Michigan’s Snow-Obsessed Driveway Neighbors Explained

Every neighborhood in Michigan has at least one resident who is obsessed with their driveway, who can even be caught daydreaming of the day when "Great Driveways of America" magazine will feature a photo story about their well-manicured patch of visible pavement.

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Meanwhile, much of the rest of the neighborhood adopts a "drive over it until it melts" attitude toward accumulating snow in Michigan.

Is Snow Shoveling a Family Trait?

Whichever camp you land in when it comes to a snow-covered driveway is largely inherited from your parents. Though the trait has been known to skip a generation, those who were raised by fathers and mothers who felt that the neighborhood at large judged every fleck of white on their concrete are more likely to have very strong feelings about a snow-free drive.

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However, it isn't just the families of these shovel-wielding blacktop fans who are affected. Some neighborhoods are left with "Naked Driveway Envy," yet most cases aren't severe enough to lead them to clear their own.

When the Snowblower Changes Everything

In some cases, your shovel-obsessed neighbor may end up with a snowblower, benefiting nearly everyone on the block. You see, their sickness runs so deep that with the right equipment, they won't be able to stop at just one driveway. Many will continue into their neighbor's drive, and sometimes even their neighbor's neighbor's driveway.

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If this happens, do not question it. Do not interrupt them either. They're in a state of "snow removal Nirvana." Instead, leave them be, let them enjoy their sickness, and when you see them later, give them the ol' Michigan head tilt and a quiet thank you.

As of today, there are no clinically approved treatments for the condition, but with the right care, the snow-free-driveway-obsessed neighbor in your life can be a welcome addition to any neighborhood.