offer so they chose to move away...it's okay...it's no different than anything else. We all have different likes, dislikes and needs. I think it's unfortunate people feel the need to bash the state and it's people in general, but if they need to do so, oh well. My physical, emotional and financial needs are met here, I feel safe and welcome in my community and love the fresh air and big sky...just wish there were more pine trees and lakes! "

Snap wrote on Aug 10, 2008 6:27 AM:

" Sojourner,you sure are defensive for a non-native Dakotan. Heck, I didn't even include anything about newbies in my list and you jumped all over me. Maybe you should show some of us long-timers a little more respect, we might know a thing or two that you have yet to learn. "

Its the people wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:00 AM:

" I really love living here because of the people, security, comfort and familiarity. I can go anywhere and run into someone I know. I never feel alone. I am comfortable walking into anywhere, be it my child's school, my church, anywhere, and have a feeling of belonging. Yes, I love the festivals and all the gatherings, because it's a great opportunity to see friends and visit. We know all our neighbors and have a wonderful neighborhood where people watch out for each other and even know who's dog has gotten loose. And most of all, they care and are always there to help out. I love this state and the ND hospitality, warmth and charm. "

wow wrote on Aug 10, 2008 1:44 AM:

" I spent 27 years in Minneapolis and I would never move back. The salary you make plus the freinds and good times you have equal the real gross worth. I love the golf, hunting and friendship in Bis way more than the big city life. Good luck with an unlocked door in Minny! Oh, sorry about the Bumper to Bumper traffic!!! "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 9, 2008 11:06 AM:

" SE Forty, those darn low wages keeping you here? A $70K/annum job here is like $85-90K elsewhere. Why not a move to a better place? "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 9, 2008 10:54 AM:

" To Escape/Dakistan and Snap: I've tasted the "real" world. What does that really mean anyway, "the real world"? It's just a put-down phrase. I'll settle for the "abuse" ND heaps on me any day from people like you who suffer from superiority complexes. Why would you try and make anyone sorry they chose to live here? You two sound like religous dogmatists... probably the very same ones you detest. Have you become what you hate? Classic. Live and let live already. "

SE Forty wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:50 AM:

" It is mostly fear that keeps people here. Fear of something that their parents have put into their heads. For me it is a 70K a year job. If not for this job I would be gone from this place. "

Escape from Dakistan wrote on Aug 9, 2008 2:41 AM:

" I recently moved back to the state and to be honest, there are definitely pro's and cons, but I've come to the realization that ND isn't for me. I've never regretted anything more than my decison to move back. Yes, this state is laid back - to a point. Yes it's nice to be closer to family, but I've never been so broke in my life (due to low wages), yet I have a college degree. I left this state 20 years ago for a better life elsewhere, which I found. Desire to close to family brought me back, but I've come to the realization that this state will never change because the people here can't handle change and don't want to. The fact is ND is for people who can't handle the reality of the real world. I strongly encourage the young people of this state to leave, this state will abuse you if you don't. Some always come back and always will. But please, please - ESCAPE FROM DAKISTAN! "

former ND resident wrote on Aug 9, 2008 1:08 AM:

" CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK!
Have tried 2 other states during my lifetime and WHEN I get back to ND it will be for good.
Where I am now is NOT the "last best place"!

ps: so far ND is not Californicated or been "invaded" by too many "Coasters" - keep it that way! I have had my fill of their attitudes! "

LJK wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:27 PM:

" There are a lot of great places in the U.S. and I've had the good fortune to have resided in several of them. BUT, I await the day of my retirement when I can return (at least part of the year) to ND. "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:40 PM:

" I say "luvinit" and "AP" for Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively, in the next gubernatorial election. Then "luvinit" can appoint "Kastromy" to replace S. Otte-COleman as tourism director. "

Snap wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:20 PM:

" Sojourner, you are correct, the town in which I live is "rife with imperfection." It's called Bismarck, North Dakota. But fear not, when my duty here is done and i have educated all the locals, the great Snap!, like the Riff-Raff she is, will leave. "

