Moving from Florida to Wisconsin, any tips ?
 

Hi all, <BR> <BR>I will shortly be moving from (sunny) South Florida to Wisconsin, for job purposes. <BR> <BR>The job itself is in the Pewaukee/Waukesha area, and I would like to stay close by (around 5 miles, rent not own). <BR> <BR>I have a few questions: <BR> <BR>1)What is life like in Waukesha ? I know this is a broad question, but an answer for Florida would be: "life is about swimming, tennis, beaches, malls, hot summers, great winters, generally unfriendly people". <BR> <BR>2)Is there any advantage to living in Milwaukee proper rather than in Waukesha ? <BR> <BR>3)What is the cost of living like ? On average how much would a family of 2 adults spend on groceries per week ? <BR> <BR>4)How scared do I need to be of the Wisconsin winters ? I have always lived in Florida, and have never seen snow. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>RS

R.S., Welcome to Wisconsin! The area you will be working in is very nice. I strongly recommend visiting and driving around for a weekend to get to know the area and what you want in your neighborhood.Don't be afraid of the winters! The great thing about Wisconsin is the changing seasons. You will love the Fall especially. When we get snow, it is taken care of quickly, and the roads are safe. Just remember to drive accordingly, and you will be fine. The winters can seem long, but you become accustomed to them. Our summers can be hot and humid, so you won't miss that:) There are many malls, many beaches, and great/friendly people. The cost of living might be a bit higher than Florida, but reasonable. We are a family of four, and I don't spend more than $100 a week on groceries. As much as I can tire of the winters here, I love the changing seasons, and wouldn't move. You'll have many things to keep you occupied depending on your tastes. Festivals abound at the lake front, and there is always something happening to entertain you. I think if you come with an open mind, you will love it here! Enjoy and safe moving:)

Ann: <BR> <BR>Many thanks for those encouraging words. They certainly cheered me up. <BR> <BR>I was up in Waukesha while interviewing, and did not get much time to look around. I will probably go there for a weekend to rent an apartment. <BR> <BR>I searched the Web for Waukesha information, there are a few relevant sites, but not too much community information. <BR> <BR>What are the popular supermarkets there ? <BR> <BR>On a related note, what is the drive from Chicago to Milwaukee like ? It looks like it would be cheaper and more convenient to fly to Chicago, then drive to Milwaukee. Also, is there any other way of getting from Chicago to Milwaukee ? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>RS

Hi- I live about 15 min. from Waukesha and about 20 min. from Pewaukee. Both are very nice areas, I prefer these over Milwaukee but that probably depends on how much you like the city. I agree with last poster many great parks, lake festivals, malls,beautiful new stadium (if you like baseball), etc. Wisconsin is also great for diversity-it's fun to visit door couny northern WI is beautiful in summer,visiting the western part of the state by Mississippi is beautiful, in winter although it is cold you might want to try some winter sports like sking, snowmobiling,ice skating (2 indoor ice rinks in your area). <BR> As far as the cost of living it isn't probably that much different from Florida, except taxes, which are quite high compared to other states. If you are renting looking for an apartment you won't have a problem

It usually is cheaper to fly out of Chicago but O'Hare is a real pain. From Waukesha it is probably 2 hour drive to Chicago. Grocery stores Pick and Save, Sentry are big ones.

Reverse snowbird, are you to be working with GE?? Since that is also my emloyer, I know that they have some pretty decent new employee info that includes cultural and regional stuff. I've lived here most of my life and can tell you that you will need to embrace winter and make it as fun as summer. Skiing, skating, sledding are a blast and these types of winter activities can make a big difference in how you view winter since ours are quite long. My kids are both avid skiiers and can hardly wait for the snow. We have a local joke here that we have 2 seasons. Winter and road construction. Since traveling to/from milwaukee to P-waukee generally requires hiway travel through construction (or snow), you're probably wise to not want to make that drive everyday. There are many localaties west and north of milwaukee as other posters have advised. Its fairly easy access to downtown milwaukee if you want to go in for dinner, shows or whatever. Also, while we generally have pretty miserable mass transit, shuttle and commuter buses are becoming more available making the Milwaukee-Waukesha trip easier especially for things like summerfest and state fair. <BR>Good luck and welcome!

Folks, <BR> <BR>Thanks for all the info, and the warm welcomes. I am already beginning to feel at home in WI, though I am still in FL !. <BR> <BR>Barb: you deduced right. It is GE. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

