[sunshineann]

All i need to know is opinions on this area? I read through other posts that mentioned just a hint of Kalkaska, but nothing indepth. We are a family of 5, mom (thats me. lol) and dad, and 3 beautiful girls.
Thanks for any input,

[sunshineann]

Maybe i got ahead of myself. lol. I have been trying to research surrounding aread of Traverse City since we are not able to find the right housing for us. I'm not afraid to admit, we are starting over in our lives, its pretty scary but yet exciting. Any input would be greatly appreciated..Have a wonderful day..

[rolo99]

I don't know much about Kalkaska, except I once did a 28 mile mountain bike race that went from Kalkaska to TC. It was brutal. Anyway, one of the TC natives said that often they won't get much snow, while Kalkaska will get hammered.

Seems like the more affordable version of TC, but I'd much rather live in TC.

[sunshineann]

Thanks rolo, the research we have done, we would love to live in TC, but finding affordable housing, and we have a small dog...and everything says NO DOGS. lol.

[Peter B]

Kalkaska is rural with a predominantly lower middle class, blue collar population. McDonalds & Burger King are considered a gourmet night out. As far as affordable housing, Kalkaska is Utopia.

[bluebird39]

Kalkaska seems to be basically a big cross road. It seems very blue collar and there doesn't seem to be much going on there. I think there are quite a lot of folks who live there and commute to Traverse City though. It is an easy drive from Kalkaska to TC. For kids, Kalkaska has the "Kalasium"... an indoor sports facility. I think the schools there are decent too. It has a pretty nice produce market and all of your basic needs. If you don't mind commuting you could probably get quite a bit of land for your money, but on the other had it'd be harder to sell if you decide to move.

Have you checked into place just to the South of TC, or to the West? IMO there are plenty of places I'd rather live than Kalkaska. Also, I'm a small town gal, so take this with a grain fo salt, but Kalkaska can get very congested with traffic during busy times of the year. I'd rather live away from the traffic.

Good luck.

[Peter B]

Traffic in Kalkaska? That is hilarious! Honey, you've never experienced REAL traffic.

Originally Posted by bluebird39

Kalkaska seems to be basically a big cross road. It seems very blue collar and there doesn't seem to be much going on there. I think there are quite a lot of folks who live there and commute to Traverse City though. It is an easy drive from Kalkaska to TC. For kids, Kalkaska has the "Kalasium"... an indoor sports facility. I think the schools there are decent too. It has a pretty nice produce market and all of your basic needs. If you don't mind commuting you could probably get quite a bit of land for your money, but on the other had it'd be harder to sell if you decide to move.

Have you checked into place just to the South of TC, or to the West? IMO there are plenty of places I'd rather live than Kalkaska. Also, I'm a small town gal, so take this with a grain fo salt, but Kalkaska can get very congested with traffic during busy times of the year. I'd rather live away from the traffic.

Good luck.

[TaxBait]

Originally Posted by bluebird39

... It is an easy drive from Kalkaska to TC. ...

It's 30 miles to downtown TC. Figure 45 minutes each way under the best conditions and longer in winter and the summer tourist season. During Cherry festival it could take 2 hours. Then there's the extra $5-$10 a day in gas.
Rent in TC isn't that bad. If you plan to work in TC, I think you'd be hard pressed to save more than the extra gas requied to live in Kalkaska.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Traffic in Kalkaska? That is hilarious! Honey, you've never experienced REAL traffic.

Yeah, that was a pretty ridiculous statement, grain of salt or not. You caution against traffic in Kalkaska and then you point her toward Traverse City? Had your coffee this morning, dear?

[Rapunzll]

Originally Posted by sunshineann

Thanks rolo, the research we have done, we would love to live in TC, but finding affordable housing, and we have a small dog...and everything says NO DOGS. lol.

Check out Kingsley. It is more up and coming than Kalkaska, IMO, and you might find something more affordable there. If you have kids, the schools there are pretty good too.

Kingsley is about 20-30 minutes from dt TC.