Why is Montello, Wisconsin so mean? (Eau Claire, Sun Prairie: crime, how much, transfer)

[Dolly]

Katt, I don't know about that . . . we lived in Oklahoma 11 years and absolutely loved it. It was so strange to pass from Illinois, to the Missouri border and once in Oklahoma, seeing people actually wave at you in their vehicals. It took me a while to get used to this but once there, realized that Oklahoma people were just friendly. They really would strike up conversations in the gas stations and most people there would give their right arm to stop and help a stranger or a neighbor. Job loss forced us out of Oklahoma to Illinois but someday, I would love to move back. Maybe when we retire . . .

[heartbroken2004]

There is no restaurant named "Timbers" in Montello, nor is there a restaurant named "Waterfall." Montello has only two antique stores, and they are both for sale. Where do you live, exactly, Katt?

[fordtruckgirl]

Originally Posted by heartbroken2004

We bought a house in Montello and found the people of the town so hateful and so nasty to us that we sold our house there and moved away.

Has anyone else had experience with the meanness of the people of Montello?

People in Montello arent mean....they just arent fond of new comers and tourists. I moved here from CO and I wasnt liked at first but I got over it and eventually became excepted you just had to give it time.

[fordtruckgirl]

I forgot to ask what exactly did the people in Montello do for you to think that they are mean?????

[harleymaam]

Originally Posted by heartbroken2004

We bought a house in Montello and found the people of the town so hateful and so nasty to us that we sold our house there and moved away.

Has anyone else had experience with the meanness of the people of Montello?

We bought our house and moved to Montello last October, 2006. The first time I drove into town with the real estate agent, I was in awe. What a lovely little quaint town. We bought just outside of town past Sparks restaurant and I love it here. I haven't been anywhere in this town (except for the local grocery store and that is with the exception of one cashier) where the people are mean and unfriendly.
You have been asked several times and still have not answered, exactly what did happen to you that gave you the impression that the people here were mean. So, my only assumption is, that because of the way you feel you may be presenting a negative attitude and they (the towns people) may be viewing it as you being mean and unapproachable also. Did you take the time to smile and say hello.
Ya know, everyone has something in their life that makes them behave the way they do. Whether it be illness, lonliness, financial worry, etc. I've found that by putting a smile on my face and passing it along to others, may just brighten their day and they may share their smile with someone else. You see, you get out of life what you put into it. Take this challenge....the next time you are out and about town, make eye contact with people, smile at them and say Hi. If you ask them how they are doing, be sincere about it. They may just end up telling you.
I think your attitude toward Montello will change if you make an effort to reach out yourself.
God bless you and have wonderful day!

[unhappyinWI]

Honey, it is not you. My husband's company moved us to SW WI not quite 7 years ago and it has been the worst and longest 7 years of my life. When we came here we went to a church dinner hoping to meet the pastor and some people in community. e have always been active in the Churches we have attended. We were totally ignored! The Pastor ignored us too! Have never, ever had that happen to us before. Tried several times to meet people at church and was rebuffed so we stopped going there.<p>People here want to know all about you, but they don't want to know you. Too much inbreeding, IMO. Everyone is related to everyone else....except you. I have never been invited to anyone's home. We restored an old Italinate home and know many are dying to see the inside and what we have - no way Jose would I let any of those nosey people in knowing what I know now.<p>We could not even get people to work on our house and my hubby has one of the best jobs in the town. After calling a local contractor and leaving messages, hubby finally left a message that, as we were new to town and if he was busy, could he at least steer us toward other contractors. Never heard a word.<p>We ae retiring in a year and a half and I can't wait to leave here.<p>On top of the people being unfriendly, the taxes are WAY too high. The sign at the WI state line should read "Welcome to WI - Our Taxes are Higher than Yours". They do absolutely nothing to keep seniors in their homes or even in the state. WI rates 51 out of the 50 states in places to retire.

[fiveoaksmom]

We moved from a small town in WI, to an even smaller town on the opposite side of the state 7 years ago. Now we're thinking of moving to TN. Yes, small towns are rude. And mean. Not to every outsider, but to most.

My dh worked in Montello for about a year, built the pretty bridge in town among other things. We were talking before we moved here about where we would like to live in WI, and I said how about Montello, it seemed like a nice town (we bought two vehicles from the chevy dealer there). He said no way, are you crazy? Working on the road and being in construction, he spent plenty of time amongst the locals, and while there were some nice ones, he said the majority were not overly friendly. They could sit in the same tavern week after week with them, and they still were rude to the construction guys.

All that said, I don't think Montello is much different than any small town. Where we live now is the same way. If you don't grow up in the town, chances are you will never really be a part of the town. Of course, there are exceptions to this. I'm just generalizing.

[Robart]

My family and I have lived in Montello since the end of last August. Over that time, we have found the overwhelming majority of the folks in town to be quite friendly. There are a few who treat us as outsiders, but that's fine. They're really in the minority. This will be our first tourist season in the town, and I'm curious to see how Montello changes during the summer. Overall, it's been very pleasant. Folks want to talk about the town and its history, and for an outsider like me, it's been an education. Best wishes.

[tnelf]

Originally Posted by heartbroken2004

There is no restaurant named "Timbers" in Montello, nor is there a restaurant named "Waterfall." Montello has only two antique stores, and they are both for sale. Where do you live, exactly, Katt?

The restaurant Timbers is north of Montello on Hwy 22. The "Waterfall" is literally a waterfall downtown Montello.

After reading these posts a few things come to mind. I live in Marquette county and I have never ONCE had a problem with the people here. I wasn't raised here, my husband was. I was raised in another small town just north of here. I just adore living here! I love the fact that it is a small area. Do you people have any idea how great this community is?

I urge you to read the paper. Every week, there is some sort of benefit for someone suffering from cancer or meningitis or whatever. You will NOT find that type of support anywhere but in a SMALL town! It warms my heart to know that the people around here really do care.

I read that the majority of you are transplants. Meaning, you came here from a city of some sort. (Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago...) You know, This is a tourist area. We have to deal with the big city people coming in and pushing their ways on us. Maybe, just maybe, if there wasn't the attitude that "I"m from the city and I'm better than you" we would be a little more welcoming.

Marquette county is a wonderful place. I have lots of family, friends, and neighbors that I love. I take great pride in the fact that 90% of the people here would give the shirts off their backs for you...and yet you still complain.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by tnelf

I read that the majority of you are transplants. Meaning, you came here from a city of some sort. (Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago...) You know, This is a tourist area. We have to deal with the big city people coming in and pushing their ways on us. Maybe, just maybe, if there wasn't the attitude that "I"m from the city and I'm better than you" we would be a little more welcoming.

Ah yes, the schizophrenic lament of rural Wisconsin: build half your economy around tourism, and then whine about the tourists who show up and keep your economy afloat. It's so cute!