[shaddawn]

My husband and I are planing a 'final destination' move in September and we had pretty much zeroed in on Escanaba.
Someone mentioned Gladstone in a kinder light than Es. and I'd really like to hear opinons from people who have lived in these areas.
Since the two towns are so close, what are the differences?
We are driving to the areas next week-end to look around but having first hand experience from people who have(or still) been there, done that would help!
We are retired, so jobs are of no importance.
My husband is a people person and I'm more a loner...
We decided on Escanaba because it has the least amounts of snow(mostly).
Thanks!

[bryan61]

The two towns are close enough together that the snowfall is identical. The drive between the two along the bay is absolute pristine heaven (look for the swans). Escanaba is bigger and a little more bustling of a town with more to do. Gladstone likes to take pride in its quaintness and as a destination for fun. Both places offer older in town opportunities of both really nice areas including Lake Shore drives and older more rundown side of town. As you get out of town Escanaba has a few nearby subdivisions cut out of the countryside as well as locations along Green bay and up on Lake bluff which are newer subdivisions. Gladstone has went absolutely wild on their bluff with a new golf course, a kind of retirement community and a long run of pricey homes along and close to the bluff. Both have active senior and retirement communities as well as Lions, Eagles, DAV, VFW etc...

There is also wells township inbetween the two. If I knew more about your expectations and needs I could provide more info as I recently moved after living in that area for almost 30 years. I also have two homes for sale in Gladstone i could PM you if you like

[shaddawn]

Thanks again, Brian61, for your information.
From what you told me, I think Escanaba would be better for husband(people person) because Es is bigger with more people milling around. I would choose Gladstone for opposite reason(loner that I am)
But, it isn't like Es is a large city and since I got my wish of UP living, I can afford to to compromise!

[jvicks]

I agree that Esky would be better to live in. I was raised there, and thing that it would be much more convenient to live in Escanaba. There really isn't anything in Gladstone.