Isn't it true that most of this country has a preoccupation with drinking beer? Why would Wisconsin be any different?

Hello everyone:

First off, thank you to everybody who has taken the time to reply to my wifes questions on this board.

It's a difficult decision to figure out a place to live, and obtaining feedback from those of you who have lived (or are living) in the areas we are looking into is a big help.

I have to admit that a big draw of Wisconsin for me is that I am from Michigan and still have a lot of family that lives there. I'd like to finally live close enough to be able to visit them more often. Since we moved to Portland from Arizona, I've been reminded a lot of Michigan and figured that the climates of Wisconsin probably wouldn't be too different.

I have to say that some of the posts about drinking kind of bother me (since I don't drink myself). But I've long ago realized that a HUGE majority of people drink, and the only difference between there and Portland is that there aren't many snowmobiles here. Also, since I rarely spend any time in bars, this really isn't an issue for me.

Here is something I've been wondering: are there still towns in existence that haven't been invaded by corporations and fast-food chains? I'd like to rediscover an America who's town isn't "Brought to you by McDonalds".

Thanks again for all your insight.

Ben

ttt

Anyone?

Smaller communities -- particularly those that don't have good four-lane highway access -- are your best bet for getting out of the franchise jungle. You may also find some communities where the chains are out near the interchanges and a healthy downtown with a unique personality exists away from the main roadways. But if you're asking for a place in America that has any significant population and solid infrastructure -- along with a healthy, vibrant economy that has not attracted the investment capital of those who see franchise operations as a lower-risk way to make a return -- then you're asking for an awful lot. Franchises are successful because there are enough people who want what they have to offer to keep them profitable. Visitors to a community and those just passing by or through are frequently looking for names that they recognize. It is not necessarily a positive commentary on the relative size and health of a community's economy if you see few or no franchise operations. Although such communities probably exist, you would be wise to look at what they lack as much as what that particular characteristic offers in exchange, IMHO.

May & Ben:
Yes, there are smaller places near any/all of the towns you've mentioned. I'm not sure, however, that they qualify as communities. These places tend to be not much more than rural crossroads.
Very generally speaking, the northern and western portions of the state will have a less developed feel. But unless you are in proximity to Minneapolis, you will lose access to an airport.
Keep your questions coming. It's fun to answer questions about home--Wisconsin does not generate a lot of questions here!

Thank you both for your posts. Your replies have been most helpful as we don't know anyone who has even been to Wisconsin. I have an almost completed list of places that I will post shortly. We are still deciding whether to drive from Portland or fly into Minneapolis and rent a car.

You have both made very good points. Maybe that "ideal" place in our minds doesn't really exsist anymore but it seems to me that Wisconsin has the closest thing to it for what you get in return.

Oh yeah, do you have air-conditioning there? Not in stores and businesses and such but in homes and apartments? Or do most people buy window units?

Thanks again!

I would think that in Southern Wisconsin central air would be common. Not sure about Northern Wisconsin, it can get extremely hot & humid there too, but not as frequently.

If I remember correctly Sheboygan was just on the top 10 places to live in the US list. Beautiful countryside--and 1/2 way between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Perhaps you'd like to add this to your list of places to explore.

Lynn, good suggestion on Sheboygan. Actually, there are a number of nice communities along the lakeshore in that area that are worth a look. As for air conditioning, central air is taking over quickly in low to mid-range homes. Window units are more common in smaller homes. Many people still try to get along without it and suffer through the relatively few REALLY bad days in the summer -- but I'm not one of those people.

Dear May and Ben,

Just discovered your post tonight; hope this doesn't come too late. My family moved to the Fox Cities area amost two years ago. This area refers to the communities along the Fox river in Northeast Wisconsin, the largest being Appleton. The Fox Cities are the third largest metropolian area in the state, which gives us the arts and airport opportunities that you are looking for. A large performing arts center will be completed this fall in Appleton, and Lawrence University has a nationaly recognized music department.

While our area is known for its paper industry (Kimberly-Clark, Georgia Pacific), there are also several insurance companies headquarted here and a large medical community. Several of our hospitals are ranked in the top 100 nationaly. We've found it a refreshing mix of white and blue collar.Our unemployment rate is currently 4.8% For two years in a row, we have had the lowest crime rate in the country for a metropolitan area of over 100,000 people

Coming here from the East coast, we have found the cost of living to be much less. Insurance, utilities and housing are all less. Yes, its hot in the summer and cold in the winter but the small town values more than make up for it. I know you said you don't have kids yet, but the area has terrific schools and recreation for kids.

Hope this helps.