Perspectives from a Newcomer to Green Bay

Green Bay is a new town for me. My husband's company brought us here in May of 2014 and we've been settling in since. My husband and I are both from the Twin Cities, which in case you didn't know is in Minnesota. We both grew up there and while we had traveled and briefly lived in other states, Minnesota was always our home. But we now find ourselves relocated to Green Bay for my husband's work and adjusting to life here. We are now learning to call Green Bay our home. 

Many things are the same in Green Bay as they were in Minneapolis. We have a farmer's market, a booming arts area, many of the same stores and restaurants, and many other similarities as well. But there are quite a few things that are different here than they were in Minneapolis. This is just my perspective on the differences and what it's like to be a newcomer to Green Bay.

One of the first things we had to get used to when we move to Green Bay was roundabouts. Minnesota has a couple but they are by no means dominant in the Twin Cities area. And the few that I did encounter were relatively small. It seems like such a minor thing, but it really took some getting used to to learn how to navigate the roundabouts. It also took some getting used to, to travel around in all this construction. The GPS couldn't keep up with the ever-changing lane closures, structure changes, and of course when roads were completely shut down. One weekend, we thought we were not going to be able to travel back home to Minnesota, because the bridge from 41 to 29 was closed and we had no idea how to get onto 29. We have since learned that 29 is the same as Shawano and you can leave the city that way (which is also the faster way when you're trying to leave on Friday afternoon), but that weekend we didn't know that, and we are about to give up hope. 

Another thing a new person cannot help but notice about Green Bay is the loyalty to the Packers. It must be the only place in the world where if you know a fact about the recent game, practice or Packer news event-you will always be able to have a conversation. My husband and I have had the pleasure of going to 3 games this year and have loved cheering for a winning team. We can now say we are Packer fans and know more about the Packers than we did most teams in MN. How can you live in Green Bay and not know names like Matthews, Rodgers, Nelson, and so many others? 

One of the most interesting things that we have learned about Green Bay is that people here are super friendly. Whether I'm standing in line at the grocery store or going into a gas station to pay, everybody will start a conversation and ask you how you are. Minnesota is known for Minnesota nice, but Green Bay puts them to shame. I have never lived in a city where people are so friendly and willing to talk to each other. This is even true out in the neighborhoods and at the different community events that I've been at. Everybody wants to know your story and everybody is more than willing to help you figure out where to get the best produce, who did take your car to when it needs fixing, and what parks have the best picnic benches. 

Overall my experience in Green Bay has been more amazing than I ever thought it could be. I was warned prior to coming here that it was a hard culture to break into and people were steeped in their traditions and not very friendly. I'm glad that the information I had been given was wrong. Green Bay is a fantastic city with a lot of different things and events to offer a newcomer. I have loved getting to know the city, it's history, and most days my way around. I know I will always hold a special place in my heart for Green Bay.