I too made the move north almost 3 years ago. I used to live in a suburb of Atlanta and I now live just south of Milwaukee. I can safely say you are in for a culture shock! As far as the weather, it is downright terrible and bitterly cold in winter. By the way the winters last about 5 nmonths IMHO! It is old, wet, and dreary. I get by, by never going outside when it is below 35 degrees, not even to go to the mailbox! I get in my car in my heated garage, drive to work and park in another heated garage, you will not catch me out in winter. I haven't gotten used to the cold in 3 years and doubt I will. As for the summers, they are quite strange, it could be 85 one day and 60 the next, you just never know. There is not a consistently warm (above 80 IMO) period for any extended period of time. One plus about the weather here is that there is less humidity! The people here complain about how humid it is but I will tell you , it is nothing like the horrible humidity in Georgia! I will agree that there are many neighborhood and outdoor summer festivals to go to which are fun and I adore Door County, but he Dells are VERY tacky! Another drawback is the lack of culture and fine restaurants and shopping in Milwaukee. It is a bigger city, but you really have to go to Chicago for real gourmet food and shopping, we go there about every other month as it is about 1 1/2 hours from southside of Milwaukee. The biggest advantage of this area though is the very LOW cost of living. I'm not sure what the other poster who thought Florida was lower was thinking. We got a great house here under $300k and would have had to pay much more for it in Georgia. Housing is both plentiful and affordable. Schools are pretty good too. I think the thing I miss the most about the south (other than the sunshine) is really good southern food. Its very hard to find things like a good barbecue sandwich and sweet potato pie around here.

RS, It is much easier to fly into Milwaukee than Chicago. The airport is easy to reach, and it isn't anywhere near as busy as Chicago. It will cost a bit more, but is worth the time and hassles. Personally, I like Midwest Express Airlines, which operates from Milwaukee but not Chicago. If you fly into O'Hare, it is a good two hour drive to Milwaukee depending on traffic. Midway Airport will take you quite a bit longer and isn't all that great. Chicago to Milwaukee is a pretty straight shot on I-94 and will take about 2 hours, again depending on the traffic. Overall, the highway system here is very good and is easy to learn. Although the last poster doesn't enjoy the restaurants and entertainment Milwaukee has, it is up for debate. It all depends on what you enjoy, and is a personal thing. Chicago certainly has more expensive shops and more cultural activities, but it is also much bigger. I think you will find many wonderful places to eat and to shop. Right over the WI/IL border is Six Flags Great America and a large outlet mall in Gurnee. Madison isn't all that far, and also offers many cultural things too. Winters can be harsh, but that isn't always the norm. If you get a good winter coat (Eddie Bauer has some great ones that keep you warm when it is below zero)you certainly won't freeze! If you stay indoors all winter you will miss out on a lot! I grew up in Wisconsin, but spent summers in Alabama. I agree you won't find the great bbq, but you'll find the best pizzas, Italian food, and many other things you probably don't get in the south,lol. As is all things in life, you get what you put into it. If you make the effort to get out and enjoy yourself, I really think you will learn to love the area. Wisconsin's website is www.travelwisconsin.com or 1-800-432-8747.

Reverse snowbird, <BR>Don't let Kelly scare you. Believe me winter is cold and it does last a long time. It is my least favorite season. However, Christmas is far better with snow. Spring is wonderful, watching everything come back to life. Fall can't be beat with the beautiful colors and summer is a pleasure because you know it won't last. <BR> Another thing is people are friendly, especially those of us were born and raised here. We may not have great southern food but you will find many great places to eat. <BR> Maybe you could post some of your interests and we could give you ideas of places to go.

You're getting pretty good info here. If you have any specific GE questions, I'll include my REAL e-mail. Dunno why this feels risky but this has not been a terribly controversial thread(milwaukee does not normally stir up a lot of excitment among non-natives)so I'll give it a go.

From another Southerner (NC) who lived in WI (Madison) for well over 7 years until recently: <BR> <BR>The people are indeed very friendly. The weather is indeed very very very very cold. Try occasional 40-50 degree - windchills (you will learn to really fear the wind). Buy a parka first thing, think of it as an adventure, and learn to run like hell when it is windy. Really, it is cold, but you will adjust. I used to pump gas with my coat unbuttoned in the dead of winter and survived (barely). You can get weeks at a time without sun it seems. They did clear the roads better, but you will also learn very quickly to drive on snow. If not, you won't go anywhere for much of the winter. The pizza is indeed awesome and much better than anything I have found in the South. Learn to like Bratwurst because you will find it everywhere. There are lots of festivals in towns all over the place, and they are fun. I loved the summers. Hot and occasionally humid, but it still didn't compare to NC and certainly not Florida. Spring can be almost non-existent in the way I was used to it. I lived in Madison, but I would think Milwaukee is fairly similar with regards to cost of living. I actually thought it was a little higher than here in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area until I moved back. I think we might be even higher in this part of NC now, so it isn't too bad. Learn to like Packer football and enjoy your stay. I like being back home in NC, but I do miss Wisconsin (my second home).

I currently live near Chicago. Someone said, in an earlier post, that you have to go to Chicago for a real big city. I couldn't disagree more. Milwaukee has everything that Chicago has except for high prices and serious traffic. In my opinion, Milwaukee is America's best kept secret. My goal is to get out of Illinois fast and live in Milwaukee. Two things though. Everyone is talking about Wisconsin's low prices. This would mean a lot to someone from New York, Chicago and LA. But it won't be much of a difference to you, coming from relatively inexexpensive South Florida. Also, I'm not all that crazy about Pewaukee/Waukesha. It's ok, <BR>but everyone from Milwaukee is moving out there, so its full of basically cookie cutter houses and strip malls galore. Waukesha is an established city but nothing special. I have to admit that the people of wisconsin are the friendliest people I've encountered, and I've lived in New England, New York, and Illinois. Their accents may get to you, y'a hey dere, but they're honest hard workers. As for the weather, pick your poison, I couldn't take Florida weather, but to each their own. It will be almost completely different than where you are from, but I've cherished my time living in small towns and big cities. Variety is the spice of life. If you want to fit in with your neighbors, just mention that you can't stand people from Illinois. We are their arch enemies, and you will be a big hit.

