[pdtecumseh]

Bluebird39,
You're correct about housing prices in Alpena. I've been looking on the web and you an find a really nice house there for under $100K. You can even get Lake Huron property for a reasonable price. Cheap compared to property on Lake Michigan.

I have to admit, I get frustrated with the economy in Michigan. I travel a lot for work so I've seen other parts of the country. They all have their good points but Michigan is really a wonderful place. We're sitting in the middle of what amounts to five inland seas. I think a lot of people who left for the southwest will return when they realize that having water is more important than sunshine.

Hopefully in the next few years our economy will turn around to the point where I can sell my house in Tecumseh. Then we'll be able to seriously consider a move to Alpena.

[GraniteStater]

Alpena is very retiree friendly. I have mentioned it as a possible destination for my parents if they get too fed up with the higher cost of living in NH.

[bluebird39]

I agree. I'd rather have water too. I lived in SW Oregon for many years, but grew up in Louisiana, and having these humid summers again is lovely! We got around 20 inches of rain in SW Oregon, but even that was too dry for me.

I guess wherever you go there's some trade off. We traded sunscreen for snow boots. I do miss the West but I think Michiganders have a really neat state.