Question about Ashland (Milwaukee, Madison, Superior: hotels, house, to buy)

[KristinNH]

We are planning a move there soon and have been doing a lot of research on the area. It is well-known as a beautiful, tourist area, but my questions is -- Is the area growing? Are more companies coming in up there? More businesses? People? Investors? I do not want to live in a large city, but growth is vital. The city offers so much and I hope it is moving forward.

[timberline742]

No, it is relatively consistent population wise with a slight downward lean over the last couple of decades.

[ranger17]

perhaps their local chamber of commerce would have some more detailed info?

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by ranger17

perhaps their local chamber of commerce would have some more detailed info?

Eh, they tend to be jocks for their communities. I'd go to census info first.

[KristinNH]

Thanks. Most people familiar with or who live in a community easily get a sense of this one way or the other. The area is beautiful and I see some manufacturing there, as well as a major tourist spot, but I have no idea what the economy has been in the midwest.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by KristinNH

Thanks. Most people familiar with or who live in a community easily get a sense of this one way or the other. The area is beautiful and I see some manufacturing there, as well as a major tourist spot, but I have no idea what the economy has been in the midwest.

Depends on the parts, Wisconsin outside of Madison has been down, the Twin Cities are doing great. Ashland is tiny though, and its so far from anything, and Ashland isnt going to be turning out techie engineering students wholesale, so... it's relatively stable, which is pretty darn amazing considering the size and location.

[Milwaukee City]

I vote for Bayfield instead.

[KristinNH]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Depends on the parts, Wisconsin outside of Madison has been down, the Twin Cities are doing great. Ashland is tiny though, and its so far from anything, and Ashland isnt going to be turning out techie engineering students wholesale, so... it's relatively stable, which is pretty darn amazing considering the size and location.

Again, I expect that tourism keeps it moving. It's the only place for the restaurants, hotels, beaches, etc. in that area. But I do see some manufacturing, a few colleges (including a tech college,) and hospital that must also contribute.

Originally Posted by Milwaukee City

I vote for Bayfield instead.

We may end up outside the Ashland city limits, but not sure we'd got that far, though it's relatively close.

[Wellstone]

Ashland has never been among the better areas economically. Maybe it has changed but the mining part of the state has been declining for a while.

It's never been an up and coming city in this century at least.

Duluth is in a lot better shape but that's a much larger city.

If you haven't noticed most small cities are struggling. The growth occurs in and around major metro areas.

[KristinNH]

Originally Posted by Wellstone

Ashland has never been among the better areas economically. Maybe it has changed but the mining part of the state has been declining for a while.

It's never been an up and coming city in this century at least.

Duluth is in a lot better shape but that's a much larger city.

If you haven't noticed most small cities are struggling. The growth occurs in and around major metro areas.

Thanks. We are moving from a very small city in New Hampshire and loathe the thought of living in or near a large city. My husband already has a job in Ashland and a very good income. Cost of living is almost half what it is here in NH, so great as well. We want to buy a house and have been told (since my OP,) that Lake Superior/tourism/more attraction to the Great Lakes is going to boost the area even more in the next years. We'll see, but it is a very beautiful area. Thanks for all the feedback!