[Giesela]

Well I love Michigan no doubt. And I spent a long weekend in the Central Coast area of California and I have to say I really liked it. Not that crowded, not much traffic (this was around Lompoc and Santa Maria), beautiful Mts to the west, wine, lots of color. Very mediterranean like weather. It is expensive though, but the job market is probably better. The deal with California is being able to get into that first house when the market is down like now (but its still hard to get the cash for that first house). Then you can usually ride out the ups and downs and trade up at opportune times (and I do think house appreciation in California will always surpass Michigan).
Still, not sure why its Michigan vs. California - why not Wisconsin, Penn or "fill in the gap". And what is it you don't like about Indiana that you think you will find somewhere else? (I.e. what is it specifically you are looking for?)

[upandrunning]

I think that many here get upset when someone does not agree with them. Things in Michigan are bad and getting worse. Many do not want to believe it. But I think that they can not keep their heads covered for much longer. So they pull off any decenting arguments.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by upandrunning

I think that many here get upset when someone does not agree with them. Things in Michigan are bad and getting worse. Many do not want to believe it. But I think that they can not keep their heads covered for much longer. So they pull off any decenting arguments.

But things are bad all over. You try to make it sound like this is the only place that is going through difficult times. It is NOT. And yes, I have been around the Country recently.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Bydand

But things are bad all over. You try to make it sound like this is the only place that is going through difficult times. It is NOT. And yes, I have been around the Country recently.

They aren't equally bad all over. Unemployment isn't as high in other states but they are rising in some areas. Soon it will be too late for people to relocate for many jobs.

People who need jobs sometimes have to go to where the jobs are, they cannot simply sit around and complain about no jobs, you have to make things happen sometimes. If people want to sit around unemployed for long lengths of time, then they'll have to realize that big job holes in the resume won't help them much when they finally do decide to be serious about a job.

For people graduating from college, relocation for their job isn't really anything new anyway.

[upandrunning]

Malamute, you are exactly right. No one is saying that it is a utopia some where else. But Michigan seems to be in the lead of the misery index right now. Not that there are not other places that may be a close second. But Michigan seems to keep in the No. 1 position for things going in the wrong direction.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]

[Bydand]

Don't get me wrong. I am NOT saying it is the same everywhere. Just that other places are not some sort of Utopia where jobs are yours for the asking and the COL is almost nil. Times are getting tough all over and the days of switching jobs at a whim are over almost everyplace. At least for good paying jobs. The broad brush approach to putting ANY state into a particular category when it comes to jobs, unemployment, taxes, etc... doesn't work and it sure cannot work for Michigan either. There are areas where house prices haven't dropped like a stone, and there are still good paying jobs available. Not many, but they are out there if you have the right skill sets to fill the position.

[malamute]

I believe that people have to consider their own situation -- moving would be a bad choice for some, completely unnecessary for many. Even with 10% unemployment, that means 90% are employed, that means 90% are probably doing quite well. For the unemployed, and underemployed, moving *might* be a good solution, but not for all. Some people have families they depend on for much of their support, moving would cut that off. Of course moving with kids is much harder.

Right out of college and not finding a job -- I would think that's a pretty good time to relocate anyhow, people used to do it for the sense of adventure alone, but it's also always been to get a career started, to get a resume going.

Or a job field that is looking hopeless, it might be time to consider relocation. Unless you have very good reason to believe things will soon turn around in your line of work, then moving is often an option.

It's pretty uncommon in today's world to keep the same job and even same career your entire working life. It's best to keep many options open.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Bydand

Don't get me wrong. I am NOT saying it is the same everywhere. Just that other places are not some sort of Utopia where jobs are yours for the asking and the COL is almost nil. Times are getting tough all over and the days of switching jobs at a whim are over almost everyplace. At least for good paying jobs. The broad brush approach to putting ANY state into a particular category when it comes to jobs, unemployment, taxes, etc... doesn't work and it sure cannot work for Michigan either. There are areas where house prices haven't dropped like a stone, and there are still good paying jobs available. Not many, but they are out there if you have the right skill sets to fill the position.

I would guess that those who have it hardest are those just starting out. People are probably hanging onto jobs tightly which makes openings few and far between. Those just starting out often can pick up and move more easily. I remember when it seemed like everyone wanted to do that -- try other places, and there was a feeling of freedom in throwing your belongings into the trunk of your car and heading out in search of your destiny.

College graduation meant people going off in all directions, highschool graduation also. I found out later that there were people who never did leave. Even if leaving isn't easy, it can be just temporary until times change. Then again -- that old saying "a rolling stone gathers no moss" has two opposing meanings. One means it's good to be a rolling stone, the other means it's not.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by malamute

I believe that people have to consider their own situation -- moving would be a bad choice for some, completely unnecessary for many. Even with 10% unemployment, that means 90% are employed, that means 90% are probably doing quite well. For the unemployed, and underemployed, moving *might* be a good solution, but not for all. Some people have families they depend on for much of their support, moving would cut that off. Of course moving with kids is much harder.

.

I do not think everyone in that 90% threshold are doing great. Many people are underemployed due to the weaker economy right now.

[tecpatl]

Originally Posted by DFidler

I'm either debating Northern Michigan or somewhere out in California. Really I just want to move away from Indiana. I really think Michigan would be cheaper due to the fact it's just one state up. But I am curious on some things.

1. Crime Rate: What's it like? If any...
2. Weather: Tornadoes, etc?
3. Living Expenses: Expensive? Resonable? Awesomely Cheap?
4. Job Placement: Easy? Hard? In Between?

This is all for the Northern part of Michigan. I have a huge fear of tornadoes, and want to get away from them. But still live somewhat close to home.

If you're thinking NW Lower MI :
Crime= total crime rate is very low, violent crime extremely so
Weather = There is winter here. Usually Dec. into March, sometimes longer. Tornados very infrequent, especially near Lake Michigan coastline.
Living Expenses= Reasonable, housing prices affordable, but you'll have heating bills. A small dump in California costs as much as a big beautiful home in Michigan, and houses are getting cheaper all the time right now.
Jobs= Always challenging. Bring your own is my best advice, but skilled trades, ambition and education go a long way. Not the economic black hole you'll find in the southern part of the state.
Lots of interesting people who live up here because they want to be here, and the beautiful natural world is just outside the door.