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Michigans fun localisms - what about your state?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center

I've recently had the pleasure of working with several out of state home buyers who are relocating to Michigan.  Some of the most fun that I've had is hearing them talk about what is different in Michigan compared to their home states. 


One question that was asked of me:  "Why do people hold up their hand and point to where they are, or where they are going?"

My answer:  Because we can.   (How many other states can do this on their hands???)

Another question:  "Who came up with the Michigan left hand turn?"

My answer:  I have no idea.  But I bet he turned in the draft of his/her proposal to the Michigan Department of Transportation anonymously. (If I came up with the idea of turning right to turn left I would surely not want anyone to know about it!)

Another goodie:  "How is Gra-ti-ot pronounced?""

Answer: Gra-shit.  (Seriously.  I'm not kidding.)

 

 

Last but not least:  "How far do you have to go to be up north?" 

The correct answer:  If you are on I-75 northbound and hit more than two traffic slow downs then you are up north.  No matter how far south in the state you are.

 



© Kris Wales a Macomb County MI real estate agent
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I enjoy helping people relocate to Macomb County MI.  If you want to know more about the fun unique things about Michigan, please don't  hesitate to contact me.  You may find your fun question added to the list!

Want to chat about Macomb County MI real estate?

Comments (16)

Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

Interesting hand signals for you. I pulled a map and yep looks just like a hand. I hope Localism is working for you as well.

Sep 22, 2008 11:08 PM
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Kris, this is very unique to me. I don't have any thing to say or show but here where I live at any time you could have an alligator in your back yard or a Hurricane.

Sep 22, 2008 11:11 PM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Laura:  We do have a lot of fun pointing to a spot on our hand.  Quirky, yet fun :-)

Frank:  Yep, I've heard that about your state! 

Sep 22, 2008 11:13 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

LOL, I remember when I first moved here, and everyone went "Up North" for the weekends,  it took me awhile to figure out Up North meant anywhere N of Ann Arbor. Now I get it, but US 23 is a mess on Friday's, all day in the summer. Amazing how many people in Michigan do this.

Sep 22, 2008 11:21 PM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Missy:   You just described when I go "up north" I take Friday off and head out of town on Thursday :-)  That works well except for the holiday weekends, then I'd better take off out of town on Wednesday!

Sep 22, 2008 11:23 PM
Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

I had to laugh my head off all of those are so true. I am from Michigan and love that we can use our hand to say where in the state we are from. The Uppers are screwed though :) It is funny the weekend ritual to the north. It's one of the most beautiful and diverse states there is. Just wish someone there would do something to attract big business back.

Sep 23, 2008 12:05 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Love the map, LOL!  Hope Lenn doesn't see it, she might get jealous!

Sep 23, 2008 12:50 AM
Greg Knowles Santa Barbara Ca.
Fidelity National Title Group-Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, CA

You are so right on about these things. This California boy had to learn them to keep up with the in laws.

Sep 23, 2008 05:12 AM
Kerry Smyth
Newcomers Welcome Service - Ann Arbor, MI

Written like a true Michigander!  We love our mitten, northbound traffic and all.

Sep 23, 2008 05:37 AM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Great post for people relocating to Michigan.  Up north is what Michigan is all about. 

Sep 23, 2008 01:03 PM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Heather:  When the UP'ers point they use one hand held sideways.  It's cute!  As far as attracting new business: There are some big changes that need to happen with our taxation here for businesses, otherwise we're going to keep repeating the same mistakes. 

Renee:   LOL!   Lenn has nothing to worry about with my crude drawings!

Greg:   I bet you have fun when you visit the in-laws discovering all of our quirks :-)

Terry:    Loved your comment, thank you :-)

Russ:  Up north, down south, I like our whole state. Sometime to offer for everyone.

Sep 23, 2008 10:59 PM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

I like trivia. This is good. The question about how far up is North. I'm from the South, Kris. My answer to this question is...

You know you are 'up North' when the girl in the drive-thru at McDonalds says, "We don't have sweetened iced tea!!!"

GBU, Kris!

Sep 24, 2008 12:37 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate

Kris, this is so fun!  I particularly like the hand.  I work with mostly out of state buyers so I get similar questions about my area.  I sure wouldn't know anything about the examples you gave us.

Sep 25, 2008 01:19 AM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Elizabeth:   You had me laughing with that one :-)  When my hubby and I travel south his first comment is "I can't wait until we hit the point where I can get sweet tea!"   BTW, McD's here now has sweet tea.  It's pretty darned good!

 

Diane:   I always have a fun time with out of state buyers.  Their perspective is sometimes comical.

Sep 25, 2008 09:46 PM
Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

I just love the drawing and wanted to stop in and say hi since I hadn't been around in a while.  Going to NAR in Orlando?

Oct 19, 2008 11:53 AM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

Chris:  Left you a comment on http://lifeinbonitasprings.com

Don't know if it took...

No, unfortunately I won't be going to NAR.  Wish I was...

Good to see you :-)

Oct 19, 2008 11:52 PM