Guess The Percentage Of North Dakotans Who Weren’t Born Here?

North Dakota is an Aquired Taste

Not everybody can live here. The obvious reason why so many people turn up their noses at our state is because of the weather. We have some of the harshest weather in the country, if not the most extreme. We are one of the few states where you could need your heater on in the car on the way to work, and the air conditioner on the way home. That's spring and fall. Summers can be very hot, and then there's winter. Some of the most brutal conditions in the United States.

My dear mother always said our weather keeps out the riffraff in North Dakota. I think she was right. I've worked with many people over the years who came from different states, and they are fine until about mid-November rolls around. That's a whole new ballgame for most out-of-staters.

North Dakota's Slow Way of Life

This is not the fast lane of America. We do things a little bit slower in North Dakota, and that is not for everyone (including driving 10 to 20 under the speed limit at times, which drives me nuts). Some people complain that there's nothing to do here. We never have any decent concerts, no nightlife, etc. I always tell people who say things like that, "You know, there are no fences around this state." Yes, it's true; we may not have the nightlife of Minneapolis or Denver, but we also don't have their crime, traffic, and values.

Lack of Scenery

Lack of trees, hills, lakes, and vacation destinations is another "whine" I've frequently heard over the years. Again, some of us prefer wide open spaces, where we can see where we are going. At least we don't have to worry about Bigfoots. There's no place for them to hide. I, for one, like the "flat as a pancake" look, and there is plenty of beauty in North Dakota if you take the time to look for it.

Not Born in North Dakota

According to the ND Compass, 40% of North Dakotans currently living in the state were NOT born in North Dakota. Of those, 34% were born in another state, and 6% were born in another country. The majority of the people moving to North Dakota from another place is Minnesota at 10%. Go figure.

(SEE ALSO: 15 Things North Dakotans Would Like to Outlaw)

There you have it, 60% of the people living in North Dakota were born and raised in this state, like myself. I wear it like a badge of honor. I love this state. How about you? By the way, that 60% puts our state on the middle to high end of states with the most homegrown residents.