Relocating to Stevens Point area and need advice (Madison, Appleton: 2013, home)

[TripToTheMoon]

My boyfriend and I, both in our 30's, are relocating to the Stevens Point area for my job. I have visited numerous times, but I do not have a great feel for the area yet. It is beautiful, seems to provide great opportunities for outdoor activities and is safe. However, beyond that, we are clueless.

I would love any insight this community can provide. We are fairly non-traditional and "alternative" for lack of a better term. We are liberal, atheist, do not want to get married or have kids, enjoy punk/metal/indie music---you get the idea. While we don't have a need for a large social circle, we would like to meet people somewhat like us. I have no idea where to start.

So, general ideas on where to meet people we can relate to? Interesting record shops, restaurants, bars, or other establishments you think we would enjoy?

I think we would really like Madison, but that is a weekend drive, and I would like to meet people here as well

[EllieKay56]

Since it is a college town there are some interesting places. Lots of festivals in the warmer months. I like Father Fats to eat at. Also wander up to Wausau. Thrive and Red Eye are both great places to eat at. I like the music at Intermission. Pick up the City Pages each Thursday. It is published in Wausau but always lists activities in Stevens Point. Sometimes UWSP has some good entertainment.

[ReDNeQ]

I concur with EllieKay56!

Wausau is not to far. If you found something there the commute wouldn't be a problem. Wausau has a cool vibe, tons of retired scholars and the like, so liberals are there. Has alot of year round activities. Major box stores and for being as big as it is, you don't feel it.

While wife and I are on the opposite spectrum, we moved to WI from Austin, Texas. They say Madison is the Austin of the North, hence why we didn't move that way. Just didn't want the big city anymore like Austin! Madison is very pretty and had all the things we loved about Austin but that wasn't the change we needed. That's where Wausau came in. Seriously we almost pulled the trigger there. Just couldn't find the home on acreage we were looking for in the immediate area.

Steven's Point is smaller than the 2 other college towns Appleton/Eau Claire but bigger than Menominee. The point here, is all of those cities are basically the same. College towns in WI will give you everything you want it's just HOW MANY choices you're looking for.

I don't claim to know everything about WI, but I can tell you I've researched the hell outta the state and been from the farthest north to south and east to west of it since 2013. So if there is anything else you need help with just PM. I'll do my best!

[EllieKay56]

Just saw in City Pages that a vegetarian restaurant opened in Stevens Point that sounds really good.
Also you are down the highway about an hour from Appleton which has a lot of fun places. We usually go to Appleton once a month to get our Costco fix.

[Rynldsbr]

Stevens Point is a mix with the college and the local scene. I don't think you will have any real issues with being "alternative" but the social circle may not be real large either. I have a brother in Wausau that is probably very similar in most of the interests/ideology you have described. Wausau may be a good bet for you for social life if the career is in Point. It seems like there is more activity there than in Point.