[AKgirl46]

Greetings from Alaska!

I am considering a potential move to Marquette and have questions about what it's like to live there. I am particularly interested in how windy it is in Marquette. One concern is that Lake Superior may generate a constant strong breeze over the area. And if so, in winter, are the wind chill temperatures unbearable? I'm outdoorsy and love to ski and hike, but I have my weather limits. Snow is not a problem for me, and I love a good wind storm, but too much cold and windy gets old fast. Also- anybody got an average on how long it takes to drive to a bigger city from Marquette? For instance, how long might it take me to actually drive from Marquette to Green Bay or Grand Rapids? On the map- these places look a short eternity away. And finally (at least for this post) are there numerous places available for rent (homes or apartments)?

Thanks so much for your time in replying!

[bryan61]

Green bay would be a 3 to 3.5 hour drive. Im sure there must be a lake effect wind but when I lived in the Soo it didnt seem as bad as the wind they get out in the northern plains states. Theres great downhill and groomed cross country trails all over the UP so most people seem to be OK with the wind conditions. Winters in the UP can be harsh so I wouldnt expect to much relief from what you get in alot of places in Alaska. I dont know about the rental situation in Marquette but would assume its effected big time by NMU. There are alot of small towns in and around Marquette where im sure you can find a decent rental situation

[jeeg]

How funny! Someone from my dream state wanting to move to where I live! Interesting, LOL
Wind?? I would say the wind is completely normal here. No worse then any other place I've lived (and that's a lot of places!)
I agree with the previous poster about GreenBay.
Grand Rapids (where our immediate families live) is about 7.5 hours with one longer meal stop and 2 short potty/stretch those legs stops (have made the drive about a dozen times now).
There's always a fairly vibrant rental market going on here. The city of Marquette itself is higher then average but in the immediate surrounding areas it is much more reasonable.
Winter sports abound all across this beautiful land!
Feel free to ask any other questions

[erics mom]

Marquette is frequently hit with blizzards topping over 10 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. When I say frequently, it could happen at least once a month starting from Mid-October to April, even May. Yes, you will have snow banks higher than you thought possible. But, it is a beautiful area, mild in the summers with beautiful scenery and lots to do in the summer. Lake Superior is clear, clean, and COLD. So if you like swimming, you may want to try an inland lake first. Get you feet wet, so to speak. It's a college town, lots of places to rent.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by erics mom

Marquette is frequently hit with blizzards topping over 10 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. When I say frequently, it could happen at least once a month starting from Mid-October to April, even May.

We only had one good storm last winter (Easter weekend I believe). We were so very completely bummed! We would much prefer to have one once a month but luck has not been with us so far!

[Great Lakes Pirate]

Along with the Sierra Mountain range, the Mt Washington area in NH, and Houghton, MI, Marquette is among top 5 areas in terms of annual snowfall (of habitated, year-round cities). Much more snow than coastal Alaska.

On a good day, you can reach Green Bay WI under four hours.

There are rentals in Marquette, for sure. Most of the rental stock is geared for the student population of Northern Michigan University. Fixer-uppers by the score can be found in Ishpeming and Negaunee -- and might be a better option than renting $-wise.

[AKgirl46]

I appreciate all of your responses- you have been a big help. Thanks for the info on the snowfall- I knew Marquette got a great deal off Superior. I'm not worried about that aspect of living there though - in Valdez we average 325 inches a season and in really tough years it's over 500 inches. We are the snow capital of Alaska in terms of the most snow at a sea-level station...so you might say I will arrive "pre-trained" in the shovelling department.

Thanks Again and Have a great weekend!

[erics mom]

AW Heck, you would be right at home in Marquette then.

[Lindseyup67]

Just thought I would pipe in...Green Bay is about 145 miles from Marquette.....about a 2 1/2 hr drive...not 3 1/2-4. Also want to add that we can and DO get considerable more snow during a blizzard than 10 inches in a 24 hr period. Also...IMO....it does get extemely windy here....not only in the winter...but the wind can screw up a perfect summer day, or make a perfect temp day very cool........

[Bluefly]

Well, I won't talk about the snow since you've made it clear that's not an issue.

I've never noticed any significant amount of wind any more than any other place I've been.