Want to Move Back to Michigan (Detroit, Lansing: relocation, real estate, foreclosures)

[bubbagirl]

The best thing would be to start looking at job markets in all the various areas, and then also look at what characteristics are important for you (entertainment, nature, culture, surroundings, etc). I can say that where I am at now there are more service sector jobs than what is available in a 50 mile radius of Lansing, MI. But, that may not be the cup of tea you're looking for. I've heard good things about part of WI, MN, northern border of KY, and definitely about the Dakotas. Where you want to settle on is your personal preference for job market, climate, landscape, culture, etc. My DH and I settled on NE OH because we could get into decent living wages (not making any millions by any stretch of any imagination - but we are surviving, which was better than what we had in MI) and also because of how similar the climate and people were to Michigan. I was a lifelong MI native to this point, so maintaining a certain culture did have some pull for me (also being close to one of the Lakes and wildlife... may not be Lake Michigan, but at least it is one of the Lakes). We also had family in the area, so the transition was easier, and we're still within a reasonable driving distance to visit my family in Michigan. Before we made our choice, we were considered very southern Indiana, Cincy area, and parts of Kentucky/Tenn both. It was taking ALL the factors into consideration that narrowed the field. Good friends of mine that have had a heck of time getting jobs in the welding/machinary occupations in Mid-MI were hired on the spot in S. Dakota. Yes, they will have a huge transition to make in climate and culture, but well worth their time in order to survive well and provide for the family.

Once I had my top 5 choices picked out, I started doing research of the areas. Figured out what to expect upon visiting, more information about housing and governments, what was in the area that appealled to my interests, and what the overall future looked like. No point in moving to an area if it is going to take a downwards slide and put me right back in the same spot I was. NE OH has her problems, but I think the future looks more promising than what some people think. Not a huge oasis for white collar work at this time, but definitely looking up from where things were.

Answer yourself what your living criteria area... and you will be able to point yourself in the right direction. Mine were: cost of living, proximinity to nature / parks (I'm a horse trail rider by hobby, love camping, hiking, etc), within reasonable driving distance to Toledo and Lansing, job available / living wage ratio, horse community in the area (I can't pay $600/mth/horse to board such as what is found within an hour commute of Chicago and I might as well not have a horse if I have to drive beyond an hour), pace of life and living style of people, decent live music scene for the DH, similar (not colder) climate to MI with 4 seasons, and variable landscape (flatness just doesn't do for me; now MI feels flat!). Ohio had already won me over years ago when I first met my DH because of how generous and caring the people were and how stressfree the life seems. Sure, everyone here has money problems just like in Michigan... but, how they handle it is different. Michigan people tend to let the small things rule their life where the people I met in Ohio seemed to remember the more important aspects of life (family, friends) and took the daily stresses in stride. Sure, that is a huge generalization... but, I have seen it consistantly.

Once you have it figured out, things will point you in the right direction. We had small things work out in the favor of this location.. all that we took into account when finalizing the details. And, couldn't have made a better decision. DH hired into a job that is not only offering him opportunity now, but also looking extremely bright in the future for advancement. This could not have been a better fit or choice for us. Hope my rambling ideas helped!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by bubbagirl

The best thing would be to start looking at job markets in all the various areas, and then also look at what characteristics are important for you (entertainment, nature, culture, surroundings, etc). I can say that where I am at now there are more service sector jobs than what is available in a 50 mile radius of Lansing, MI. But, that may not be the cup of tea you're looking for. I've heard good things about part of WI, MN, northern border of KY, and definitely about the Dakotas. Where you want to settle on is your personal preference for job market, climate, landscape, culture, etc. My DH and I settled on NE OH because we could get into decent living wages (not making any millions by any stretch of any imagination - but we are surviving, which was better than what we had in MI) and also because of how similar the climate and people were to Michigan. I was a lifelong MI native to this point, so maintaining a certain culture did have some pull for me (also being close to one of the Lakes and wildlife... may not be Lake Michigan, but at least it is one of the Lakes). We also had family in the area, so the transition was easier, and we're still within a reasonable driving distance to visit my family in Michigan. Before we made our choice, we were considered very southern Indiana, Cincy area, and parts of Kentucky/Tenn both. It was taking ALL the factors into consideration that narrowed the field. Good friends of mine that have had a heck of time getting jobs in the welding/machinary occupations in Mid-MI were hired on the spot in S. Dakota. Yes, they will have a huge transition to make in climate and culture, but well worth their time in order to survive well and provide for the family.

