Bailey Beggs’ Journey to Thief River Falls
Bailey Beggs’ story of finding home could be anyone’s who yearns for a simpler, more meaningful life in a close-knit community. Almost two years ago, this Indiana native packed up her life and headed north, trading the bustle of a big city for the charm of a small town. Today, Bailey considers Thief River Falls, Minnesota, her true home, a surprising yet delightful conclusion she might not have predicted.
She Wanted More
Born and raised in a small Indiana town, Bailey loved the warmth of community but craved something new after spending four years in a larger city. “I wanted more,” she said. When a friend from Red Lake Falls told her about Thief River Falls, she became intrigued. She landed a job at Digi-Key and, three weeks later, made the 14-hour drive to Minnesota. “It was all new,” she recalls. “The long drive, the new sights, the flat landscapes—it was a change, but one I was excited about.”
Discovering Minnesota Nice
Since arriving, Bailey has experienced first-hand the much-talked-about “Minnesota nice.” She didn’t know many people but was met with such genuine warmth and friendliness that she immediately felt at home. “People here are so, so kind. I’ve built a community of friends who are like family,” she shared. Even at the grocery store, Bailey often finds herself in conversations with neighbors—a small yet meaningful aspect of small-town life she treasures.
Trying New Things
Eager to integrate into the community, Bailey jumped into activities she hadn’t tried before. One of her first steps was joining the local community theater, where she started with a production as stage manager and then moved on to perform in “Quilters” and some short comedy skits. “I had never been involved in community theater until I moved here,” she explains. The experience connected her with people from all walks of life, and she continues to stay in touch with many of them.
Bailey also made a surprising detour into bowling, a sport she admits she’s not great at, but that’s part of the fun. While out with coworkers, she joked about joining their bowling league—and they took her up on it. Bailey’s been a regular at the bowling alley ever since, spending Thursday nights either on the lanes or catching up with her newfound friends.
Full Circle
Life in Thief River Falls has brought Bailey full circle, reconnecting her with pastimes from her youth. “Fishing is big here,” she says, and growing up, fishing had been a cherished pastime. Living in a town where two rivers meet has reignited her passion for the sport, giving her plenty of scenic spots to unwind.
For Bailey, Thief River Falls represents everything she was searching for: a quiet, clean town with welcoming neighbors and abundant nature. “This is seriously so much better than I thought it would ever be,” she reflects, smiling. The town has given her a sense of belonging she hadn’t fully expected but is now deeply grateful for.
In Bailey’s journey, we see a celebration of community and the surprising joys of small-town life—where friendly faces, new opportunities, and a peaceful environment have made Thief River Falls not just a place to live but a place to call home.
Are you interested in moving to Thief River Falls? Visit the Community Information page to learn more about the area, or connect with one of our community navigators!
