Is Marquette really that bad??? (Escanaba, Ishpeming: houses, hotel, lease)

[malamute]

Originally Posted by egrandma

I was thinking of moving to the Marquette area to retire but now i'm not so sure.A friend of mine who vacations in the area told me that for such an isolated city Marquette gets its share of crimes like robberys assaults and even murder.She also said the UP has the highest prices in the state.I also found out it the second snowiest and fourth coldest in the entire nation.Sounds like a hell hole to me.

You could do what a lot of people do -- retire in two places -- like the snowbirds. You can spend summers up north, winters down south if you don't like too much snow and cold.

[100%Michigan]

A friend of mine once mistaken Marquette for a place like Orange County, Ca. I guess since Marquette is on the beach side they got a image of Orange County ( but with snow. ) I would'nt say Marquette is near close, its still leaning on the old town... but nevertheless I enjoy being up there from time to time. ( Traverse City is also nice )

[desert2ocean]

My husband and I may be moving to Marquette. We are in our early 40's and mid-30's, what is the best area for us to look at for housing? We both love the outdoors and are very excited at the opportunity but are having a hard time finding housing information.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by desert2ocean

My husband and I may be moving to Marquette. We are in our early 40's and mid-30's, what is the best area for us to look at for housing? We both love the outdoors and are very excited at the opportunity but are having a hard time finding housing information.

Rental or to buy?
Miningjournal dot net is our local paper and will have the rentals. Also google and call the real estate companies. A lot of them handle rentals.

upmls dot com has most of the area real estate on it, just search in marquette schools.

As far as what area of Marquette?? Not enough info. Doesn't really matter because Marquette really isn't that big and really doesn't have any "bad" areas. We only have a population of around 20K.

Good luck with your search

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by egrandma

I was thinking of moving to the Marquette area to retire but now i'm not so sure.A friend of mine who vacations in the area told me that for such an isolated city Marquette gets its share of crimes like robberys assaults and even murder.She also said the UP has the highest prices in the state.I also found out it the second snowiest and fourth coldest in the entire nation.Sounds like a hell hole to me.

HA! Sounds like your friend would like to just keep the secret of the U.P. to herself! While she's vacationing there, she's telling you about "all the crime & cold!" Lol.

I've been visiting MI for over a decade, traveling solo - all over. And with the exception of parts of Detroit, I have always felt safe.

Re: Snow. If you don't like LOTS of it, ... then malamute's snowbirding suggestion sounds like just the thing for you! Or the reverse! Be the bird that flies North for spring & summer! TX & FL don't file State Income Taxes, so that would make it a little easier when it comes time to file - there's a great site I've frequented that compares various taxes between the states:

RETIREMENT LIVING INFORMATION CENTER - Retirement Communities and senior lifestyle data

Marquette... is such a beautiful area. So beautiful in fact that there have been times I have just taken off to "get away" for the day ... and end up 8 hours later in the Marquette area, then after a hot bowl of soup somewhere or other meal, turned around and driven right back home.

I always take a little drive around Presque Isle area, visit the Lighthouse, and then take a drive around town. It's a very lively community with PLENTY to do! What college town wouldn't be? It has a good mix of both beautiful older homes and newer ones - depending on where you want to be. Actually, I've only driven around but never looked at pricing and am really impressed with the prices ppl on this post are saying they pay for rent. Seems like a no-brainer to me if you're looking to live maybe in two places - you'd have the best of both worlds!

Have you been to Marquette or that area of the U.P. yourself? Or relying more on your friend's persuasion? If you haven't then make a trip or two up and see what you think! I found that the more time I spent in MI... the more I wanted to go!

Ppl in the U.P., IMO, are very nice and helpful. They are the kind of ppl who would lend a helping hand if you needed one but also leave you to your business and don't busy about in the superficiality of busier places. They know what life's really all about... and they are "up there" living it! Great ppl, beautiful place, and more than plenty to keep anyone busy - even the City folks! That's why they keep coming back! In fact, I think it was on this thread... that you actually ended up not having enough time to do all the things you find you'd like to do!

Go for it! If you find you don't like it, then you will have found out first-hand, and you can always traipse South.

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by malamute

You could do what a lot of people do -- retire in two places -- like the snowbirds. You can spend summers up north, winters down south if you don't like too much snow and cold.

Hey... tried to (rep) you for this one, but apparently I've got to spread a little more love around before I give you anymore of it! (So I'll just give it this way with lots of thumbs up.) GREAT reminder & advice!

Thumbs "UP", MM!

