Moving to Hayward (Wausau, Superior, Merrill: school, living in, activities)

[Braintaco]

My wife and I are looking at moving to Hayward for a job. She's from Wisconsin, and due to jobs we live in the Arizona desert for the past 8 years. We are both really into outdoor activities (4x4ing, fishing, hiking, biking, ATV trails, and just being out in the trees). I've only been as far north as Wausau and went to school in Stevens point for 2 years. I'm just looking for any information or advice on living up there. One of my concerns is living in such a small town and how accepting and welcoming of outsiders the community is. Any advice is welcomed.

[augiedogie]

I might add that I'd be interested in any recommendations for the best small town in the Northern half of Wi. Rhinelander? Eagle River? Tomahawk? Anything else, to recommend, but not as touristy as say Minoqua.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by augiedogie

I might add that I'd be interested in any recommendations for the best small town in the Northern half of Wi. Rhinelander? Eagle River? Tomahawk? Anything else, to recommend, but not as touristy as say Minoqua.

I'm most familiar with Vilas County. I like the areas a bit more removed from tourists like Boulder Junction (nice little Nordic town center), Land O' Lakes, Presque Isle, Sayner (Plum Lake township), etc. All are very small, the largest towns north of Merrill are Rhinelander, Superior, and Ashland with Iron Mountain being right on the border.

[ranger17]

It has been decades since I've visited there (went as a teen to my grandparents place for some stays in summers) but they lived in the Mountain/Lakewood area. Definitely smaller towns, though for a location deep in the Nat'l Forest it was beautiful there. Esp for anyone who really enjoys the outdoors.

But those spots are not as far north we Rhinelander, etc if that's the main goal.

[Rynldsbr]

Hayward is pretty open to people from "outside" as long as the people relocating are friendly as well. The area has a fair amount of tourism and they know to behave nicely when others are around.


The bigger issue may be whether you can handle the fact that everyone in a little town there will know what color underwear you have on most days. Gossip travels fast and most everyone is related to everyone else somehow. Don't get caught badmouthing someone you met because the person you are talking t is likely a cousin/sister/friend or all the above.


Seriously, I grew up between Park Falls and Minocqua until our family moved to the metropolis of Hazelhurst and there are a lot of great people in the Northwoods. Be kind and they will be kind to you. Enjoy the woods, clear water, and mosquitos.