North Wisconsin Counties (Green Bay, Sheboygan, Manitowoc: house, employment, schools)

[TerryDactyls]

I am less than five years from retirement and looking to get out of Texas as fast as possible. I want to be somewhere with four seasons, lakes, woods, fishing, skiing, golfing. I'm originally from Minnesota (don't hold that against me, although I still am a Vikings fan) so I know what winter can be like. As a retiree, schools and family environment are not important. I may be travelling to northern Wisconsin next fall to check it out but I would like to know ahead of time what to expect. I'm also interested in housing costs (lakefront would be ideal). I can go as high as $360K (current market value) - so what can I expect. Also give me your opinions on east versus west (Door County versus Douglas County), the summertime bug situation (mosquitos a problem?), and the winter sunny day situation (are there any?). All thoughts welcome. Thanks.

[KateDaum]

We moved to northern WI last winter from New Hampshire. We love it. Mosquitoes and ticks are bad in the summer. Actually until 2 weeks ago our dog was still getting ticks.
Sun in winter. I kept track. Last January out of the 31 days 19 were sunny and in February we had 20 sunny days. But I know other parts of the state weren't as sunny.
We aren't far from Lake Superior and you can find a house for 350 now.
We have been to Door County a few times and I like it. It is a lot like New England. Very pretty with lots of water. Not sure of prices there.
We are close to MN and there are a lot of Viking fans in our part of WI. Not a big deal.
We love winter and enjoy being outside in winter. We ski, skate and tried ice fishing too. There are lots of winter festivals and we had a blast going to them last winter.
We are happy to be here.

[susancruzs]

Here is a website that covers all of Wisc. in terms of traveling and what areas have to offer. There is a section, great outdoors that lists everything you mention. Of course, tourism related so your best bet is to check out the counties you're interested in by researching their individual websites.

TravelWisconsin.com, the premier destination for planning your next Wisconsin vacation or Wisconsin getaway.

I moved from NE Illinois to Wisconsin last fall. I'm retired so I wasn't looking for employment but less congestion and a safer environment as I get older. I moved by the lakeshore, because I really like Lake Michigan, was 2 miles from the lake in Illinois. I'm between Sheboygan and Green Bay, not that far from Door County (an hour and a half or so). I used the county website for Manitowoc and they sent me a great relocation package. I also used the state site, which was helpful, too.

I'd check out being north central in the state rather than up in Door County, no real good reason for saying so other than getting around to do things would be easier. There's quite a few posts about Door if you do a search that will give you an idea.

Happy searching! P.S. I lived in NE Illinois all my life, 60 yrs., I am very happy I made the move, Wisconsin was a great choice for me!