Once I had my top 5 choices picked out, I started doing research of the areas. Figured out what to expect upon visiting, more information about housing and governments, what was in the area that appealled to my interests, and what the overall future looked like. No point in moving to an area if it is going to take a downwards slide and put me right back in the same spot I was. NE OH has her problems, but I think the future looks more promising than what some people think. Not a huge oasis for white collar work at this time, but definitely looking up from where things were.

Answer yourself what your living criteria area... and you will be able to point yourself in the right direction. Mine were: cost of living, proximinity to nature / parks (I'm a horse trail rider by hobby, love camping, hiking, etc), within reasonable driving distance to Toledo and Lansing, job available / living wage ratio, horse community in the area (I can't pay $600/mth/horse to board such as what is found within an hour commute of Chicago and I might as well not have a horse if I have to drive beyond an hour), pace of life and living style of people, decent live music scene for the DH, similar (not colder) climate to MI with 4 seasons, and variable landscape (flatness just doesn't do for me; now MI feels flat!). Ohio had already won me over years ago when I first met my DH because of how generous and caring the people were and how stressfree the life seems. Sure, everyone here has money problems just like in Michigan... but, how they handle it is different. Michigan people tend to let the small things rule their life where the people I met in Ohio seemed to remember the more important aspects of life (family, friends) and took the daily stresses in stride. Sure, that is a huge generalization... but, I have seen it consistantly.

Once you have it figured out, things will point you in the right direction. We had small things work out in the favor of this location.. all that we took into account when finalizing the details. And, couldn't have made a better decision. DH hired into a job that is not only offering him opportunity now, but also looking extremely bright in the future for advancement. This could not have been a better fit or choice for us. Hope my rambling ideas helped!

I can understand if someone can't make a go of it in Michigan, especially if they are in a field that is not hiring, but why in the world would you talk someone out of moving to Michigan who genuinely wants to move back?

In addition, the generalizations that Ohioans appreciate family members more and handle stress better than Michiganders? LOL. Is there some magical power that resides below the 42nd parallel that we're not aware of? Perhaps scientists should see if they can bottle this stuff and sell it.

Or maybe what's more likely is that you moved and have made a fresh start, that has changed your attitude and it has been reciprocated back? Isn't that what the original poster is looking for?

And please don't jump on me for having an objection to this post. If you move out of Michigan and it makes you happier, God Bless. But to insist that NO ONE can make it Michigan and shouldn't even try, even when they want to, is crap.

[mpartridge527]

Originally Posted by anywherebutpinellas

I want to move back to Michigan. My dad brought us to Florida in the seventies - bad move that was. I hate Florida, I'm sick of the heat, humidity, storms, property taxes, government job cuts, etc.
Is it hard to get a job with the state or local counties, school systems, (clerical/administrative support) or even in private industry? I have 29 years of experience in those type of jobs. Is it just factory type jobs that are closing their doors?

I came from Rochester originally, so that's the area I'd like to go back to. Any input would be appreciated!

And you want to move back to Michigan? All of Michigan is becoming a dump, if you wanted to move back to Detroit area, yep there's jobs perhaps but a whole lot has changed since the 70's, and the East side of the state isn't any better I've lived in both Detroit, and now I've lived between Kalamazoo/Battle Creek and Grand Rapids the past five years. Michigan is the highest in unemployment in the nation... above Alaska if that tells you anything, so no it's not just factories...

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by magellan

And please don't jump on me for having an objection to this post. If you move out of Michigan and it makes you happier, God Bless. But to insist that NO ONE can make it Michigan and shouldn't even try, even when they want to, is crap.

