How’s the quality of life in Minnesota ? (Dakota: mortgage, house)

[Astron1000]

I have to say I've been in and around every major city in this country - and a fair number overseas. I've lived in or spent a lot of time in many, many parts of the US.

This may smack of "homerism" but Minneapolis/St. Paul is one of the very best areas in the country in terms of Quality of Life (whatever that may mean to you). There are few cities that can combine high literacy, art opportunities, urbanity, high educational standards, low crime, sports options, civic participation, beauty and a general sense of well-being as well as the Twin Cities can.

This is truly a rare combination. On the other hand, the weather is extreme and the natives can sometimes be insular. And everyone's experience will be different.

I worked in residential architecture before the Great Recession and I can tell you there is a high demand for quality cabinetry and finish carpentry around here. That goes hand-in-hand with the general demand for a high-quality of living. And even if you have a hard time finding work in the trades, there is also a strong "art furniture" movement here. Blu-Dot, for example, is based in NE Minneapolis.

There are several very respectable woodworking businesses that have suffered from the economy. But the desire for quality will never die away. People around here who are used to fine work will pay to get it. And this economy will (hopefully) get a lot better again.

[uptown_urbanist]

On the art front: the American Craft Council recently relocated here from NYC, which I think says something about the local appreciation and support for "art furniture" and crafts in general, if your skills and interests lie in that direction. Lots of local collectors, too.

[handog]

Originally Posted by yoyoma02

Probably not, considering that 94% of people in the US are employed.

According to you there is 6% unemployment. Hmmm Gallup:” 18 percent of Americans are unemployed or underemployed.” I’m not sure who to believe….I think I’ll go with Gallup. By the way, 18% is conservative. We are heading into the next GREAT DEPRESSION my friend. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Furthermore 18% does not count the many who have ran out of unemployment insurance. Independent contractors don’t count either. Like I said, 18% is low. Those are depression era numbers.

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by handog

According to you there is 6% unemployment. Hmmm Gallup:” 18 percent of Americans are unemployed or underemployed.” I’m not sure who to believe….I think I’ll go with Gallup. By the way, 18% is conservative. We are heading into the next GREAT DEPRESSION my friend. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Plus it's the working population, aka 16+.

And, unemployment numbers are totally skewed. They don't count people who are underemployed (I know of a 45 yr old former wall street exec who once made $25,000 in one month, now working retail making $15 an hour), that doesn't count those who have ran out of their UE benefits, and that only counts the unemployed actively seeking work (there are thousands who have all but given up on looking for work, either because a) they don't need the money that bad, ie trusts, 401(k), savings, family help or b) they cannot find work in a very very very specialized field.

Plus, the age group 16-25 is the highest unemployed demographic at nearly 25%. I'd say that the unemployment rate is near 19%-23%.

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by handog

Hmmm I wonder if that has anything to do with the severe lack of jobs in this country?

That's fine. As soon as Americans realize that they're not entitled to everything under the sun, like having their cake and eating it too, then this country will be fine.

I just heard someone complaining that they only made $10 an hour working the register at Target. I think that's plenty. You have no specialized skill. No specialized trade. Nothing at all makes you valuable other than your ability to provide a human interaction to the customer who would have inevitably came to that store anyway (self checkout anyone?).

[handog]

Originally Posted by knke0204

That's fine. As soon as Americans realize that they're not entitled to everything under the sun, like having their cake and eating it too, then this country will be fine.

I just heard someone complaining that they only made $10 an hour working the register at Target. I think that's plenty. You have no specialized skill. No specialized trade. Nothing at all makes you valuable other than your ability to provide a human interaction to the customer who would have inevitably came to that store anyway (self checkout anyone?).

It’s not unusual for a cashier or someone flipping burgers to have a PHD in this country. I have seen it with my own eyes.

The good paying jobs are being shipped over seas at an alarming rate. What’s left? Cashiers! If I spent 100K for a worthless degree I would be complaining too.

[yoyoma02]

Originally Posted by handog

According to you there is 6% unemployment. Hmmm Gallup:” 18 percent of Americans are unemployed or underemployed.” I’m not sure who to believe….I think I’ll go with Gallup. By the way, 18% is conservative. We are heading into the next GREAT DEPRESSION my friend. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Furthermore 18% does not count the many who have ran out of unemployment insurance. Independent contractors don’t count either. Like I said, 18% is low. Those are depression era numbers.

What? The unemployment rate is 6.7%...check it out...

Unemployment rate at 6.7%: The 'new normal' - Feb. 14, 2011

Underemployed is a totally different topic. I was let go from my job in 2008 and went back to my pizza place and delivered pizzas for a few months. Was I underemployed? Yes. Was I able to make rent, buy food, and still save money? Yes. Even though I wasn't making my full potential in the summer of 2008, I was still employed and making money.

I would believe your 18% - but keep in mind, that 12% that is "underemployed", which can mean a lot of things. Finding a waiting/pizza driving/bartending job where you make $15/hr in tips is enough to live on... esp in the midwest.

Heading for the great depression? The DOW was up 19% in 2009. The DOW was up 14% in 2010. The DOW is currently up 3% in 2011 and is predicted to close near 13,500... I spend way too much time reading about finance and economics...

[yoyoma02]

Originally Posted by handog

It’s not unusual for a cashier or someone flipping burgers to have a PHD in this country. I have seen it with my own eyes.

The good paying jobs are being shipped over seas at an alarming rate. What’s left? Cashiers! If I spent 100K for a worthless degree I would be complaining too.

I used to deliver pizzas with a guy who had his law degree. It was really interesting to hear his story... he was like 29, over 100k in debt, and couldn't find work. I remember him telling me that while education is important, there are too many people that think a degree equals success.

[Drewcifer]

The problem is that people grow up thinking a degree magically opens the doors to the middle class. It is useful but what you really need is a plan, a degree won't do it in and of itself.

[audadvnc]

Of course. A hundred years ago, the ruling class decided to pay their workers enough to buy all the manufactured goods their factories produced. Nowadays, the very rich run their grandparent's businesses into the ground while making off with the loot. Why should they care whether you can afford to buy anything - they got theirs.