[jimdc58]

I'm interested in any input anyone may have on these communities. Social climate, pollution, economy, etc.

[mariatherese]

Well, you already heard my take on TC (wonderful place). I've never been to Port Huron, but hear it is very nice.

Any other TC questions, feel free to ask.

[jimdc58]

One thing I was a little shocked to read is that the Dem to Repub ratio in Traverse City is 39 to 59%.

[mariatherese]

yeah, that number sounds about right. it is mostly conservative, but i found a small community of liberals and a little quaint arts scene budding there. perhaps it is just who you know! i guess what i mean to say is that though maybe TC isn't "blue" it is filled with a more intellectual/progressive population. and IMO that is really better. i like the vibe there.

but i am biased! i loved TC. remember, i'm speaking from a small town perspective. it may not be for you, i dont know.

but lets see- part of the more liberal scene would be:

(a magazine my friends run, it does really well there):
http://www.thirdeyemag.com/

(an article in USA today on the art scene in TC):
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...town-art_x.htm

(an interview about michael moore's experience in TC with his film festival):
http://news.aol.com/entertainment/movies/articles/_a/moore-says-he-gets-lots-of-republican/20060731070909990001?cid=445 (broken link)

(but i guess they already have a liberal bookstore there):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/h2okatc...7594220684749/

[grkandrea]

I was born and raised in TC and it's a great place to raise a family. There are alot of lakes, and there is the Cherry Festival in July every year.
I have never been to Port Huron.

[Blue Grass Fever]

Port Huron is across from the canadian city called Sarnia which is aptly known as "Chemical Valley". Otherwords, there are alot of factories across the St.Clair River (from Port Huron). Port Huron downtown is/has been "dead" for quite some years but hopefully if everything goes right, there'll be a/some riverfront casino(s). That's the plan last i heard. Trying to revive downtown Port Huron.

Port Huron has a bunch of "country" enclaves surrounding the city.

Traverse City is a nice outdoorsy city. (if that makes sense) Old Mission and Old Mission Point are the jewels of that area. It is a pennisula that extends out in the Grand Traverse Bay. Very, very, very beautiful area to see. Rolling hills, vineyards, cherry orchards just about everywhere. As you drive to the tip, you can see the water, sometimes on both sides. That pennisula alone is worth the trip to visit to Traverse City.

[klw99]

I grew up in the Port Huron area and my parents still live there. I agree with what Blue Grass Fever says about it, and I will add that I don't know that there are many jobs there but I could be wrong.

BUT, I will also say that I really miss living on the lake and I think it was a great place to grow up. Port Huron people are in general good, down to earth people. I'm pretty sure the schools are still decent. The north end (Fort Gratiot) has a lot of wealthy families, especially near the lake. The south end has a lot of working class families living in older style homes. Both ends also have large middle income areas, which are nice. I don't advise living downtown because that area is slowly dying. The north end, however, has been growing over the years and is a really nice area.

[Angel Bear]

TC is nice, especially in the summer, but I wouldn't like it in the winter...too much snow, but if you like skiing, it's the place to be.

Pt. Huron is really boring IMHO. There's nothing culturally there or any interesting places to eat or things to do. The lake is great though I've spent considerable time in the area due to my family members living nearby in Lexington, MI or as they say, the First Resort North

[Erin Nichols]

Traverse City is an amazing place to live and it’s exceptionally beautiful! It’s not too small of a town and yet it’s not too big. The surrounding communities are great too. Look into Elk Rapids (17 miles north). They have a great school system and a family centered community. The cost of living is a bit higher but its worth it.

[bones20]

I've lived here my whole life, went to school here (NMC and the University center) and now own a home and a business. Its a rough winter, long cold, and dark. Short marvelous summer.

Here is my problem with Traverse City. You have to work very hard to afford to live here. It's expensive due to all the retirees from more affluent places retiring here. So you must work very long hours to afford to live here. Our proximity to lake michigan means that for much of the year we deal with over cast cloudy skies. Very dark very gloomy. Most people choose to vacation sometime during the winter months to escape the gloom.

So when summer comes you are more than ready to get out and enjoy the beauty of the area. Nice weather, however, doesn't equate to more money for you. Your still forced to work the long hours in order to afford to live here. Your vacation was used in February because there was 2 feet of snow on the ground and you couldn't take it any more.

The end result is you suffer through a miserable winter in order to enjoy the summer, but end up working all summer long because you cant afford to not work. Every day you spend working, while the weather is beautiful is a day of extreme guilt, knowing that winter is coming and should be out enjoying the sunshine.

I'm really sorry to sound so negative, it truly is a unique and beautiful place. Michigan people are the best in the world. I've been around the world, and the USA and return happily to Michigan each time, but man its rough to live here!

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