Snap wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:15 PM:

" My comment is clear, concise, and correct. There is nothing left to say. "

Erik wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:04 PM:

" I stay here because I figure that somebody ought to. That way, if anyone ever finds us, I can tell them where everyone else went. "

Kastromy wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:16 PM:

" To Nate:
I totally agree! I have recently moved to Seattle after living in Bismarck for 23 years and I have found great opportunites here; ones that I could not find in ND. I love coming back home to visit friends and family, go to the river, and drink tom beers and eat pizza at O'Brians with my best friend. But sometimes North Dakota is not for everyone. "

luvin it wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:21 PM:

" I moved here with my family when I was 11 years old. I remember being amazed at how people would actually waved back when I waved at passing cars. I also remember marveling at the night sky. I have made this my home because of the people here who make it feel like a home. My hats off to North Dakota....the best place on Earth! "

Daycare Mom wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:28 PM:

" No more comments from snap-maybe snap left the state "

Mandan wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:48 PM:

" Perfect answer Geoff, I have used it many times in the past. When my ex called a few years back when it was below -20 for over two weeks he heard on the national radio in GA that it was -97 wind chill and he called to laugh my response was "it's actually 97 above but we tell people that to keep the riff raff out and gee it must be working because your not here!" it shut him up after that, lol! "

AP wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:29 PM:

" I, like Sojourner, am not a native to North Dakota. I not only have no relatives in North Dakota, I have no relatives anywhere in the Northern plains region. I moved here from Western PA in 2000. I have enjoyed living here for the past eight years and barring any unforeseen circumstances, plan to live here longer. While there are things I miss about Western PA, such as good Mom and Pop Italian and other ethnic restaurants, big name concerts, and of course Steelers football and Penguins hockey, Bismarck Mandan has been a good deal for me. It was a little hard in the beginning to make friends but I joined the Bismarck Jaycees and met some very good people. I'm sticking around for a number of reasons. First, I'm engaged. Second, I have a good job and in this economy, I'm not too anxious to play the job hopping game. I'm also curious to see where development will take Bismarck and Mandan in the future. I came here right when things began to grow. It's interesting to watch the area develop. "

haze wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:27 PM:

" Snap - let me tell you - we moved away for 10 years and there was no FEAR coming back here. Just the constant crime, traffic, people people people everywhere in the big city forcing us out.

It's wonderful to drive 10 minutes from one side of the city to another - not like an hour and a half or more in a big city - on a good traffic day. "

REX wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Snap, That was beautiful, just beautiful. "

Sojourner wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Snap, after 12 months in a Chandler, AZ neigborhood which accounted for three child abductions, four car jackings and several vehicle break-ins, we feel we've acted out of intelligence, not fear, for moving to work and live in Bismarck. Neither me or my wife had ever lived in North Dakota. Our closest thing to family was an aunt on my wife's side who moved to work in Grand Forks but she too was not a native. Will you divulge the name of the town you live in? Probably not, but I'll bet it's rife with imperfection. "

Online Editor wrote on Aug 8, 2008 11:32 AM:

" To Sojourner: Yes. "

Halatbis wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:58 AM:

" I am on the outer banks of NC as I write--nice vacation--it's hot and humid. Without airconditioning this would be no fun as the nights are above 80 degrees and very humid. There are traffic jams on the 6 lane wide freeway in St. Louis in 96 degree heat. Iowa has slush and ice for three months in winter. Portland, Oregon has rain for three months till the mildew is an inch thick. Try Calif.: fires, slides, quakes, rain in winter. The point is that every place has its pluses and minuses---fortunately people have different preferences. It takes an open minded person to see and understand that human trait, and not put on the "better-than-thou" attitude. Hey, Portland, enjoy!!! "

XRES wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:56 AM:

" So Snap, Does that make you Ignorant, Fearful or Both? "

