[SpaceGhost79]

Originally Posted by jeeg

Anyhow back on subject. The U.P. is the best if you are an active outdoors person. In all four seasons that is, not just the warm months. If a person is not an active outdoors person, then I don't know how they make it?? There are many things to do in town but......

There's more than one month when it's warm?

I agree, especially if you plan on living in the west side of the U.P. as the original poster states. Depending how far west you go, you're not looking at big city life by any means, though you can easily drive a few hours and take a day trip to get your city fix if needed. The outdoors is where it's at up here. Winters are a lot rougher if you don't find something to keep yourself occupied, be it something outdoors like skiing or snowmobiling or some other volunteer work or hobby. Or you might be content just staying in and watching TV or something. Whatever suits your fancy. But just sitting by the window complaining that "it's too cold and snowy" to do anything is going to get you nowhere but a depression. There are things to do; just suck it up and embrace the snow...until about March, then complain if it's not melting

During my college years I only had a FWD car and survived just fine with decent tires (unlike my friend who had worn out tires and spun out a few times). Now I drive a four-wheel drive car, but it's not impossible to survive winter here without it. At least here in Marquette they tend to do a good job of getting the main roads cleared off.

As for "Porcupine, black bear, skunks, hares, fox, etc.," that brought up memories. My dogs chased a hare last night. My dogs chased after a fox a few weeks ago after seeing it cross the hiking trail we were on. My friend's dog encountered a black bear last summer near Ontonagon. The same dog got skunked last summer at home in MQT. And another friend's dog unfortunately got too close to a porcupine last week near MQT Mountain and had an emergency trip to the vet to get all the needles out. Don't just secure your trash cans...secure your pets, too!

[lizgrill]

I live in Marquette - Center of the UP - on the balmy southern shores of Lake Superior! Winter begins on Halloween and ends (for the most part) in April. Yes, we get an occasional surprise in May. Many wonderful reasons to retire here however -- great medical, recreation, and the University brings a nice mix of culture to the area. I agree that its not for everyone, but would strongly suggest a nice long visit this summer and while you are here, start up a conversation in any restaurant with the locals. They are all friendly and will gladly share their opinions/experiences. I've lived here my entire life and take the winter in stride.

[jeeg]

Welcome Liz, I recognize your name (I'm a real estate junkie)

So this makes, what? Six of us on these forums that live in the immediate Marquette area (I'm including one from Negaunee)? We're taking over!!

At least the area is well represented by a wide cross section of opinions.

Weedlady, fire away with any specific questions you have before you visit!

[weedlady]

DH grew up spending most of his childhood vacations fishing in various spots up there. His people are from Michigan. He and his brothers talk all the time about the Big Two Hearted River. Our first overnight trip together when dating was a 4th of July weekend in Cedarville, with a run up to the Soo and to Whitefish point ( I think he was testing my reaction to see if he would keep me!). He and I have since spent several of our vacations in the UP-although admittedly all our vacations are summertime ones.
We have several properties on our list to look at as soon as we can get there-most are in Ontonagon county, we both like the looks of the land in that area. We like Grand Marais and the Keewenaw(sp?) also, but it seems like things are a little more pricey there and our funds are not unlimited,lol.
To give you an idea of who we are-DH must be near water so he can fish-that's why he loves the UP-he would be near water no matter which way we turn. He doesn't hunt much anymore but might start that up again when we can't afford groceries anymore. I will want to have a few chickens and a small kitchen garden. We plan to build (or rehab) a very small little house, I will have to insist on running water and electricity. We won't miss the big city amenities that some people seem to think are necessary. We rarely go out to eat, or to the movies or concerts now. We enjoy hiking, boating, fishing (as already mentioned) just watching wildlife and as my aunt used to say "listening to the quiet".

So unless I am sorely mistaken, I think we will be very happy in the UP. It seems the best place to get back to nature and away from the hustle and bustle that seems to be invading everywhere around us.

[jeeg]

What you really are is misplaced Yoopers. Hurry up and come home!!

[YAZ]

I was born in the Soo, and my parents built their first house in Rudyard.

I'm partial to Brimley; not much going on there except for a casino or two. Close enough to the Soo for grocery shopping, etc. Of course, the Big Lake is right there, along with many inland lakes.

The St. Mary's River is accessible from Whiskey Bay; best walleye fishing I've ever experienced.

For some dumb reason, it seems that dogs never learn to stay away from porcupines. Best to not let them run free.

Believe it or not, I've seen more black bear cross the road in front of my vehicle than whitetail up there.

Ever been to Florida in the winter? You'll see many of the same bird species in the U.P. in the summertime.

[darstar]

Those of us that are partial to the Marquette area , have one think in common. Politics ! Marquette County is the most liberal in the UP. Its very refreshing to strike up a conversation , on the street , at Starbucks , or anywhere liberals hang out.

A far cry from many places I have lived over the years , where you felt like the only liberal in town !
There are some conservatives around , but they mostly come off as having their shorts too tight.

Marquette County has a lot of activities , year round . The only down side here is the traffic....Yet , only a few steps away from the concrete , is the wild.... I am building my retirement cottage on a mountain top south of town , lots of glass , and a fifty mile view of the big lake. It doesn't get much better , in my mind.

[crazyme4878]

I got along fine with my front wheel drive, and I drove through two blizzards (by accident, but I did fine). Don't forget blueberry picking on that list of to-dos!

Everyone is nice as long as you don't put on airs. And I don't know many people (okay, any) people that go to Chicago for major shopping trips even once a year! Many families go to Green Bay or Appleton for school shopping, though.

I know of a "homestead" for sale, but it is in central UP and not close to the Lake (or anything else for that matter...)

[crazyme4878]

Have you looked at Big Bay? A lot of people living the homesteading life that way; it is remote, yet close to Marquette for good medical and shopping, plus it is closer to the Two-Hearted River area (which I absolutely love). Have you been down the Triple A? Beautiful area and you meet the most amazing people on that road!

[leadsquirter]

We just moved from Eben Jct. between Mqt and Munising, this winter we had over 300" of snow, the summers are VERY short and tons of black flies (you will need the nets). My best friend lives in Republic and its a little nicer, weather wise on that end. The economy is MUCH worst up there. Gas is usually .10-.12 cents more there than the rest of the state and .30 cents higher than WI. Although it was VERY beautiful, GREAT fishing and LOTS of wildlife it is more challenging up there and very depressing in the LOOOONNNNNGGGGGGG winter months. Of course you'll find cheap property right now.
My husband and I and our 2 of our neighbors were actually looking at moving to KY. I'd opt for there.
Best of luck to you,
Jennifer