How's living in/near Marquette? (Detroit, Lansing: housing, rent, travel)

[Sunswan]

Considering a move from Southern-lower to Marquette area, for work. I'm almost ashamed to say that I've lived in Michigan for 34 years, and never been further north than St. Ignace.
Can anyone give me some insight on living in the Marquette area? People, Activities, Culture, Housing, Cost of Living... and at what point on the calendar would one typically have to drive a snowmobile to work?

Thanks!

[when will they ever learn]

Originally Posted by Sunswan

Considering a move from Southern-lower to Marquette area, for work. I'm almost ashamed to say that I've lived in Michigan for 34 years, and never been further north than St. Ignace.
Can anyone give me some insight on living in the Marquette area? People, Activities, Culture, Housing, Cost of Living... and at what point on the calendar would one typically have to drive a snowmobile to work?

Thanks!

Marquette has a lot of wonderful culture. You will either love the U.P or hate it. That is just the way it is. If you go up there and assimilate and not try to change the people up there you should get along fine. If you take your down State attitude you will be ostrasized. Very simple. You have to remember you are stepping back in time 60 years when you cross the bridge.

If you can get used to this you will survive and learn to love the people the atmosphere and the simple way of life. You do have to get used to traveling for what you want if you live outside of town . The highway guys know how to take care of snow up there and you will find there is really very little salt used on the roads so your car will last much longer. You will not have to use a snowmobile up there to get to work. If it is that bad you just won't go to work period. The Roads are cleaned off quickly down to a good snowpack on the back roads with sand and cinders. You will be able to travel right along.

YOu will not notice the cold as much up there as you do down here because it is a drier cold and doesn't go through you. If you have arthritis problems you will have less problem up there. I am a misplaced Yooper And can't wait to go back. If you are going up with no job. For God's sake don't go what ever you do. We had a business and after 911 it went in the sewer. No fun moving from the U.P. leaving everything you love and moving in with the kids at 60 years old and starting over. We are here but now that we are retired and don't have to depend on work for an income we are going home to God's country as soon as possible. You can live much cheaper up there if you are willing to learn how to do it. Marquette is a beautiful old town with plenty of old money. I prefer the smaller places with more colorful people And you will be saying EH within 6 months I will guarantee it. You will learn to eat pasties without gravy like they are supposed to be eaten. You will be razzed incessantly about being a troll But it will all be in good hearted gest. You really should get a copy of Escanaba in the moonlight if you haven't seen it. You should be able to get a copy at your local video store. You will soon be giving directions using the corner bars not streets or roads. Honest you really will.

Gee do I sound like a one many chamber of commerce for the Upper Pennisula of MI???????????

[Sunswan]

Thanks for the info, sounds great! Not sure what you mean by the "downstate attitude" though. If you're talking about the people who know that the left lane is closed, but whiz by in the left lane anyway and try to cut in at the last minute... I'm not one of those people.
If they don't do that in da U.P., then sign me up, eh?!
Stepping back in time sounds fantastic!
My father-in-law raves about Escanaba in the Moonlight... I'll check it out. I'm thinking that living at deer camp 24/7/365, would be a great way of life! I'd gladly trade a gourmet coffee shop on the corner for some acerage, a cabin and a 4-wheeler/snowmobile.

[HockeyMonkey123]

First off - be advised that the 'when will they ever learn' poster's comment regarding stepping back in time 60 years is fallacious, at best. Chamber of commerce? Hmmm. Anyway - just a few 'Yooper' stats for you to consider - Broadband internet was brought to 86% of the homes passed in 1995 here in the 'throw back' UP. We had business connections and E-Commerce BEFORE a majority of the LP knew what broadband was. The major industries in the Upper Peninsula are not outhouse repair or campground maintenance. We DO in fact have paved roadways here and we actually have a lower unemployment rate with quality jobs available to those who are qualified than the lower peninsula can offer. We offer a vast array of technologically oriented environments as well as pristine natural beauty. The UP is FAR from a throwback to 'Somewhere in Time’ and - to be quite frank – ‘Escanaba in da Moonlight’ is little more than a ridiculous attempt by another hapless troll to poke fun at the residents of the UP. Don't expect Little House on the Prairie if you do relocate - it's not an escape destination – rather, it’s a move that will change your perspective and must not be romanticized. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is not a frontier wasteland – when will they ever learn THAT? 

[mariatherese]

I'm also a displaced Yooper and I agree with When Will They Ever Learn's statement about the UP. I believe he or she was just being facetious. I also believe you were hearing things that were not there; it could have been taken in many ways. Of course the UP is not like Little House on the Prairie! Who said it was? It is behind the time, though: for instance, when I go up there everyone is wearing out-of-date fashion and no one has yet heard of any of the bands I know.