MamaMia wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:43 AM:

" If you asked me that question in June, you would hear one answer. If you asked me in January, you would hear quite another. "

Snap wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:32 AM:

" The intelligent leave, the ignorant stay, the fearful return. "

Daycare Mom wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:13 AM:

" I also think ND is a great place to live. Many people leave here and come back, or want to come back and plan to in the future. I really got bashed for saying, if you hate it here you should move, guess it's not that simple for some, but why put yourself through it if you truly hate the state and are not treated well here. "

REX wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:02 AM:

" .....Because it isn't Colorado. "

Amanda wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:26 AM:

" Geoff--that has got to be the best answer to that question ever! I love it.
Personally, I've been "out there" and this has and always will be home to me. They can have that fast paced gotta get it/do it now way of life. I love the laid back ways we have here. "

krten wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Yep, I get asked that a lot when I could move to a larger metropolitan area where there would be greater opportunities for tolerance, acceptance and/or support. With a great job, involvement in theatre, and a welcoming church, I just don't see the need to move away again. I've lived so many other places across the country and overseas and returned home to North Dakota in '98. North Dakota is just right, it just fits. Maybe I am supposed to be here for a greater reason? "

khagen wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:25 AM:

" I have to say, I do love Deb's slogan. Can we get that printed on a bumper sticker?
Thanks, everyone, for your responses. "

to Kelly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:44 PM:

" That's too bad, you just got an endorsement from Deb. That is something you could have done without. Good article anyway... "

Deb wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:12 PM:

" I came for the knoephla, but I stayed for the Kelly Hagen. "

NDFREEZE wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:43 PM:

" What makes North Dakota such a bad place to live? I came here from TX 13 years ago and love it -- yea we are missing some diversity and nite life (unless u like hanging out of the bar) what the question should be is to all the people that live in ND and complain about ND are still doing here -- move already! It really isn't any cheaper living here! "

Nate wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Hey, it's the Nate from the "Nate and Sara, who hail from the faraway land of Portland, Ore" fame. Just thought that I'd clear some things up for the readers of this fine column. 1)Kelly's new toilet seat is breathtaking, a real positive addition to his home. 2) Just because we move away doesn't mean that we hate where we grew up. I love coming back home for so many reasons, but the opportunities I was looking for just weren't available here. I love Portland, but the Red River Valley always tugs at my heart. 3) I've come to realize that there's nothing wrong with staying where you were raised and making that place better with your talents, but it took me moving away to do so. "

REX wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:47 PM:

" Dang, Kelly! "

ND Guy wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:44 PM:

" I sometimes happen to mention that we have 9 people per square mile (while talking to people in Jersey, where it is more than 100 times that density). Then I explain that we do really have cities, paved roads, electricity and even internet service; but not the crime and 2 hour commutes. So far I've travelled to 46 states and just feel sorry for the people that don't know there is anything better (as they ride the metro, looking over their shoulder). "

KAT wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:29 PM:

" Geoff, I love your answer to "that" question! Thanks for the laugh. I don't get the question anymore because I am older but I will give your response to my kids. "

Denise wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:01 AM:

" What I say is "My heart is here, my family and friends are here. I feel safe, the people are friendly, and I love the scenery." I have been many other places in this country but have never been anywhere else I would rather live. I wish the ND haters would all move away to that "better place" and leave this state to those of us who truly enjoy it. "

REX wrote on Aug 2, 2008 9:15 PM:

" Sorry, Kelly. That should have been "composition". "

REX wrote on Aug 2, 2008 9:14 PM:

" Mr. Hagen, I knew you could write. Good job! What a great piece this last composision is. I'll accept no less in the future. This is what my criticism hoped to achieve. You are a journalist of great potential. Screw up again and I'll call you on it. Nice job. "

Geoff wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:54 AM:

" What I usually say in response to the question, "why do you want to live in North Dakota?" I usually just say, "Because you don't". "

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