Hey Dan don't take it personally, you sound like a nice guy. It's just us Wisconsinites love our Packers and we have a real dislike for the Chicago Bears, I sorry to say we take it out on everyone from Illinois. Plus those toll roads really get us....

You are in for cultural shock. I know nothing about Wisconsin but judging from the earlier posts you are in for some fun! I lived in Florida, albeit Jacksonville, for 10 years and hated every minute of it! Wait till your first Christmas with the snow, it is so beautiful you will wonder why you never experienced it before. We move from Ohio to Florida, it was definitely a change of scene but you what if you really hate it (and it sounds like you have a great attitude about it) move back! Anyway check out www.accra.org to get cost of living info for different places.

Folks: <BR>Thanks for all the (mostly) positive feedback, I certainly feel a lot better now about the move. <BR>I would like to pick your brains some more, hope nobody minds. <BR>1)Some apartments have fireplaces, some don't. How essential is this ? Along the same lines, some apartments claim to "include heating", again how important is this ? <BR>2)The reason I enquired about Chicago-Milwaukee is because most flights out of Ft Lauderdale to Milwaukee connect thru Chicago. Usually there is a 2 or 3 hour wait in Chicago. I was wondering if it made sense to rent a car at Chicago, unless as someone pointed out, the traffic at O'Hare/Midway is horrible. <BR>3)I have heard of indoor arenas, where one can go walking/jogging. Are these common. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Reverse Snowbird <BR>I'll try to answer your questions. If you can get a fireplace, I would. I love having a fireplace and use it almost daily in the winter. As far as heat included in the rent, I think that is usually reflected in your rent price. It has been many years since I rented so I can't give you an accurate amount of what heat cost in an apartment. Dec., Jan., and Feb. are the 3 most expensive monthes. I have a older home and probably spend about $100.00 a month on heat in those 3 monthes (more this last winter heat was very expensive as natural gas was so HIGH!) <BR>As for an indoor track there are many in your area, I know there is a place called West Wood Health and Fitness not far from GE, just off I-94. I have never been there but it is very big and looks like it would definitly have a track- anyway it won't be hard to find. As for flying, it is way better to fly out of Milwaukee. But often price decides for us, so we end flying out of Chicago. I have a family of 5 we try to fly out of Milwaukee but often it is so much cheaper to fly Chicago. I can tell you that there are airlines that fly directly to Florida from Mil. during the winter monthes when us snow birds are looking for a break. Try Midwest Express sometimes you can get a good price on a great airline. If you drive up from Chicago it can be done and isn't bad once you get out of Chicago. Just beware if it is winter and roads are bad you may not feel like it is worth it. Good Luck!

Fireplaces are very nice but remember natural (wood burning) can actually suck the warm out out of your home. Gas fireplaces are mostly just "pretty" to look at and don't provide any real heat but do have real aesthetic value. <BR> "Heat included" can save you money if energy prices continue to soar (count on that) but should be considered when looking at the total $ rent.You WILL pay for heat one way or another. Many residents here experienced paying X2 what they did last year. Some places are very energy efficient (well insulated)and others can be like living in cold storage. Since heat rises, usually upper units are a little warmer. <BR>There is a great deal of difference between midway and O'hare. Midway is on the far south side of Chicago. Add another 1.5 hours to Milwaukee and a horrible drive. Not worth the time or $$ IMO to drive to Midway. <BR>There is also a regular shuttle (United Limo) from O'hare to Milwaukee airport which I have used several times. Its pretty inexpensive and the service is very regular.

In regards to waiting at O'Hare for a connecting flight or renting a car, I would just wait it out personally. By the time you get any luggage, rent a car, find it, get out of the traffic, pay tolls, and do the two hour drive, and return the rental car,it doesn't seem worth it. O'Hare is huge compared to Milwaukee's airport. As for the fireplace, they are beautiful and romantic, just don't count on it being a big heat source. My mom rents, and her heat is included and the rent is reasonable. At least it stays pretty consistent because of her rental contract. The heating bills on our house went up every month by a great deal. Maybe you could get your new employer to send you a copy of the Sunday Milwaukee Journal so you can get an idea of prices. Or go to their online site and read it there. If you log onto AOL, you can also search Milwaukee under keyword "digital city".

Just a quick word of thanks to everyone who responded: there were a lot of very helpful and informative responses. I will be going to Waukesha in the next week or so to look for an apartment: will certainly keep in mind all the tips posted here. I will also keep you posted about how I am doing thru the fall, and hopefully winter ! <BR> <BR>Thanks.