sheboygan info needed (Milwaukee, Plymouth: home sales, neighborhoods, theater)

[snowlandcook]

Is Sheboygan friendly to newcomers? I've read the "ihatefondulac" thread (at this site) and would like to know if the sentiments are similar for Sheboygan.

There is a job opening at Lakeland College that I qualify for and am thinking about applying--but I'd like info about the area first.

Also--my spouse is a home designer. What's the building (new homes) industry like there? Is it blooming or shriveled up?

Thanks.

[snowlandcook]

Is there anyone who can help me out here?

[caleefe]

People in Sheboygan need to get to know you first, then they warm up fast. I was born here...moved away for 30 years, and then came back. If you are looking for great place to raise a family, feel safe, and have nice schools, then you will like it here. If you want fast action, and a big-city life, stay away, 'cause it ain't here.

Lakeland College is a nice private school, about 7 miles north of here. Good student base, it's been around for a long time, and seems to put out a decently educated graduating class.

The building industry here, like the rest of the country, has slowed down. But we are not nearly as depressed as other places when it comes to the home sales, and the prices of the homes.

[snowlandcook]

Thank you Caleefe. I am curious what made you move away from Sheboygan and what made you move back.

Few more questions:
What's the weather like? I can handle snow (I love snow), but I dislike hot, humid, buggy summers. Are mosquitoes and gnats horrible there?

What do people do for fun there? Are there many bike paths in the area? (We enjoy bike riding.)

Would you say Sheboygan is conservative or liberal?

[caleefe]

I was born in Sheboygan, but the fmily moved away when I was in the 2nd grade. Spent 10 years in the Navy, then 20 years in Florida (talk about heat and humidity)... moved back here in 1994 specifically to get back to the midwest, my roots so to speak. As an aside, the schools in Florida are pathetic, and when our kids reached middle school age, we knew it was time for a change. Having been back here many times over the years, I knew what Sheboygan was like, I have a lot of relatives here. The schools are great, the city is just the right size, and the people are all friendly. Coming back here was the best thing that could have happened to us and our kids.

Weather: We are blessed here in Sheboygan. Being right on Lake Michigan, the bugs are practically nonexistant during the summer evenings. Now, when you get about 8-10 miles inland, then that's a different story. The lake also keeps it a tad cooler, especially during the spring. If the weather calls for a high of 75, it will be about 67 near the lake, depending on the wind. Sheboygan's high during July and August averages 80, and then about 3 or 4 in the afternoon a lake breeze kicks in, and keeps it from getting too hot.

Not a whole lot of bike trails. There is a real nice one between Sheboygan and about 6 miles west of Plymouth, called the Plank Road Trail (about 20 miles long altogether. Lot of bike riders here tho.

In the evenings you will find a lot of people just going out for strolls around their neighborhoods. During the summer months, there are weekly free concerts in one of the city parks. The Sheboygan Symphony is very good. There is a local Theater company that is good, too. The Weill center downtown brings in good acts... Alan Parsons was just here, and Bob Newhart. If you want more excitement, Milwaukee is just 55 miles down the freeway.

Sheboygan is NOT liberal. nuff said.

[ekg56]

My sister lives in Plymouth and her husband works in Sheboyagan. They love it over there. A lot of people from Milwaukee are moving up that way for the schools and lower home prices and commuting. They have lived there for about 17 years and find the people very friendly. Good luck!