Yes, all 10 million of us are not making it! I agree, how can they just throw the whole state into the dumpster?

[magellan]

Originally Posted by jeffncandace

Yes, all 10 million of us are not making it! I agree, how can they just throw the whole state into the dumpster?

And look at the post between yours and mine above, ROFLMAO! It's like talking to a brick wall.

anywherebutpinellas, follow your instincts and you'll be fine. Most of the people who are doing fine don't have time to frequent on-line forums, which begs the question "why am I here". LOLOLOLOL!!!

[bubbagirl]

Originally Posted by magellan

I can understand if someone can't make a go of it in Michigan, especially if they are in a field that is not hiring, but why in the world would you talk someone out of moving to Michigan who genuinely wants to move back?

In addition, the generalizations that Ohioans appreciate family members more and handle stress better than Michiganders? LOL. Is there some magical power that resides below the 42nd parallel that we're not aware of? Perhaps scientists should see if they can bottle this stuff and sell it.

Or maybe what's more likely is that you moved and have made a fresh start, that has changed your attitude and it has been reciprocated back? Isn't that what the original poster is looking for?

And please don't jump on me for having an objection to this post. If you move out of Michigan and it makes you happier, God Bless. But to insist that NO ONE can make it Michigan and shouldn't even try, even when they want to, is crap.

Now why don't you take a look at what you had to say objectively????

WOW! No wonder so many people were jumping on the bad wagon of 'bad attitude towards me for leaving'! I certainly stayed out of that round, but maybe I should start calling out foul, too!

First, and foremost, TwoSticks stated that Michigan economy was a little questionable and troubled him. I merely made a suggestion... on the OFF CHANCE that Michigan would NOT work... but you still want to take advantage of the Midwestern charm and way of life, THERE ARE OTHER STATES THAT HAS THAT AVAILABLE - NOT JUST MICHIGAN. I have every God given right to speak up and say "hey, you could also check out..." if there is any chance that another location may be suitable as well as Michigan. Maybe you missed me saying "you could try another location, even if it would be to use the area as a stepping stone to get back into Michigan once the economy stablizes."

But, I guess big, bad Magellen can only take what he wants out of a post, and not the post in it's entirety.

Even though I don't CURRENTLY reside in Michigan, I still am a MICHIGAN CITIZEN and PROPERTY OWNER. I am ENTITLED to state my opinion - just like you are - on what is going on.... and guess what?? You can take a look at the history of posts I have made, and I have tried VERY HARD to not knock the crap out of Michigan. By all means, I encourage folks to move on in! But, I sure as heck am going to be realistic on the TRUTH of the Michigan economy. I NEVER ONCE SAID.... STAY AWAY, ALL IS LOST! That is BS, and we all know it. I'm not a naysayer, I am a realist. I have not IMPLIED to ANYONE that there is no future in Michigan.

And yes, Ohio folks are wonderful. Like I said in my post (.... did you read it??....) it is a huge generalization to make about Ohio folks being a little less stressed and a little more focused on the bigger picture. Not all Ohio residents are what I described. BUT... the folks I have encountered ARE. My wonderful GM family members in Michigan ARE NOT.

Again..... I never INSISTED that NO ONE can make it in Michigan. By saying I did is lying and slanderous. Prove to me that I did... I seem to know better of what I said than you .....

And .... you're correct, those of us that do have something constructive to say usually don't frequent the forum much. Heck, it has been 4 days since I've been here because I spent the weekend back in Michigan and have had more pressing obligations... seems to be a fine way to pass the time and share advice when I have a moment to do so..... unless I have to deal with jerks jumping down my throat for no reason.

[TwoSticks]

I'm glad there are all of these diverse points of view. Even in the (for lack of a better term) mud-flinging there are good bits of information to be gleaned.

Sure, some of us are more passionate about where we are, or came from, than others, and that just lends flavor to the mix. Moving over one county, or even one neighborhood can make all the difference for some.

Reading through seven or eight pages of threads on a topic like this gives a good balance and in the end, a pretty good picture (for me anyway) of what we might be looking for (or hope to avoid).

