Kohler, WI (Sheboygan, Howard, Plymouth: houses, transfer, YMCA)

[unicorn23]

My husband has a job interview at Kohler. He's excited about us moving there. I've done some research and am feeling a little nervous about it. We can afford approx. 500k for a house there. Is this enough for a house in Kohler or will we be looked upon as the poor relative? Also I'm used to shopping at wholefoods and driving around the corner to go to starbucks. Will I fell like I'm in the middle of know where. We live in Dublin, Ohio now. Thanks for your help.

[radraja]

The poor relative? Most people in WI don't have houses even close to being that expensive. I don't think you'll be looked down upon as being "poor". Not even close.

PS: Why the frowny face? Did your husband not talk you before he took the job?

[golfgal]

Good news, there is a Starbucks at Target in Kohler. $500K for a house in WI is a NICE sized house. Kohler is a GREAT area, home to the American Club and a couple of the nicest golf courses in the nation. It is a popular golf vacation area. Like most tourist areas there are more amenities there then you would typically find in a town of a similar size that doesn't have something like Whistling Straits to attract visitors.

[hedwigger]

Kohler is a very pretty little village. The schools are among the best in the state and the homes range from adorable little bungalows from the 1920's all the way up to modern mansions. At $500,000 you will find an exceptional home with all the bells and whistles. And who says you have to limit yourself to just Kohler? There is SHeboygan, Sheboygan Falls, Wilson, Plymouth, Howard's Grove...etc. Take a look at the whole county.

Good luck to your husband! And you!

[diegosmom]

I am born and raised there....live overseas and still love the place. Visit alot since my family is still there. My international, city-slicker husband loves it and is never bored. Sometimes he can't sleep at night if it is too quiet! You are great with the house price, and I would think WI taxes are similar to Ohio or slightly more - but it pays for a wonderful school and a nice community. Trust me no poor relative at all. Also, some of the wealthiest people there live in the most modest and quaintest of old homes. It is the conservative nature of the area.

You can PM me if you want. Enjoy! Remember any where you move is always tough the first year - I move alot, but you will get by. Yes, Starbucks is there - but even better is in the entry of the Woodlake Market the greatest little coffee shop owned by a wonderful Kohler transplant herself. She used to have it called Mobile Mudd since it used to be run out of an old Airstream motor home. She has kids at Kohler and it is really nice. Depending on your home location you could even walk there. Check out

destinationkohler (dot) com to get the info on the events in the Kohler area. be ready for the annual Food & Wine Festival in October - YES, from the same magazine - world known chefs with classes, demos, events...lots going on summer and fall. Winter slows a bit for obvious reasons.

great!!!

[unicorn23]

Thanks for all the input. As there aren't too many places to work. Are there a lot of stay at home moms?

[diegosmom]

You have a mix. But alot work, you would be surprised: Kohler Company, companies in Sheboygan, Plymouth, and professionals (drs., dentists, bankers, teachers, )....

Yes, there are stay at home moms as well and they also volunteer for school events, girl scouts, etc. I don't think many "stay at home" and are on the go as well. You have the Sports Core in Kohler or the Ymca in Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls for sports/workout activities. The JMK art center to work and volunteer.

Many have their own businesses as well so you have a real mix. Also some work in the shops/boutiques a few hours a week in the village. Not one or two groups to put people in, but rather a real mix and you would be surprised.

Now with the Deer Trace Shopping in Kohler some work even at Pier 1 or Target for discounts and extra cash if they need it for their families or kid's college savings.

You will see it all in this small town. You will find company on either side of the fence.

[shannonM]

as far as the whole foods shopping that you do i'm not sure if there's anything that will fit your needs but you can go to natural ovens in manitowoc it has a few things.

[radraja]

^Yeah...WI isn't really a Whole Foods kind of place. I would be surprised if there are more than 2 or 3 stores in the entire state.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by unicorn23

Thanks for all the input. As there aren't too many places to work. Are there a lot of stay at home moms?

Keep in mind that while Kohler itself isn't large, the surrounding towns have a lot to offer.

Also a tip for moving into an unfamiliar area--attitude is everything. I used to live in a town that brought in people from all over the country, usually for short transfers, 2 years or so, mainly for training. It was a small town kind of in the middle of nowhere. The ones that enjoyed their stay were the ones that had good attitudes, embraced life in a small town, etc. The ones that were constantly crabbing about not having anything to do, everything was always better in their old town, etc. were the ones that found they didn't have any friends because people got sick of their whining. Just something to think about.