How Swanville, Minnesota Became Known For Its Minnesota Nice

Yes, we know, we are Minnesota nice. And with that, you do find some people that are Minne-sorta-nice. You can even get T-shirts that state that very fact. It's just the way we are in this state. We're Minnesota nice which might also translate to a bit of Minnesota passive-aggressive. Let's be honest.

MINNESOTA NICE IS VERY PREVALENT ESPECIALLY IN THIS AREA

However, I have heard from so many people that they love coming to Minnesota because everyone is so nice. Especially the Midwest, in general, people are nice to everyone.

ONE OF THE NICEST TOWNS IN AMERICA

That brings me to a study that was done to find the nicest places in America. They top findings included Liverpool, New York being named as the nicest place in America. Liverpool, New York was chosen from hundreds of Reader's Digest readers. The panel of decision makers included the Today's show Craig Melvin and also author Mitch Albom.

When it comes to Minnesota, a small town stood out. And that town is Swanville. There is a great reason why Swanville is considered one of the nicest places in America and it has to do with philanthropy .

SWANVILLE WANTED TO HELP OUT ALL OF THEIR STUDENTS

From Reader's Digest:

Swanville, Minnesota made a promise to give scholarships to every student. This transformed so many kid's lives. Giving them the opportunity for higher education that might not have been available before this.

THIS IS THE STORY OF JUST ONE STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE

When Brody Kircher stepped up to receive his high school diploma and head off to college, he knew that the people of Swanville, Minnesota, would have his back.

It goes on to say that it was much more than he expected.

“I expected maybe $4,000,” he says. But the actual amount Kircher received was much more than he guessed: $6,000. “This community really comes together,” he says. “They’re trying to make sure that everyone has a chance. We’re kind of spoiled, honestly. In a bigger place, they wouldn’t be able to do it for everybody.”

And that is true. I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, but grew up in a small town. And there are some great things about small towns, and this is one of them. The town can rally around one particular cause, and it helps people that you probably either know them personally, or at least you know the family.

If you are from a small town - be proud of that fact!