Moving to Three Rivers, MI in June 2008 (Kalamazoo, Portage: housing, rent)

[andypants]

Currently I live in Pottersville, NY. However, on May 30th my job will be ending here and I will be moving to Three Rivers, MI.

I am getting married the beginning of September. My fiance is from Three Rivers (and currently lives there with another family).

I have recently been hired for a summer electrical position at Pioneer and am still in the process of looking for a place for my future wife and I to call home.

I am originally from New Jersey, but have lived in New York for three years.

I know the job market and the economy are rough right now. Since my job at Pioneer is only seasonal and the economy being the way it is, part of me is concerned that I will not be able to find another job to support us after we're married. I do have two job offers in New Jersey, but for now we are sticking with our plan to live in Michigan (the job offers will still be there at the end of the summer, in case I do end up having to move again).

What are some important (or not so important) things to know before moving there?

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

you might want to be looking for a job in Portage or Kalamazoo

[Tenba+six]

Andypants,

I currently live in TR and have been here for 34 years. We are moving to Florida in June 08. The economy here is terrible, like many other places. However, American Axle, which employs roughly 800-900 people is on the brink of closing it's doors. Not sure what you are looking for...the crime rate here is not bad, the schools are "C" schools (on a scale of A-F), jobs are scarce and property is somewhat expensive. What job market are you looking to get into? Three Rivers job market is not so hot, but like the last post stated you can probably find work in Kzoo or Portage. Also tons of factory work in Indiana which is just a hop skip and jump from TR. Good Luck!!!

[deslok]

Do you have to live in Three Rivers, or MIchigan for that matter? The job market is really bad, and the negativity of the remaining residents is at an all time high. (including the lately often hailed forum topics of Portage or Kalamazoo)
I don't know what you like to do for fun, but living in 3 R is going to be very boring and possibly a culture shock to you. Kalamazoo or Portage for that matter will be very boring as well, compared to New york or Jersey.
If at all possible, do not make the move.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by deslok

Do you have to live in Three Rivers, or MIchigan for that matter? The job market is really bad, and the negativity of the remaining residents is at an all time high.

But not as bad as the negativity of those who have left and keep coming back to the Michigan forum and bitching about the state.

[andypants]

"I don't know what you like to do for fun, but living in 3 R is going to be very boring and possibly a culture shock to you. Kalamazoo or Portage for that matter will be very boring as well, compared to New york or Jersey."

Well I'm from South Jersey and currently live in Pottersville, NY in the middle of nowhere (the Word of Life Bible Institute college campus that I work at is bigger than the town itself and has more students/staff than there are towns people); so I don't think that's really an issue. I haven't lived there yet or spent tons of time there; but I've spent a combined 8-10 weeks there in the past 6 months so I have a basic feel for the area. (I have seen the AmAxle folks out on strike - can't say I blame them, but I guess I can't blame the company either).

I have about a year doing commercial/industrial electric and I'm looking to continue doing that, eventually getting my license. That's what I would like to do; but work is work and I'll take the best thing I can find.

The job I will be working this summer at Pioneer is electrical as well, and I do praise God that I even have that job. I do have other work there lined up - working with a guy who has a one-man residential repair business and he's fairly busy, but it's more temporary and I'd rather not have to depend on that if I don't have to.

To put it simply, the reason I am trying to move to Three Rivers is because that's where my fiance is from and would like to stay. I'm not afraid to move somewhere else and she understands that we might have to, but I'd like to give it a shot at least.

I don't mind working in IN or somewhere within decent driving distance of TR, or even if I had to move somewhere outside of TR. Part of my problem is trying to find a job and housing there from 700 miles away.

[deslok]

Not bitching just voicing an opinion. You one way thinking Michigander's need to realize not everyone thinks the way you do. There are great things in the state. I just listed a few I didn't like, and you made a nice example as to why.
I have friends that work in Elkhart Indiana. It isn't too far and has some nice communities. Try there for work, it might be a bit more diverse.