[Lindseyup67]

I have lived up here about 20 years. originally from Warren downstate. These are my observations of the area. First off, crime is almost non exsistent, expect for the ususal drug busts, etc. mostly from the college kids. Jobs are few and far between, with the only "good" jobs being at the college (with a degree), without a degree you make like 7 something an hour and it is part time, the mine (you basically need to have connections i.e. family) in order to get in there. Restaurants are pathetic IMO.....other than the Portside Inn downtown Marquette and Bucks restaurant in Ishpeming, none are very stand out. The taxes are sky high in Marquette as are rent and homes. I live 7 miles west in Negaunee and would have paid tons more for my home if it were in Marquette. Takes me 12- 15 mins. to get to work in Marquette, even in the winter. Ahhhhh.....snow! I am a person who uses an electric blanket even in the summer most nites, so needless to say my only winter activities involve going to work and the mail box! LOL It might be ok if I did not freeze to death at my job, but they are currently making changes that should have us warmer next winter! Green Bay is only a couple hours away, where you can take a long weekend to enjoy "real" malls and "good" restaurants! I love it up here despite the cold! The woods are beautiful, and fishing is excellent!!!

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by Lindseyup67

7 miles west (of MQT) in Negaunee ...love it ...despite... cold! The woods ...beautiful, fishing... excellent!!!

U.P.-bound early next week seeking work & housing, or at least to get it narrowed down...thought I'd been pretty much all over the U.P. and had decided on CLMT TWSHP, but having the MI posts I'm wondering if I've really spent much time *around or outside MQT?

I know I was in Ishpeming, but it was dark. I don't remember a town area, but on the map it looks like one exists. Wondering more about: Negaunee, Newberry, Bessemer, Grand Isle, Ironwood areas (was @ IW several yrs ago - don't remember it). I don't think I'd want to live in Newberry with a State prison. I'd rather stay further N/W/NW on Peninsula than S/SE. Less interested in areas along WI border except to hear about IW.

I opted out of Ontonagon, Munising, MQT itself, Baraga - various reasons, although I liked Munising, it seem'd more isolated on the neck of the water. Copper Harbor seems too touristy IMO on the hiway there, but for working in those areas, I guess it'd be better (closer) than CLMT. Eagle Harbor I like - but is there really any place to live there (rentals-wise)?

I liked L'Anse a bit - on the water, had a vet, & went to a local HS football game - town seemed friendly. But... there didn't seem to be much "town" there like in CLMT. Did I miss it? (I guess you might not have a town "center" with the town right on the water.) And what about further up L' Anse's it's smaller peninsula - is that still L'Anse or someplace else? Or just larger/upscale homes tucked away?

I've review'd Wikipedia & read info then on several towns home pages & The Mining Journal paper & have been viewing UpMls all winter in H/H Cty. Feedback?

Here's what I'm seeking:

Living (Town-wise - Must Have/s):
1. 1,500<10K Pop. w/ old-fashioned "downtown" central bldg. or park; Very near or on Lake S. or a bay (Water more than ripple & can't see land on other side).
(Prefer less-condensed areas. Not: MQT, H/H themselves, but maybe within 15-20 min?)
2. Safe for single female w/barking puppy - What do you do about meandering drunk men - keep a bat & bear mace handy? (Should I anticipate problems?)
3. Old-old homes - less renovated. Shingled homes, brick (red or cream city), Craftsman. *Not* Victorian, & *not* "barn"-like conversions. Or... a small cabin.
4. How is U.P. Internet connection? Reliable High-speed is essential. Does anyone have/need satellite? (And what about [mobile] phone service?)
5. At least one "ok" non-smoking, locals-type diner to meet folks in a place that's not a bar.
6. Gas station in-town or w/in 5 min. - I don't want to pay a lot for gas simply to go get more of it.

Within 20-40 min. drive, a larger town with these amenities:
1. Cheaper Monthly Grocery $tocking; "Big Box" or a fairly reliable local provider w/quality butcher/fresh produce section (or a reputable local butcher's shop)
2. Vet - good w/small dogs for monthly nail trims; preferably holistic, but if not, then not overly medicating or pushing vaccinations, & can handle raw diet
3. Easier driving winters (flatter than hillier within the town area itself).

I think I'd rather stay further W. than considering LSSU, and I've seen the links online for Finlandia, MI Tech, MQT(NMU). I'm guessing I might end up taking something at either Finlandia or MI Tech at some point.

Living (Site-wise):
Any recommenations in/near CLMT or Negaunee like this? (Also for places you'd recommended steering clear.) I'd be traveling up w/only one covered pickup of stuff (for now) which will would include a small bed, but I will have a 1+ yo very well-housebroken pup who would benefit from some outdoor, fenced-in running space. He *does* bark at other noise-producing attention-grabbers & bunnies, so the less busy, the better. He's otherwise quiet & sleeps much of the day. I may be snowbirding South, so it'd be nice if I could get a seasonal or short-term rental for now:

1. *Not* a multi-unit apartment building (too much noise).
2. Yes to any of these: studio/efficiency, duplex (s-b-s or lower - no uppers), home (old-old or restored, *not* renovated), cabin, motel rental w/maybe a small frig, room in someone's home who doesn't mind a small (30#), housebroken pup. Smoke-free (e.g., if duplex, no other-tenant smokers)

[joemits]

just saw that Marquette was rated #7 as best place to live in outdoorlife
OutdoorLife - Paradise Found

[desert2ocean]

I appreciate the answer. We will be looking to buy. I will check out the 2 websites you provided. What about surrounding cities? We need some acreage, we have a dog that is used to an 1/2 acre back yard.