[eureka1]

May I ask if anyone who is familiar with both areas could provide some input on the comparative livability of both towns as a retirement location? I live in a touristy area now (LOVE tourists) so that's not a problem, and although I dont have kids I prefer a community which is wise enough to support its public schools. Any comments on availability of cultural events, public transit, political leanings, and attitudes toward newcomers (esp from California!). Any input welcome and thanks in advance.

[Michigansnowflake]

Well you know you are going to get 2 very different opinions of Charlevoix! LOL

[GlassPipe]

People from California are just as good if not better - I like the way you vote for medical patients' rights. That's going to be on the ballot this fall here in Michigan.

[Sparrow_temp]

I doubt you'll find much love for people from California (or rather their ideas) in Charlevoix... If you assimilate to the area rather than trying to change it -- you'll have no issues.

[GlassPipe]

Yeah, there is a rather "hickish" mentality isn't there. I like it though, for the most part. The worst part about a small town is that everyone knows everyone else's business. Charlevoix wouldn't be so bad I guess but some of the surrounding villages can get like that.

[Sparrow_temp]

I'm with the "hicks" in Boyne City. Californians seem to have a tendency to leave the mess that they created in their own state and want to recreate it wherever they go. If your coming here -- adapt rather than trying to change things. If you don't like things the way they are here -- then why are you moving here?

[eureka1]

Well, exactly -why WOULD I move to a place I didn't like? That's why I'm using this forum and will be taking several exploratory trips. I already live in a small town. It sounds like Charlevoix and Holland both have a lot going for them but Holland has better proximity to Chicago which is a plus. Thanks for your input. I've been drooling over the beautiful pix posted on this board and although I had an idea Michigan was beautiful, I really had no idea how spectacular. Again, thanks.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by nw michigan

Okay...you want the truth about what to do in Charlevoix?

I, too followed my husband here. 18 years ago. I moved from a city in Florida with a population of 150,00. Other than being a genuine culture shock, of which, even after 18 years I still have not recovered from, there truley IS nothing to do. Charlevoix's "business district is one block deep and about 5 blocks long. Each block on one side allows for about 4 businesses. On the other side, there are about 8-9 businesses total. Almost all of the businesses are up scale retail shops, with just a few eating places sprinkled in. Other than one pizza place and a sub shop, and I do not like pizza, there is really nowhere to eat with a family. Don't care what anyone else says here, there is not anywhere that you will be comfortable taking your kids. there is a DQ about 2 miles south of downtown, but you sit outside and it is only open in the summer. In NW Michigan, that can only be 8-10 weeks long! There are 2 fast food joints just past the DQ and of course they are Mickey D's and the King. There is a family restaurant, a pizza place and a chinese place.

Unless there is some sort of festival going on (think there are 3-4, in the summer only) there is nothing to do with your kids. My kids, 12-9-7 have no desire to "window shop", there is one park, with no equipment and it is right downtown so you can't park to go there. There is one beach side park, with limited equipment like just a swing. If I am wrong, someone please leave a message here. I don't know what's wrong with my kids...asked if they wanted to go take a class at the library today and they thought I was nuts. I am actually getting in my car today and driving to Boyne City to spend the day with my kids. michigansnowflakes response to your question underlines my sense that Charlevoix is not a family focused community, rather a middle aged boating community. Library classes and volunteer opportunities...are you kidding?

We are upper middle class and absolutely do not shop in Charlevoix. The shops in Charlevoix are tourist oriented and very up scale. There are only 2 real grocery stores in Charlevoix and both are priced high as well. There is one Kmart, which is extremely understocked, does not sell groceries, only turns on half of the overhead lights so it feels dirty, and has a grumpy staff. I am not cheap, I do support locals, however, I do not feel that the "local businesses" are there for the community. None-the-less, my family finances take presidence. I, as do most year round residences of Charlevoix, drive to one of the 3 Walmarts that another writer mentioned here. I prefer the one in Petoskey because it is the closest, they sell groceries at a great price, and there are more things to do in Petoskey. Besides, the people that own the "local" grocery stores don't live in Charlevoix either...

michigansnowflake mentioned winter sports...LOL.. not in Charlevoix..gotta go to Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs or the Jordan Valley...nope, there are no winter sports in Charlevoix. If you do any of the things that were suggested by michigansnowflake you will have to do them on your own property or leave town as they suggested. There is no ski area closer than 25miles. You absolutely can NOT snowmobile in Charlevoix...are you kidding, gotta go somewhere else to do that as well. You can ice fish (but honestly, how many of us do that?) And I am not sure where this ice skating facility is located??? Charlevoix is all about boats...if you don't have a boat, you won't have anything to do. Oh, and you can only use the boat during the 8-10 weeks I mentioned earlier.

Why am I still living here? Because this is where my husband grew up, and he works in a prestigous position with local government...he does not want to move...he can't help it...doesn't know there is something better out there.

I feel so bad for you. You have it rough. You need to convince your husband to move as soon as possible. Get away from Charlevoix. You should move to Detroit. They have the concrete jungle you seemingly desperately seek. Who wants to live on Lake Michigan anyway?

[darstar]

I tried Florida for five years , and , can share some of the same complaints , about that place. I got out , mostly because of the old people , bugs , and extreme heat and humidity. Now I go back to visit sometimes , but , only to Key West.....Florida is just as remote as north Michigan , even more so , when It comes to being away from the main stream of the Country. It takes a full day , just to drive out of the State !.....and then , you are only in s. Georgia.

[Wulf67]

Originally Posted by Sparrow_temp

I'm with the "hicks" in Boyne City.

Good to know I am not the only one.