Anyone here from Wisconsin?
 

Hi, I am thinking of relocating to Wisconsin. I have done some research but would like to hear what these towns feel like to actually be there.<BR><BR>We are considering:<BR>Fort Atkinson<BR>Eagle River<BR>Elkhorn<BR>Amery<BR>Monroe<BR><BR>I know this is weird but due to financial restraints we may not actually get to visit before we move there. We know we want to move and we know that these places have qualities to offer that we are looking for. Yes, we know it's cold. I just want to get a feeling for the community, neighborhoods, employment opportunities etc.<BR><BR>Are we crazy? I hope not.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance

I'm from Wisconsin and there is a LOT of difference between the communities on your list, including climate. All of them are relatively small towns and employment opportunities may be limited, however there could be more than meets the eye. For example, Amery would be within commuting distance to many opportunities on the edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area; Fort Atkinson, Monroe & Elkhorn have opportunties in the fast-growing area of southeastern Wisconsin including the greater Madison area. Eagle River would be a bit more of a challenge, since it is "vacation land", not close to any large metro area and the area's economy can be a bit seasonally dependent on tourism. The demographics are going to be older, the real estate prices can be very high around the lake country and it is the quintessential "Northwoods" setting, with significantly more winter-type weather than most of the other places you mentioned.

Yes, you are crazy.

I grew up in Middleton, a suburb of Madison, and have lived the last 13 years in Chicago. Let me tell you, I love Wisconsin and would move back in a heart beat (if our jobs allowed it).<BR><BR>Whenever I return (about once a month, family still there), it always seems like the grass and trees are greener there than Illinois, the sky is bluer, etc. Now, this could be due to my rose-colored glasses, but there's no denying the glacially-influenced landscape is prettier.<BR><BR>If you must stick to the towns on your list, I'd recommend Monroe for its proximity to Madison. If you needn't stick to that list, you should consider some of the many towns that are even closer.<BR><BR>For any Fodorites here who know Madison, pick up a book I just finished called "The Dive From Clausen's Pier," by Anne Packer. It's set in Madison -- I loved revisiting the campus and surrounding city through her story.<BR><BR>If you don't already know it, Wisconsin has pretty high state taxes, but in my opinion you get a high quality of life in return.<BR><BR>Good luck -- keep us posted!

Not just "pretty high" taxes....they are among the top five in the nation, in terms of taxes...and facing a big deficit despite it. <BR><BR>

Thank you Jim and Susan!<BR><BR>No we do not have to stick to the list in any way. We are looking for a small town, hence the list, but are considering Madison. <BR><BR>We have decided against Eagle River. We do not want tolive in a town that depends upon tourism. <BR><BR>We are looking for that "small town feel"; decent housing costs, adequate job opportunities, freindly people, a place where we can become part of the community. We are not afraid of snow but obviously we do not want to be snowed in all winter. <BR><BR>Susan, what is Middleton like?<BR><BR>We are definately open to all suggestions. <BR><BR>The state taxes can't be that much higher then where we live now (Oregon). And I understand the trade off can be worth it.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Hi May<BR>I live in one of the small NW WI tourist towns in the middle of natl. forest land. I went to college in Madison and it is a wonderful small city. I don't know if Middleton has the "small town feel" you are looking for but it is a unique type of suburb since Madison is a unique city.<BR><BR>Have you considered Eau claire at all? I know quite a few people that like it there. Just a thought. Good luck!

Just to complicate your choice a little more, here's a link to Wausau's city website that you can drill in to find out about events, visitor information, etc.:<BR><BR>http://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/<BR><BR>While taxes aren't cheap in Wisconsin, that can be offset by a lower cost of living in many communities. Various fees tend to be lower and there are often higher standards/expectations for state and municipal services here than in many other places. (I'm not necessarily defending the idea of higher taxes so much as explaining that a comparison can be more complicated than it may appear at first blush).