The UP isn't a desolate wasteland, but, it is a stark contrast to normal America. But, that's what we love about it! I hope it stays that way.

Also, I loved Escanaba in da Moonlight. Yes, it was an exaggerated portrayal of Yooper life, but that is precisely what made it funny! Each character in the movie reminded me of someone I knew. I don't believe it was anyone's intention to make fun of Yoopers... I was laughing right along with the actors, and I believe that was the point!

In life, you've gotta have a good enough sense of humor to laugh at yourself, right?

[mariatherese]

Originally Posted by Sunswan

Not sure what you mean by the "downstate attitude" though.

IMO, a "downstate attitude" means:
-not looking other people in the eye or saying hello to strangers in the grocery store.
-always having an alterior motive, thinking of your own best interests first.
-materialistic and superficial, labeling others easily
-impatient (i.e. honking your horn at others if they dont see the green light, or road rage)
-picky, snooty, pampered
-lack of morals

i am not posting this to offend anyone, only to respond to a question, to be informative. but, yes, its what i think.

btw... i am heading back up to northern michigan soon to get away from all the downstate attitudes myself!

[MCTipton]

I was raised and lived until 1997 in rural north Central Illinois, a farm kid. I moved to the Chicago suburbs upon the death of my husband, because this is where the work is. I first visited Marquette 3 years agoe, renting a small cottage a few miles east of Marquette. Quite frankly, it was like coming home. The people are like the people I grew up around. Small town rural values and attitude. The traffic, is nonexistant, as is what i refer to as " the culture of excess" I experience here in the suburbs. I have come back every fall since, and I will continue to until I can afford to stay permanantly. I do see some changes with regard to the economy and housing IN Marquette, that remind me of these Chicago suburbs, but not enough to worry me. The weather doesnt bother me, the low population doesnt bother me, what some people here would refer to as "lack of city life" doesnt trouble me, I grew up in a drafty cold coal heated farm house, and I spent more time than I can rememeber schlepping water to farm animals, and dealing with snow, blizzards, frozen pipes, power outages and the sad part is I miss all that.
And mostly I miss people who say hello on the streets, strike up conversations in restaurants, people who dont' judge me by the model of my car or my address or the brand of clothes I buy.

My point is, if you are a rural person, and used to doing things for yourself; if you arent into status symbols and mcmansions and keeping up with the "Joneses" the U.P. wont be a shock. Maybe I wont get there, but it sure gives me solace to know what I loved about my previous life still exists

I'll be back up there the second week of October. I'm counting the days.

MCT

[Griffis]

It just sounds wonderful. Stupid ME, I just realized I have a private message regarding a job tip in the U.P.

I can swear to you good Yoopers, if my family and I are fortunate enough to be able to relocate there, we'll fit in right good.

[Milliano]

Originally Posted by HockeyMonkey123

We DO in fact have paved roadways here and we actually have a lower unemployment rate with quality jobs available to those who are qualified than the lower peninsula can offer.

I'm going a bit off topic from the original point, but I'd like to mention that also, in aspects such as crime rates and academics for example, the UP is far ahead as a society when compared to say... the lower peninsula. And it's generally cleaner - air and water quality is much better and places like beaches aren't disgustingly laden with garbage.

Originally Posted by Sunswan

Can anyone give me some insight on living in the Marquette area? People, Activities, Culture, Housing, Cost of Living... and at what point on the calendar would one typically have to drive a snowmobile to work?

Housing and cost of living is probably very low. People that I've talked to that are living there generally say that the people are quite nice and friendly.
http://www.mqtcty.org/ may have some info, plus many links to help answer some other questions

[terrance hall]

i lived in MQT for 4 years while earning my degree from NMU. Marquette is not a place you move to inorder to find a job. It is an excellent place to get an education, to enjoy nature and all things outdoors. The people while philosophically conservative are diehard Democrats (a paradox i never understood). Unfortunately the UP loses lots of its 'young folk' because they have to move to get work. It is not at all uncommon for people to move away for 5-10years then move back. Once you have lived in the area there is something majical that compells you to return. it is an awesome place. <br><br> If you move to MQT you will be the "New people who moved into the ole Nemi house just past the crick where Jon rolled his tractor" for about a generation. ) or "That new waitress from detroit" (hint, if its south of Clare and east of Lansing its "Detroit". <br> <br> also, if your a detroit lions fan... hide all your fan gear. Marquette is PACKER COUNTRY!.