[mgantt007]

Friends, I'll be interviewing soon for a job in St. Joe. (I currently live about 1/2 hr away.) I have a basic knowledge of the area, but I'd like some specific advice on where to live. I would like to start up some conversations with people who know the town well.

I'm a single male professional. I want to rent an apartment for awhile. My primary criterion is being as close to the water as possible for running. I like public libraries and being able to walk to various things like bars, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. I'm very private and live pretty quietly. I like the anonymity of apartment complexes, but I doubt any are near the Lake?

Any advice? (Perhaps I'm being presumptuous in even asking, but I think I have a decent shot at the job!) Thanks!

[M TYPE X]

You live 30 minutes away. Take a drive near the water and look at possible apartments. Are there any near the lake? I don't know. I do know that the town is pretty quiet and should be a decent place to live, given your needs.

[Bydand]

1/2 hour away? Why bother moving, and going through all that hassle. Unless of course your job is in the Medical field and you have to be within a call-in time frame, but even then, most are 1/2 hour anyway. Drive up and look around if you have to move. Take an afternoon and 1/2 a tank of gas and stop into local places and get a real feel for it. Better than going by strangers advice on a website.

[mgantt007]

Thanks, folks. Definitely going to move there if I get the job. Need to get out of South Bend; I've been here far too long! I've been to St. Joe several times. Have looked around a good bit and know the town OK. Just hoping to get some "insider" information on here about which apt complexes are better (i.e., good maintenance, friendly staff, etc.). Thanks again!

[PNK2008]

Hi, I also may get a job offer from a St. Jo firm and am considering moving there.

I looked at condos on my job interview visit, right on the lake, lake view. Pricey but may have some decent lease options.

The area reminded me a bit of Mackinac Island or Saugatuck, and it does have some industry, business and a few things downtown. I'd avoid Benton Harbor, looks like a total dump - or I should say, a forgotten industrial city of times past.

Only place I'd live there is on the water, and there were parks nearby for running/walking, and for my dog, and a few cafes/restaurants in the immediate walking area too, to stave off total boredom.

Chicago = an hour and a half away, acc. to folks I asked there. That would be a plus.

If you have now moved there, could you fill me in as to your opinion and any lifestyle tips... I may get an offer soon! I'd be moving from the Detroit area (no jobs here) and I know it would be a culture shock of sorts.

Thanks!