Northern Wisonsin--help! (Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle: vacation, jobs, cost of living)

[COWBOYJOE]

I am considering a move to Northern Wisconsin, not more than about an hour from the Presque Isle area, if possible. Can anyone tell me how is cost of living up there? How is the economy doing in general? Any jobs available? How are taxes? Are the folks friendly? Thanks for any input.

[Birdie]

Northern Wisconsin is very rural, very slow pace. I think its a very safe place to live. Not alot of choices as far as shopping, dining ect. but if you like the outdoors I think it has alot to offer. Cost of living can be very low. For myself I need to be closer to a more populated area. I think there is always jobs out there for hard working people. good luck



1

[politikally]

It's very cheap to live in, but there isn't a whole lot for jobs - but the economy is better than Michigan. Most people will end up driving a few hours to get to the nearest major city for shopping and other things.

It's very beautiful and it's a boone if you are a hunter or a fisherman.

[katt]

I used to spend 2 week camping trips up in the Vilas County area and found that even the prices in the grocery stores were aimed at the vacationers (take all their money). Due to their high prices I had to be careful and inspect fresh (?) meats etc. as they didn't move very fast and sometimes were questionable as to if it was even safe to eat. If you end up in a small town you may have to drive to a large city to shop to get away from the higher prices aimed at the tourists and to get better quality fresher foods, etc..

[politikally]

Originally Posted by katt

I used to spend 2 week camping trips up in the Vilas County area and found that even the prices in the grocery stores were aimed at the vacationers (take all their money). Due to their high prices I had to be careful and inspect fresh (?) meats etc. as they didn't move very fast and sometimes were questionable as to if it was even safe to eat. If you end up in a small town you may have to drive to a large city to shop to get away from the higher prices aimed at the tourists and to get better quality fresher foods, etc..

I've got to completely disagree with the above poster. If anything the foods in the northern areas are much fresher since they aren't processed like foods that arrive at grocers in larger cities, and second they (northerners) are far closer to the source of the foods.

I think the above poster had a very isolated experience if anything.

If you are overly concerned try a local Butcher or Cheesemaker to buy meats and cheeses. It'll be fresher than any grocer any day, anywhere.

[WIGooFan]

I live near Rhinelander and, though it is beautiful, winter seems to last forever up here. It truly is the perfect area for hunters and anglers. People are very friendly and accomodating. However, taxes are waaaaaay too high here. You have people from bordering states (*ahem) buying $100k "cottages" which certainly does not help.

However, technology seems to be several years behind the "bigger cities." Therefore, jobs can be a little difficult to find (with the exception of retail). Some of the areas are a little more touristy and may cost a LITTLE more (Minocqua, Eagle River, etc.)
Hope this helps... Goo-d luck to you!

[batman]

i do have to warn you, by the way, that winters in north wisconsin are NOT for the thin blooded!

[Birdie]

batman, you mean "the winters in Wisconsin" are NOT for the thin blooded!

(i don't think its mild anywhere here in the winter)

[katt]

Last winter was FANTASTIC~~only had to have my driveway plowed 3 times and the temps were way above normal. Actually the last few winters have been really nice though there weren't too many happy snowmobilers or ice fishermen. I'm sure it was a little different way up north but here in the west central it was great.

[politikally]

Originally Posted by Birdie

batman, you mean "the winters in Wisconsin" are NOT for the thin blooded!

(i don't think its mild anywhere here in the winter)

I disagree! Winters are MUCH harsher in the north part of the state. South of Highway 10 the winters are MUCH more temperate, and they get less snow. North of 29, there's lake effect, colder temperatures, and frozen lakes

**Hwy 10 runs across the state (after 51 draw an imaginary line to GB instead of cutting south)