We drove through Wisconsin on a long cross-country trip and boy were we disappointed. We stopped overnight in Eau Clair, having heard so many nice things, but the town was not terribly appealing compared to dozens of other places we visited on our route. And the people were as slow as anyone in the South and as rude as anyone in the North. <BR>And what's the problem with WI--it's a dairy state, why the heck was it so difficult to get fresh cream for our coffee?? Everyplace we stopped at in Wisconsin to get a cup of coffee tried to force those awful dairy substitutes on us--either powdered or some soybean concoction. We had to beg for real cream! Not to mention being warned not to drink the tap water at several road stops because of fertilizer runoff. Lovely.

I'm from Illinois but I'm familiar with most of Wisconsin. I must say that you've picked a very odd and varying list of towns. Although I like some of the towns in the Madison area, I've always thought this area to be a little overrated. To me, the nicest areas of Wisconsin are on Lake Michigan or the Mississippi River. As for North Central Wisconsin, I'd only live there if getting drunk and riding snowmobiles on thawing lakes is your idea of a fun time. There is no way I'd move to any of these towns without checking them out. Oregon is a beautiful state. The appeal of Wisconsin is friendly people and more a more subtle natural beauty. You may be disappointed at first.

I have to agree with Dan! I lived in several cities in Wisc. and I have never seen people that drink they way they do there. I'm not opposed to having a drink but they get on their snowmobiles(kids along also) and head for the bars on the weekend. Baby bottles just sit on the bar along with their beer!

Thank you again for all of your replies. You certainly give us lots to think about. <BR><BR>Why is our list so diverse? What would you all recommend? We are in our early 30's, no kids yet, we like books, music and art, we are kind of quite, neither of us think of a job as a road to fufillment (meaning work for us is over when the whistle blows, at least that has been the case up until now), and we do love to travel so access to a semi-major airport is important. <BR><BR>Thanks again for all your help. You are definately helping us figure out what to do here. And we have realized we will need to take a trip before making anything permanent but you are definately giving us some insight as to where to visit and how to narrow our search down. Obviously we can't spend a month touring every little town in Wisconsin, unfortunately.

May, PLEASE make the effort to visit Madison. With summer coming there's no better time. Your last post tells me it's exactly the town you're looking for.<BR><BR>Not having lived there for the past 13 years, I can't really give you up-to-date details about housing, schools, etc., I can only reiterate how I love the atmosphere of the area. I left as a newly-wed 23 yr old who'd only rented, hence never paid taxes. What I know on that subject is mostly from hearing my parents gripe! And being fairly liberal myself, I wouldn't be put off by the liberal government (though that's another thing my Dad likes to b*tch about).<BR><BR>The city has a great deal to offer, thanks to the University being located there. For a "small" town you'll find plenty of diversity in people, restaurants, music, shops, etc. The surrounding area (say a 100-mile radius) has so much to offer as well, particularly if you like nature. If you get a chance, visit Devils Lake, approx. 90 minutes North.<BR><BR>If you do visit Madison, make sure you're there over a Saturday so you can walk around the campus (especially the Student Union), State Street, and the Farmers Market, which is on the Capital Square every Sat. from 6 am til 12? 2 pm? In fact, take those three items in reverse for a nice 1/2-to-full day itinerary.<BR><BR>I could go on and on, but I'll shut up for now and see what else I can think of. (Oh, yeah, Middleton is an ideal "hometown" to grow up in. I didn't really address it on its own because I think of the two as one and the same.)<BR><BR>Susan

I'm still kind of wondering why, May, that you and your husband just seemed to have picked Wisconsin out of the air as a re-location site? And are you sure you'll be able to find employment in the smaller towns you cite? There is darned little recession recovery yet to be seen here...too often, the news is still headlined with lay-offs.<BR><BR>Wisconsin IS a pretty state - in a rural, classic Midwest sort of way, with acres of rolling farmland, herds of Ben & Jerry style cows (yes, I know - they're Holsteins), red barns and white frame farmhouses. Tho, like everywhere else, it's surprising to drive in the country and see how much, and how fast, some of those farmland acres are giving way to suburban style tract development. <BR>It's a shame there have been some negative reactions posted here - tho each has their own experience. Mine, has been that small-town folk are, generally speaking, much more polite than those you find in the city. And I've encountered the 'phony cream' problem everywhere - not just here. Tho a restaurant that serves a pot of yellow sludge, in place of real butter (and there are too many of them)...now THAT's sad. The University of Wisconsin has branches all across the state and I would think you should start narrowing your search to one of those locations to ensure that you have some kind of 'culture' and liveliness. <BR><BR>As for airports...you will not be able to fly 'direct/non-stop' from anywhere in the state (with the (limited) exception of Milwaukee).

