how many transplants regret moving too Wi (Milwaukee, Green Bay: low crime, schools)

[thenikster]

Amen LeaveWI!! I concur 100% with each of your points. I was born in WI but have lived most of my life in the south. I came back to WI 9 years ago (by way of Austin/San Marcos, TX) after my divorce as my family is here. My experience with employers has been just as you described. Social climate: Dating - well 9 years here, still single and no interest otherwise. Two really good friends I've made: 1 from Denver and the other from Miami; both dislike it here for the same reasons. ie., limited opportunity, "good ole boy network", lack of culture and the depressing winter weather. I do love WI in the summer, it's beautiful up north and hope that it remains as pristine and undeveloped as it is. WI is just not for me. And in 4 more years I will be heading south once again. I am unfortunately stuck here due to a custody agreement but once my boy graduates I am outtie. (He will be coming w/ me as I want him to realize there's a whole big world outside of beer, bars, cheese and blaze orange). IMHO

[tet tea]

I think the only regret we have about moving to WI ... kind of hard to ride the motorbike during the winter months!

This is all new to me here especially since I'm not even from the States. I went onto the ice (Lake Wausau) for the first time in my life. I think next year we will have an ice shack built and go out fishing. It was wonderful out there. So peaceful and tranquil. We've been sledding every weekend. Enjoyed the downtown Christmas parade and tree lighting. If I had a snowmobile, I can guarantee I'd be all over the trails that they provide.

Maybe we are just more optimistic than most or just lucky in some respects. My husband has a job he loves with a company that cares about its workers. Our son is in a wonderful school with an outstanding teacher. If that's what part of my taxes are paying for, then I am more than happy with it.

I've lived in some states where the standard of living was terrible. The school systems ... words fail me. Taxes higher than WI with not much to show for it.

I love it here ... beer, brats, cheese, Packers and all

[ekg56]

Tet Tea we went to the parade in Wausau too. It was a lot of fun. Then the next night we went to the parade in Mosinee too. It was snowing and so pretty. We use to have snowmobiles and it was a lot of fun.
It is refreshing to read your optimism. We have been here 20 years and still love it.

[Oliver22]

I'm glad you are happy with your move! I think Merrill is a great place overall, and it sounds like it suits you. I went to school in Merrill and I thought the education was very good. It more than prepared me for college and graduate school. The scenery really is beauiful as well. It is a peaceful change from city traffic. Best of luck!

[UW Badgers]

I made a huge mistake moving away from Wisconsin. Well, I actually got to learn why I liked it there so much and I'm so glad I moved away to appreciate what I had there.

So much WORD to this! Hubby and I moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a job promotion for him. We miss Wisconsin like crazy! We lived in a city about 20 miles south of Milwaukee. Don't know what ya got till it's gone, never rang more true! We can't wait to move back, which will be way sooner then later. Wisconsin will always be home to us.

If we had it to do all over, we would have never moved..

[regrets]

I was born and raised in Wisconsin. It is a very beautiful state except for the taxes. This state taxes people to death. I live in the small town of Poynette and I would never recommend living here in this town with school age children. The school here cares more about MONEY, MORE MONEY then WINNING, win at all cost, even breaking the rules or hurting kids' feeling doesn't matter. Property assessments here went up 58% in a year values are dropping. The school wants to build a new school even though the last three years enrollment numbers have been dropping. It is crazy. We are looking to be transplants in another state.

[KateDaum]

We are so happy to be here. We are glad we didn't wait until we retired. I am having fun exploring all the towns and parks near us. We had a wonderful holiday season and in 3 weeks hubby and oldest daughter will also be here permanently.

[keungfamily]

We moved 2 weeks ago from the Chicago suburbs (far western) to Salem near Kenosha. It's been an easy adjustment. The neighbors aren't that friendly (in fact, we haven't been introduced to anyone yet) but at my kids school (Wheatland Center), everyone one there has been more than friendly and helpful. One Mom has been so great at giving me her #, telling me to call her if I have any questions etc). Teachers are nice and the school is wonderful. I am sure we will meet more neighbors once the winter is over and everyone gets outside again.

[gypsystar]

I lived in WI from age 14-21 ( and on and off through my 20s) and I couldn't wait to escape. Some words I have regarding WI: cold, dark, drab, depressing, cold, boring, culture-less, cold, cold, cold. I could go on and on. Love the people - after living in Miami and L.A., Wisconsin residents are the nicest by far. Summers aren't bad, either. But you will never feel as lonely as you do while driving on a pitch-black stretch of Hwy 51 on a bitterly cold winter night. Culture, warmth, adventure and excitement will seem to be a million miles away. And they will be. Oh, and it has been known to snow in mid-April. That is reason enough not to like the state.

[KateDaum]

I love the WI weather. This month there were tons of sunny days. I love being outside and still walked outside almost daily.
Coming from NH the weather here is a piece of cake. Less snow and not nearly as cold. I love the sunny January days. Lifts up the spirits.