Marquette QOL (university, quality of life, living)

zorro623 · 08-08-2011, 06:14 PM

We've thought for many years of moving to Marquette. Each time I'm there I think about how I really like the city and surrounding area. My question to residents is "how is the quality of life in Marquette?"

I realize the economy has not been kind to Michigan and even less kind to the U.P., but there is something special about Marquette that makes me think that I could be content there. I like the outdoorsy stuff (xc skiing, bicycling, hiking, etc) and I like the fact that there is a college there to draw in other entertainment options such as sports and plays. As a resident, how do you feel living there throughout the year? I lived in the Soo to attend LSSU several years ago, so I'm familiar with the weather. The downtown area seems to be doing o.k. (at least better than some smaller city downtown areas). Does anyone see Marquette becoming some "booming metropolis" in the next 20-30 yrs? Or has growth continued at a reasonable pace? What do you all think?

jeeg · 08-09-2011, 12:46 AM

The weather and isolation factor will keep Marquette from ever being a "booming metropolis". I do foresee continued steady growth for a while longer yet but unless new industries come in bringing good jobs, it has to stagnate sooner or later.

Quality of life is fantastic! Somewhere around mid - late February I start going a bit crazy from the long winter but by the middle of April I'm back to my old self again

That could just be my own temperment tho.

The distance from everything grates on me a bit at times because I do love to travel and explore new places...... but I also refuse to fly so I have to drive everywhere. If flying doesn't bother you and you have the funds to do it, then the isolation/distance from the rest of the world is irrelevant.

The flip side is that the distance/isolation helps maintain the wilderness and overall lack of people spoiling that wilderness.

If you type Marquette into the search engine in the upper right hand corner, you'll find many many posts about Marquette by Marquette residents

zorro623 · 08-09-2011, 07:18 AM

Thanks for your help, jeeg! I am slightly worried about that "distance from everything else." I guess as long as I have access to everything I would need (especially during the winter months), I won't be too worried. Looks like Marquette has grown a lot over recent years. I couldn't believe there was a Best Buy, Gander Mountain, Lowes and Target there! I agree with your comment about bringing good jobs to the area (not just seasonal employment).

A couple of questions come to mind. Other than the hospital, university and maybe the VA, what other major employers are there? Does NMU offer a lot of activities and programs to the community throughout the year?

joemits · 08-09-2011, 09:01 AM

As for work, Pioneer surgical comes to mind and I know that the mines are hiring also. When I get a moment I will try to think of other places as well. I agree with Jeeg, Mqt has the right amount of isolation and local vibe that makes it a cool place to live. It seems you have been up here before so you have an idea of what we offer. NMU does offer events throughout the year. They are doing a architecture showing through the Devos art museum and the Mqt Co. history museum that will showcase Marquette native John Lautner this September.

ram2 · 08-09-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zorro623

Thanks for your help, jeeg! I am slightly worried about that "distance from everything else." I guess as long as I have access to everything I would need (especially during the winter months), I won't be too worried. Looks like Marquette has grown a lot over recent years. I couldn't believe there was a Best Buy, Gander Mountain, Lowes and Target there! I agree with your comment about bringing good jobs to the area (not just seasonal employment).

A couple of questions come to mind. Other than the hospital, university and maybe the VA, what other major employers are there? Does NMU offer a lot of activities and programs to the community throughout the year?

Marquette also has a Walmart and Shopko.