SW WI, Lafayette County, City of Benton (Milwaukee, Madison: home, buying)

[susancruzs]

You're right you did mention work! When I was thinking of moving and staying in Illinois, I went to that area alot.

I guess I thought with so many homes for sale (alot, everywhere) I was just assuming that maybe the area had lost jobs or something!

Sorry. I did like Mt. Carrol but like other towns I visited I felt I'd be spending too much driving other places to find bigger stores, restaurants, etc.

[StevenKrzak]

Duly noted, everwinter. I see that Freeport is a larger city, which would make it easier to commute to a job there and live in Lena, as you pointed out. Makes sense.

I understand that it is more difficult to get a good paying job directly in the Mount Carroll area, and the work commute would be longer.

Thanks, everwinter.

[StevenKrzak]

I've received some great information and tips regarding the southwestern part of Wisconsin and some surrounding areas that I asked about in a previous IL post, and want to thank those of you who have taken time to reply.

Any others with information on the southwestern valleys of Wisonsin? I was originally interested in learning more about Lafayette County and the Village of Benton, but would like to learn more about the other counties in southwestern Wisconsin as well: (Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Vernon.)

I'll check out their websites and do as much research as I can, but would certainly appreciate any personal views from Wisonsinites and others who have visited this part of the state.

Thank you!

[everwinter]

Originally Posted by esbat13

I was originally interested in learning more about Lafayette County and the Village of Benton, but would like to learn more about the other counties in southwestern Wisconsin as well: (Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Vernon.)

Little more on Lafayette county. It's mostly farmers & they have an entire different lifestyle. They live & die by the weather affecting crop growth, whether for profit or for feed for the animals. This makes them worry warts, & pessimistic. Go into town and talk about the weather we've been having and you'll make friends. This is how I'd observe my dad starting conversations with farmers.
I know about 5 years ago the economy was really dying, and Shullsburg was trying to start a casino to give it a boost, after much debate the plan was eventually rejected. I haven't heard much about there economy lately, but I can't imagine it improving.
Darlington, the county seat is experiencing a large number of Mexicans moving into town. The Mexicans started a Mexican cheese factory, and now there's even a restaurant, grocery, and there own church. A large number of Amish have moved in recently from Pennsylvania buying out farms. You'll see Amish buggies and large farm equipment driving very slowly on the roads, holding up traffic.
The county along with southwest Wisconsin votes democrat, as opposed to northwest Illinois. The farm/crop aid is the main reason. The people themselves are quite the opposite of your typical democrat though. For example they mostly drive American made pick up trucks, the bigger, and louder the better.
It's hard describing the county because there is exceptions, but really it's your basic small town living. Going out to eat, bars, four-wheeling, snomobiling, river/lake rec, shopping, grilling out, watching the Badgers/Packers is what they do for recreation.

Regarding Benton, I don't have much to comment. I mainly drove through on my way to Dubuque. It's so small & they have very little, there's nothing that sticks out in my mind. Ask a specific question and I may be able to help. They won't have a grocery, you would probably need to go to Cuba City, Hazel Green or Dubuque for most your needs.

Check into Iowa county & definitely Mineral Point. Mineral Point could be just what you're looking for.
Is Mineral Point as cool as I suspect?

[JoshB]

Steven,

I don't mean to bring back a dead thread but I found an awesome website it's called

www dot hiddenvalleys dot com


it has information regarding towns and road tours you can take through sw Wisconsin

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Steven,

I don't mean to bring back a dead thread but I found an awesome website it's called

www dot hiddenvalleys dot com


it has information regarding towns and road tours you can take through sw Wisconsin

Hi, Josh,

Thanks very much for passing along this website, I'll certainly check it out!

I was in Madison, WI in June to attend a seminar and then drove to Richland Center to visit a couple of friends. The scenery and the rolling hills in that area were just beautiful.

[JoshB]

Glad I could help, Steven. If I can find any others I will shoot them to ya.

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Glad I could help, Steven. If I can find any others I will shoot them to ya.

Thanks, Josh, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

[Grizz59]

Lafayette county is too far away from any meaningful well paying jobs. You can pick up a little pocket change if you know how to milk cows or bale hay, but for the most part it is rural/agricultural with not a lot of things to do or places to go. The smell of the manure silos will send you gasping for air, and in the spring when it is muddy, there is usually as much mud on the roads as there is on the fields. The farmers will spread manure on days when the prevailing winds blow toward your house if you **** them off by filing suit to try to get them to stop spreading manure..you need 45 acres to homestead, and unless you are actively farming the acreage, the taxes will drive you to the poorhouse..

[StevenKrzak]

Thanks, Grizz59, it's great to hear other people's opinions and experiences of living in that area. I appreciate your post.