Keep it up. I love it!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by bubbagirl

Now why don't you take a look at what you had to say objectively????

WOW! No wonder so many people were jumping on the bad wagon of 'bad attitude towards me for leaving'! I certainly stayed out of that round, but maybe I should start calling out foul, too!

First, and foremost, TwoSticks stated that Michigan economy was a little questionable and troubled him. I merely made a suggestion... on the OFF CHANCE that Michigan would NOT work... but you still want to take advantage of the Midwestern charm and way of life, THERE ARE OTHER STATES THAT HAS THAT AVAILABLE - NOT JUST MICHIGAN. I have every God given right to speak up and say "hey, you could also check out..." if there is any chance that another location may be suitable as well as Michigan. Maybe you missed me saying "you could try another location, even if it would be to use the area as a stepping stone to get back into Michigan once the economy stablizes."

But, I guess big, bad Magellen can only take what he wants out of a post, and not the post in it's entirety.

Even though I don't CURRENTLY reside in Michigan, I still am a MICHIGAN CITIZEN and PROPERTY OWNER. I am ENTITLED to state my opinion - just like you are - on what is going on.... and guess what?? You can take a look at the history of posts I have made, and I have tried VERY HARD to not knock the crap out of Michigan. By all means, I encourage folks to move on in! But, I sure as heck am going to be realistic on the TRUTH of the Michigan economy. I NEVER ONCE SAID.... STAY AWAY, ALL IS LOST! That is BS, and we all know it. I'm not a naysayer, I am a realist. I have not IMPLIED to ANYONE that there is no future in Michigan.

And yes, Ohio folks are wonderful. Like I said in my post (.... did you read it??....) it is a huge generalization to make about Ohio folks being a little less stressed and a little more focused on the bigger picture. Not all Ohio residents are what I described. BUT... the folks I have encountered ARE. My wonderful GM family members in Michigan ARE NOT.

Again..... I never INSISTED that NO ONE can make it in Michigan. By saying I did is lying and slanderous. Prove to me that I did... I seem to know better of what I said than you .....

And .... you're correct, those of us that do have something constructive to say usually don't frequent the forum much. Heck, it has been 4 days since I've been here because I spent the weekend back in Michigan and have had more pressing obligations... seems to be a fine way to pass the time and share advice when I have a moment to do so..... unless I have to deal with jerks jumping down my throat for no reason.

Your quote:

Ohio had already won me over years ago when I first met my DH because of how generous and caring the people were and how stressfree the life seems. Sure, everyone here has money problems just like in Michigan... but, how they handle it is different. Michigan people tend to let the small things rule their life where the people I met in Ohio seemed to remember the more important aspects of life (family, friends) and took the daily stresses in stride. Sure, that is a huge generalization... but, I have seen it consistantly.

Sure, you have every right to say whatever you want (within the forum rules), and I have every right to say what I said. Slanderous? Hardy har.

[bubbagirl]

That I like the folks in Ohio? Yeah, I sure hope so because I moved here. Would be horrible if I didn't like folks I was around.....

It does not quote me saying "stay away," "Michigan doesn't have a future," "no one is making it in Michigan" or any other commentary that you just declared I made.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by bubbagirl

That I like the folks in Ohio? Yeah, I sure hope so because I moved here. Would be horrible if I didn't like folks I was around.....

It does not quote me saying "stay away," "Michigan doesn't have a future," "no one is making it in Michigan" or any other commentary that you just declared I made.

1) Did you list any areas to check out in Michigan, in a thread about someone wanting to move back to Michigan?

2) You weren't saying that you just like the folks you've met in Ohio, you made a sweeping generalization that people in Ohio are somehow "better able to handle stress" and "remember the more important aspects in life (family/friends) than Michiganians. That might speak more loudly of the "GM family" you have in Lansing. You might now wish you hadn't said it, but you did. Whatever.

3) You can tell me to kiss your *ss, and call me a jerk, accuse me of "slander" (on an anonymous forum?), but it doesn't change the gist of what you are saying. Some people just can't handle being challenged on their views.

Have a great time in Ohio.