[ShermanJoe]

The responses to the request for comparison info. on Ludington/Manistee/T.C./Cadillac were SO helpful. Could you add Escanaba to the mix? How does living there compare with what was said about the other towns?
In looking at climate stats, Escanaba appears to be as mild as quite a few LP areas.
Touristy in summer? Cultural activities?
What kind of active indoor pursuits are available in winter? Gyms, fitness centers, indoor skating rinks, swimming pools, or ????
How is gardening in the Escanaba area?
How far out does the comparatively milder Escanaba climate extend?

Lots of questions, I know. We plan to take a serious look at Escanaba in the spring.....it's seems to have much of what we're looking for, for our next home.
Thanks!!!

[ShermanJoe]

Anyone? Anyone care to comment on the "feel" of life in Escanaba?

[Bydand]

Wish I could, I have only been in Escanaba a few times and not really enough to draw a good comparison to the other areas. I did like what I saw, and it seemed like a nice place, but I haven't spent more than a couple days total there.

[ShermanJoe]

Bydand, thanks for checking in. While nothing substitutes for an actual visit, info. from residents is right up there in terms of making a decision to relocate.

[jeeg]

Okay, I've never lived in Escanaba but have been there a half dozen times and have lived an hour north (near Marquette) for the last four years.
Escanaba and the surrounding area are very pleasant, but kind of quiet. I'm not sure why that word "quiet" pops into my head every time I visit but it does.
We even seriously considered transferring to the office there as the real estate is much cheaper then the Marquette area.
Gardening - I've heard that it's better because it gets warmer during the summer (which the veggies like) but despite being called the banana belt of da U.P. it's really only a couple weeks longer then our short season up here.
Climate - Loooong winters. Not as much snow as just an hour north (we got 200+ inches last winter) but still long and cold. Last winter we had a snowstorm in October and in May. Snow was on the ground from mid-November thru the end of April (up here, probably a couple weeks less either way down there).
Culture & Indoor winter activities - I can't really help you out there. Every place in the U.P. gets touristy in the summer especially.

As I posted on the other thread you mentioned, I have lived in or have spent much time visiting family in all the cities mentioned in the lower peninsula (where we're from).
All of them have much milder winters then the U.P.
If you're looking for culture and activities, Traverse City blows away the competition.
If you don't mind longer winters and are looking for a more quiet town with reasonably priced real estate.... then Escanaba is definitely worth the look.
Out of all the cities on that list I like Cadillac the least simply because I like being close to the big water. But none of the cities are bad by any means. I would happily call any of them "home".

Let me know if you have any other specific questions, I'll answer them as best I can

[ShermanJoe]

Jeeg, thanks for your take on the area. We thought we'd know by now where we'd want to relocate in 2010. I guess this spring we'll hit the road and linger in the towns that are on our short list, or possibly even rent something for a year. Our short list of possible areas: Oscoda (nearest family), Manistee, Marquette!!, and possibly Escanaba. After a couple of visits,Traverse City just hasn't clicked with me for some reason. Maybe I should give it another look, but it seemed like waves of newcomers have diluted any original feel it may have once had.

[FESTER]

Escanaba is in what is called the "banana belt" of the UP. Much milder climate than the Superior shore. It is a very nice town. Gardening should be similar to the northern LP. Jobs? well it IS Michigan, so don't expect much there. Homes are very reasonable and available. There is a super Wal-mart and a brand new large Menards store. Not much else for big box type stores. There is a beautiful large park on Lake Michigan downtown. Escanaba would be at the top of my list of places to live in the UP. Well worth a visit.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by ShermanJoe

Our short list of possible areas: Oscoda (nearest family), Manistee, Marquette!!, and possibly Escanaba. After a couple of visits,Traverse City just hasn't clicked with me for some reason. Maybe I should give it another look, but it seemed like waves of newcomers have diluted any original feel it may have once had.

Traverse City does seem to have gained a LOT of subdivisions over the last 20 years. I certainly understand (and agree with) your impression there.

I have always liked Manistee. I love the boardwalk, the downtown, I love the beaches, I loved watching the freighters come down the channel.

Oscoda I've been to a few times and enjoyed.... but the west side of Michigan is in my blood. We tried living over there (West Branch area) but only lasted 10 months before we took off again

I absolutely LOVE Marquette. I am not a city person at all..... but Marquette is the first city I have ever fallen in love with (yes, I'm a little strange LOL).
But you have to be able to afford real estate up here and have to be happy with the winters. If you choose Marquette, definitely rent for a year or two first If it wasn't for the fact that all of our immediate family & friends reside in the southwestern corner of the state..... I would stay here. We will definitely vacation here at least once a year to visit all of our favorite outdoor spots.

[ShermanJoe]

Originally Posted by FESTER

Escanaba is in what is called the "banana belt" of the UP. Much milder climate than the Superior shore. It is a very nice town. Gardening should be similar to the northern LP. Jobs? well it IS Michigan, so don't expect much there. Homes are very reasonable and available. There is a super Wal-mart and a brand new large Menards store. Not much else for big box type stores. There is a beautiful large park on Lake Michigan downtown. Escanaba would be at the top of my list of places to live in the UP. Well worth a visit.

I'm eager to give it a look. You never know, one town that was high on our list of possible new homes (it had everything on paper that we wanted), was crossed off when we visited.

On one trip around the UP we got as close (to Escanaba) as Garden, as we traveled along the south UP shore. You could tell the area had a milder climate by the vegetation.

Thanks Fester.

[ShermanJoe]

Originally Posted by jeeg

Traverse City does seem to have gained a LOT of subdivisions over the last 20 years. I certainly understand (and agree with) your impression there.

I have always liked Manistee. I love the boardwalk, the downtown, I love the beaches, I loved watching the freighters come down the channel.

Oscoda I've been to a few times and enjoyed.... but the west side of Michigan is in my blood. We tried living over there (West Branch area) but only lasted 10 months before we took off again

I absolutely LOVE Marquette. I am not a city person at all..... but Marquette is the first city I have ever fallen in love with (yes, I'm a little strange LOL).
But you have to be able to afford real estate up here and have to be happy with the winters. If you choose Marquette, definitely rent for a year or two first If it wasn't for the fact that all of our immediate family & friends reside in the southwestern corner of the state..... I would stay here. We will definitely vacation here at least once a year to visit all of our favorite outdoor spots.

We stopped vacationing in the Traverse City region about 25 years ago when we started to see subdivisions cropping up. We talked about buying land, saw a subdivision take root in Empire (I think it was), and moved on to discover and fall in love with the UP.

What was it you didn't care for in the West Branch area?

I'm not a city person either but Marquette somehow got it's hooks in me. That must happen a lot, judging from the much higher real estate prices. Truth be told, we're thinking Escanaba might be an easier (weather wise) way to be near Marquette, hence the Escanaba investigation.

Thanks!!!