[Michigansnowflake]

Boy, am I glad you are in NC, expert from a far are you? Do us all a favor and STAY down there, we dont need your negitivity up in paradise, thanks!

[Rapunzll]

PJ, although I agree that there are few good paying jobs in TC unless you are a Dr. or lawyer, I think you are really wrong about the city losing population.

One of the reasons that the wages are so low IMNSHO, is that employers know that people will work for next to nothing in order to live there. I sold my home in Sept. (and got $4500 more than my agent initially thought I should list it at) and hated to do so, but I'm a single woman and worked two jobs, seven days a week most of the year for nine years and that isn't acceptable. I miss TC, even though I didn't have time to enjoy it.

[PJ2483]

Originally Posted by Rapunzll

PJ, although I agree that there are few good paying jobs in TC unless you are a Dr. or lawyer, I think you are really wrong about the city losing population.

One of the reasons that the wages are so low IMNSHO, is that employers know that people will work for next to nothing in order to live there. I sold my home in Sept. (and got $4500 more than my agent initially thought I should list it at) and hated to do so, but I'm a single woman and worked two jobs, seven days a week most of the year for nine years and that isn't acceptable. I miss TC, even though I didn't have time to enjoy it.

Ok, first of all.. I understand that employers pay nothing because people want to live there and they (employers) know it! Second, check out www.citydata.com and you will see a negative 1.6 population growth for Traverse City,MI. Again, not a huge decline and it is not as extreme as places like Flint or Detroit, but the town is by no means seeing a giant influx of people currently. Hence, my the main idea of my post was JOBS and the quality of life there! I defended TC saying that "the quality of life" is good there and that good paying JOBS are hard to come by ...something we see eye to eye on! Congrats on getting more for your house, however, that is not everyones case! Where did you move to if you do not mind me asking? I also say that I respect you for working two jobs, seven days a week....I did that for years! Take care!

[PJ2483]

Originally Posted by Michigansnowflake

Boy, am I glad you are in NC, expert from a far are you? Do us all a favor and STAY down there, we dont need your negitivity up in paradise, thanks!

Michigan Snowflake,

Ok, all I am going to say is the main reason for my post was to show people the "other side of the coin" in relation to living in TC. People like you only focus on the positive things! That is fine and I support that 100 percent. However, I am a realistic person and speak the truth to people about things and I do not offer sugarcoated advice. I think people like the truth, just a thought? Furthermore, in regards to TC, if you "re-read" my post, you will see that I said the quality of life in TC is "great," hence my post is not negative and I was speaking from my experience of being a college graduate and living there. I also stated that everyone's situation is different. I was pointing out the reality of the employment situation in TC and Michigan as a whole. Since the economy is on everyones mind, I think that people should be aware of what TC's economic climate is like before they move there! I lived in TC for over 20 year and I feel that I know something about that town. If people have a good paying, secure job lined up before they move to TC, then more power to them. I love TC and think it is paradise as you said and it will always be my home, but making a living there is something else. I am in NC for employment reasons only. So please do not say that I am negative, when I think it is you that can not handle the unfortunate truth of TC and Michigan as a whole regarding employment which is what my post was based on. Hence, you told me in your post that is paradise and your right..... it is, just not the employment outlook. Please re-read my post. Thank-you!

[HVAC]

I have looked into it quite seriously and it looks like both me and my girlfriend can easily find jobs in the TC area starting at $20/hr and both topping out much higher than that eventually. Yes this IS less than we would make down here(Flint/Saginaw area) but not by much, only a dollar or two less. And to me that is very worth it. We do both have degrees/skills that are very in demand though so we can both get good paying jobs pretty much anywhere we want to go. So were not too worried about the job situation.

Thanks for all of your replies though.

One more question, we think we will probably be staying in an apartment the first year or so, any recommendations? Thanks

[Rapunzll]

Lakepoint Village off park street near S. Airport road is popular. I've heard that the walls at Riverine are very thin and you can hear all your neighbors.

[merit1sje]

Hey HVAC, I have never lived in TC nor worked there. I have been through there several times on my way up through the western side of the state. Stopped at a few good resturants. Visited some neat shops and once, watched one hell of a fireworks display on the bay for the 4th of July! Plenty of people and boats during the summer months. Quite a few wineries in the penninsula area's to the northwest of town. Yum! Suttons Bay was quaint. Stayed in a bed and breakfast there once. Strange host, but the accommodations were nice. Lots of police activity there too! I understand that there is a correctional facility to the north of town. Anyway.... Eventually, you will find something that fits your needs and your loves. Give it a try! Good luck

[Rapunzll]

The correctional facility is S of TC near Kingsley.

As for lots of police activity.... I hope you meant police presence, because there isn't that much crime. In the Suttons Bay area, you will see not only the local police, county sheriff and state police, but the tribal police, so it may have seemed like a lot of patrol cars! :-)

[Bluefly]

Sounds like a much larger Marquette - or Marquette is what Traverse used to be before all the strip malls moved in.

A lot of the same dynamics - incredible quality of life, gorgeous lakeshore / forests, and a lot of people who aren't doctors or professors working far below their capacity.

Though, I'm not sure there's the class division or focus on tourism in Marquette. People seem to be much more integrated.

[wncisforme]

Traverse City is a great town - a true gem. I grew up in Leelanau County and know the area very well. I did however have to move away from there because there are greater economic opportunities in other parts of the US. But I highly recommend the area as a place to live! Safe, clean, beautiful area - gee maybe I should move back.