I live about 20 miles north of Fort Atkinson and 40 miles west of Madison.<BR> Out of the towns you've listed, I would give the nod to Fort Atkinson. Reason one: you have easy access to both Madison AND Milwaukee and the events they offer. Reason two: given your desire to travel, acess to airports in Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Reason three: more reasonable cost of living than Madison or Middleton.<BR> Susan's descriptions of Madison are very accurate. However, living in Madison or a closer suburb will be much more expensive than any of the smaller towns you have listed. <BR> That being said, your opportunities for employment certainly have to be considered. What do you plan on doing for a living?<BR> The area along the Hwy 26 is rapidly developing. While still quite rural in character, its location of midway between Madison and Milwaukee is contributing to its growth. Property is still cheaper than in counties immediately to the east or west.<BR> Yes, Wisconsin has high taxes but it also has a high quality of living. But it is relatively conservative. Living in southern Wisconsin will not result in being snowed in for months at at time. Last winter was nearly snowless.<BR> I would also suggest the towns of Cambridge, Lake Mills and Oconomowoc.<BR>

Thank you Susan for all your encouraging help! We really do appreciate it.<BR><BR>X - In one word... lists.<BR>We listed everything we want out of a home, every place that sounded interesting. We weighed pros and cons. Wisconsin just kept comming up. If the "niceness" of everyone who has answered this post is any proof, then I think we have chosen wisely. (I am referring to the many, often negative replies one can usually find here.) <BR><BR>xxx- I know employment may be difficult. But here in Oregon we have the highest unemployment rate in the country (almost 9%) and we are willing to take that risk. We both have many marektable skills though no formal "proffesion." Eventually we would like to have our own business. <BR><BR>I am very grateful for all of your opinions and replys. If you can think of anything else, please let me know. <BR><BR><BR>

BTW, I like Cambridge too.

ttt

Dan, what is Cambridge like?

RE: unemployment rate. By comparison, Wisconsin's is currently around 5.4% and it dropped from 5.7% last month. In the greater Madison area, unemployment is consistently lower and it's been a hot job market there for a long time.

Try<BR>cambridgewi.com<BR><BR>Also has links to other nearby towns.

Thanks for the web site info. And the employment stats are good news. Anything else we may need to know?

If it were me, I'd get a map and also start looking at the little towns near the Mississippi within 1-2 hours of the Twin Cities.

Dodgeville might be a good choice, Lands End is located in Dodgeville, it employs 4,000 people, population of the city is just over 4,000. It would be close to Madison, Milwaukee & a longer drive to Chicago.<BR>It's got that Midwest feel you are looking for.

Susan2,<BR><BR>FYI, Lands End was just sold to Sears, and many in the Dodgeville area are fearing the worst in terms of a depressed economy if LE pulls up and leaves. Let's hope that doesn't happen, though.<BR><BR>

The Chigago Trib business section had an article about Dodgeville residents concern about the Sears deal, "looks" like things will remain the same, but you never know. The article was very interesting, Land's Ends treats their employees very very good!

Sorry to sound like an idiot but is Land's End a store?

It's the number #1 "specialty" catalog in the US. They sell casual clothes for men & women & also a few home items, it's like LL Bean, just not as expensive & not quite as good. Their customer service reps are so friendly, happy people! Sears bought Land's End for close to $2 billion to have the rights to start selling Land's Ends clothes in their stores, the catalog division is suppose to remain the same.

Yay Wisconsin!

