OT-- thinking about moving to Michigan

My hubby is getting out of the Navy this summer. We're trying to figure out where we're going to move. Michigan is top on our list. Obviously we're going to go where he get's the best job but I was just curious how you guys like living there? I've never been there but I think it's beautiful from all the pictures I've seen. I've always been drawn to Anne Arbor too.

Well, in the entire state of MI, Ann Arbor has the lowest unemployment rate.  But that's not saying a whole lot.  I live about 15 minutes from Ann Arbor and hubby and I both commute one hour each way to our jobs.  The West side of the state is growing or at least thriving.  The southeast portion of the state, which is heavily geared toward the automotive industry is waning.  But if a job brings you here, you can certainly find plenty of houses to buy and cheap!  

I like living in Michigan, but mostly because my entire family lives here.  I would so much prefer to live somewhere with less snow and cold.  But the state is beautiful.  I've lived here pretty much my entire life, give or take a few years.  Good luck on your impending move!

Thank you! I'm not use to cold & snow-- that would definitly be a change. My hubby is from WI and that's where his entire family is. So we have WI in mind too. No matter what I'm going to have to get use to the cold hehe. I'm really going to miss the beautiful green Washington state-- been here my entire life.

What kind of work does your husband do? Or would like to do?

He's been a nuclear engineer in the navy for the past 8 years (not really sure exactly want he wants to do when he gets out) & I'm an Esthetician.

This is a bad time of the year to ask that question .  According to weather.com it's 9 right now with a wind chill of -6.  I've lived here most of my life but I did take a 17 year break and moved to the Phoenix area, now that I've been gone from Phx for a few years I am starting to miss it .  This winter I've had to tell myself (while walking through the parking lot at work freezing my buns off), oppressive heat sucks too, oppressive heat sucks too..... LOL!!!

But seriously, I love this state, it's soooooo pretty, the change of seasons is something I look forward to no matter what season we're going into (ok by this time of the winter, I'm over it). 

I live in a very northern suburb of Detroit, it's hilly, has lakes, lots of parks with acres of trails.....I am rarely in my house from May to October!

Wisconsin's pretty too!

Good luck,

Well - let's just say that during the winter it can get very cold.  If you enjoy outdoor activiites (winter) like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc - then this is your place to come to.

I live in Traverse City.  Its in the north western part of the state - up by the lakes, woods and a very beautiful area. 

Lots of nice places in Michigan if you like Winter and constuction seasons!!

While Michigan weather is cold and snowy in the winter months and the economy has certainly been a challenge for us, Michigan has the most wonderful people.  We are a very giving, resilient population.  People are kind, and friendly, and usually rise above all adversity.   Come to Michigan, we will welcome you.  

Michigan is in the midst of a seven-year one-state recession.  We've been in a recession since the last time the country was in a recession.  Jobs are scarce with the unemployment rate about the highest in the country (10.9%).  Home foreclosures are outrageous (about 1 in 47 in my county). State government can't seem to figure out how to balance a budget.  According to Atlas Van Lines the highest rate of migration in the US is people leaving Michigan for other states.  I know families that are split up right now with the wife and kids staying here trying to sell their homes and the husband living in another state because that's the only job he could find (I have 2 friends doing this right now).  

If your husband happens to work in a field that is seeing some job growth, he might get lucky to find a job here.  But the odds don't seem very good right now.

Michigan is a beautiful state and I love the natrual habitat.  I hate winter, but many people love the snow for winter sports.  Summers are hot-to-mild and you can't find more gorgeous places to hike and enjoy nature. There's a hundred places to go in Michigan and it'll feel like you're thousands of miles away from home -- great vacation destinations all around.

Ann Arbor is a cool town with lots of unique attractions.  But it's definitely a college town, so if you're alright with that... go for it.  I personally wouldn't want to be surrounded by that many college kids.  LOL!

I know.. it sounds like I'm discouraging you from moving here.  It's just that times are tough in Michigan right now.  Be sure to research what's going on here before you make the big move.  

Pam

Thank you so much for your honesty!