[M TYPE X]

Boyne City is too quiet for me, even in the summer. It has a nice location.
My parents used to drag me around, hometown in tow. Now when I have time, I cruise around myself (it's nice to see a McDonalds here and there).
I only make it up north twice per year now.

Petoskey has a lot of firefighter/teacher/nurse types, and small-town stockbrokers (my dad knows a few of the latter). They tend to be very friendly, unless you are obviously a tourist (i.e. Roman from Chicagoland with the Benz, like in that John Candy movie).

I feel really bad for those in the northland who are suffering from downstate's economy, although the Traverse City and Petoskey areas get the Chicagoland tourists. It's just going to be more bending backward for Roman and his obnoxious daughters! Oh, and you can't stand the wife either, so don't try.
The Great Outdoors (1988 film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Sparrow_temp]

Grew up between Boyne City and East Jordan but went to school in Boyne City. Petoskey was the shopping/restaurant hub. I agree with what others have been saying. Good jobs are scarce in the area and those that exist have serious reduction in salaries compared to anything downstate. If you're young -- seriously consider moving someplace else if you want to get ahead.

[cjbailey]

Lived there year round for 3 years. Winter is very LONG, schools can be a challenge due to the economic realities of the area, a lot of wealth in the resort areas and a lot of poverty elsewhere make it a strange mix.It is a beautiful area, lakes are awesome. No argument that it is a great spot to vacation or have a second home but professional jobs are hard to come by.

[simplicity-1]

Are there any Martial Arts Schools up there?


Keep "IT" Real,
Sifu John McNabney
Purple Dragon Studio, Roseville, MI

[Waves5]

I have lived up here most of my life in the Petoskey area. It is nice if you have money, are entreprenuerial or can live the "unemployment/tourist work in the summer" lifestyle. Yes they scenery is awesome, the people are nice and the schools are generally not packed, but there is a price to pay for it. Low wages, high rent, big heating bills and home prices. If your specialty is in nursing/medical, tourism, seasonal retail or have a great enterprising spirit and the money for it, you got pretty good odds of getting a job. When you move up here, you will find the in the summer there are lots of jobs in the paper, most which of seasonal, come winter you will find maybe a dozen jobs. Here is the link to the newspaper: Petoskey News-Review - News, Sports, Weather and Entertainment for Petoskey, Michigan - Front I think it comes down to the grass is always greener on the otherside, the city looks good to me because it has jobs, then again where I live looks good because of the scenery and peacefulness. But when the bills are piling up, things aren't so good looking. I am on here looking to move to another "green" pasture.

[Tyryztoll]

I've lived in Petoskey since last June.

I love this area. I disagree with those that paint it as a boring town with little to do. There are several good restaurants in town and within 30 minutes of here ( my faves are Northwood Lounge in Oden and Thai Orchid in downtown Petoskey). The Odawa casino has big name concerts (I saw Joan Jett there in Jan. and it was excellent) and a couple good dining choices, plus a nightclub. The recreational options are plentiful, particularly in summer. The scenery, especially that of Little Traverse Bay, is second to none. The winter has been pretty brutal this year, but I love the invigoration that comes with different seasons, so I am good with it. Plus, I love having such close access to the U.P.

I have found the sense of community here to be unlike that I've ever experienced. It's very tight and is exactly what I was looking for when I moved from a big city enviornment.

I work at the hospital, and have a solid medical career, so I am glad to be able to live comfortably in a place so special.

Petoskey is a dream if you can make a go of it here.

[MILLER2607]

I have visited Petoskey and the surrounding area many times. It is one of my most favorite places in MI. I think it is absolutely beautiful. It has quaint areas that I enjoy visiting in the summer. I have never been up north during the winter, but I imagine it is gorgeous. Each season has something to offer, but it depends on what you are looking for. I have friends that live in East Jordan and Ludginton, so we visit frequently. I am unsure about living there, since I only vacation.

[Michigansnowflake]

I live in Charlevoix and think living in Petoskey would be just as great as it is here.

I crack up when people poo-poo living up here. Its not for everyone, its a slower pace of life with an emphasis on the outdoors. If you need constant entertainment or a mall, fast food joint etc on every corner, than living up here isnt for you.

If you crave friendly people, close knit communities, many out door activities and can stand a long cold Winter, than this is your place.

As others have pointed out, and I will agree, dont come up here with out a job in place.