And the small towns within spitting distance of Dodgeville also merit consideration. Also, the landscape in that part of Wisconsin starts getting pretty scenic - very rolling (tho no mountains, of course, except for Wildcat). Friends from Portland OR have had a home just w. of D'ville for years - she says it reminds her of 'home'.

x - that is intresting. I am from Portland and I love the scenery here but the city is getting so big and congested. Thanks for the idea.

So my husband and I are trying to plan a driving tour of our prospective areas of Wisconsin. We haven't finalized our "go see" list yet but I was wondering if we planned this trip in October what would the weather be like, road condition wise? Would August be a better time to go? We figure we would like to get a taste of the cold but may not yet be up to driving in the snow.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

October is a beautiful month in Wisconsin, because of the fall colors!<BR>But some days can be cool & rainy & others just absolutely perfect...sunny w/ highs in the 70's or low 80's. Snow of concern won't happen at this time of the year. August is also beautiful, but can be hot & humid, but everything is so lush & green.

While snow is POSSIBLE in October, it would not be common to have accumulating snow that would stay for long at that time. That generally doesn't happen until the second half of November in the north and if you're talking about Madison, etc., you'll be more likely to enjoy some wonderful fall weather and colorful, changing leaves. August is generally very warm weather and a great time for county fairs and corn on the cob.

You've gotten spot-on info about the weather, so I don't need to add more on that. However, I hope you'll give us a trip report after you return. I for one am anxious to hear what you saw/did and how you liked it.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Well, I will belabor the timing question just a bit more: If you live in Portland, you may not be all that wild about heat and August in Wisconsin will run a good chance of temps in the 80s and even 90s, and considerable humidity. Roads/hotels, etc will also be somewhat busier because it's high season for tourists. October is a gorgeous month with the turning leaves and much more moderate temps (the layering suggestion is an excellent one, however - do plan on it as you could run into some chilly evenings). There are leaf-peepers in October, too, of course but that's more confined to Door County and the Kettle Moraine (and has anyone mentioned the Kettle Moraine state forest? Northwest and southwest of Milwaukee and another good place for you to check out).

If you've chosen the Madison area, you've chosen a lovely spot. we live in the Madison city limits...2 blocks from middleton and are in the middle of a huge woods, I have fox, turkey and other varmits in my yard daily. I have world class bookstores 5 min away and teach in one of the nation's best elem schools.<BR>Cost of living is ++ but so is quality. We have friends that live in Fort A (great folk acts at a bar there) and Monroe, (super cheese and great bike trail nearby). My best friend works for the Chamber of C. et me know how I can help. By the way, Oct is woolies to shorts. But who likes predictable. Let me know the kind of town you want and maybe I can suggest...or your profession.

Once again, I can't thank you all enough for the help and advice. <BR><BR>I will be sure to give a report when we get back. First we have to decide when we are going to go. :)<BR><BR>August seemed good because I just want to go now and October sounds so far away! I am not too worried about the heat then. It gets hot here too and very humid. Do houses and apartments generally come with air conditioning? That may seem like a weird question, depending on your answer, but no place here has air conditioning so that would be good to know. <BR><BR>October sounds beautiful and it is our anniversary then so that is probably when we will go. Maybe me can compromise and visit in September...<BR><BR>Mama K- I may take you up on that offer.<BR><BR>We are still finalizing our list of prospective places to live in Wisconsin. As always, suggestions are welcome. When we have the list I will let you all know and see what you think. <BR><BR>Thanks again!<BR>May

I've lived in or near 4 of the towns you listed. You'll love Wisconsin if you like hot, muggy summers, and horribly COLD winters, LOTS of mosquitoes, poison oak, and drinking tons of alcohol. Just to make it more interesting, they also have tornadoes, cottonmouths, and insanely drunken snowmobilers! Fall isn't bad...

I've lived in or near 4 of the towns you listed. You'll love Wisconsin if you like hot, muggy summers, and horribly COLD winters, LOTS of mosquitoes, poison oak, and drinking tons of alcohol. Just to make it more interesting, they also have tornadoes, cottonmouths, and insanely drunken snowmobilers! Fall isn't bad... I moved away 2 days after high school graduation (30 years ago), and haven't missed it once!