Thanks La Crosse

[JoshB]

Oh man a neighbor who brought you venison? That's Wisconsin for ya.lol Sounds like your in a great area. We'd love to see some pictures of your slice of heaven. Just make sure to post them in the Photo sticky.

[CouleeGuy]

Well. It will have to be next time. I am eating venison and watching the Bears packer game. LOL. A very nice evening

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by CouleeGuy

Well. It will have to be next time. I am eating venison and watching the Bears packer game. LOL. A very nice evening

Drinking a Wisconsin beer by any chance?

[CouleeGuy]

No, Not a big drinker. I do like a good beer

[transplant1]

Just today, after 10 months of being unemployed and looking for work, I accepted a job at Ft. McCoy. Because I don't think I'm ready to move to too small of a town, I'm thinking it's best move to LaCrosse and make the commute to McCoy. While the job is the kind of job I have been hoping for and I should be only relieved and excited about this, I'm finding myself really stressed and emotional about the idea of leaving the house in south Minneapolis that I have lived in for 15 years. I've never EVER heard anything negative about LaCrosse and most people I've known that went to college there or lived have said it is great. Still, I'm single and about to leave the city I have lived in for 23 years for a much smaller city where I don't know anyone. It might be different if I had a wife and family, but it is just me and my yellow lab. Anyone have advice on how to best make the adjustment and quickly get involved in the LaCrosse community?

Also, any advice on the rental scene? The job I am taking is only guarenteed for 13 months, but likely will be extended a number of years, so, for the first year at least, I think I'm going to rent out my house in Minneapolis and just rent a duplex or something else where I can have my dog for the first year.

I'm also getting conflicting information on cost of living comparisons between Minneapolis and LaCrosse. Anyone know where I can get reliable information?

CouleeGuy, Sorry you had such a bad experience in Des Moines. I grew up in Iowa and my entire family still lives in Iowa - two of my brothers in Des Moines and they all love it. You couldn't blow them out of there with dynamite. I guess it is just the right community for the right people.

[CouleeGuy]

Transplant1

After living In La Crosse for a little over 6 months now I can truly say that people make a big difference. I still view Iowa as the biggest mistake I personally ever made and I Have learned from my personal mistake. I think there is good people in Iowa and the community is the right fit for the right people. I would not change a thing about my experience in Iowa. I think I could not help but grow as a person from my negative experience. One of the things that HELPED me with my transition was this board. They all are accepting people and reflect the people I meet everyday in La Crosse, and you will get the truth about living and enjoying the peace that Wisconsin and La Crosse have to offer.
CONGRATULATIONS on your new job! I can understand your excitement and stress about moving to a new town and starting over especially uprooting after 15 years in your home.
Here is my advice...Let go, and make it happen! There is so much to do and see here. Take your dog to Black River falls trail and go for a walk and don't be surprised if a stranger passes and you strike up a conversation. Thats everyday life here. People here want to see you succeed and enjoy life, so get ready for people telling you " you have to do this and see that". Once they find out that you are new to town, they just want to help. You will probably see that person again and they will ask you if you went and what you thought....and mean it! Take a hike on Grandad Bluff. Walk and visit the many small business that La Crosse has to offer. From antique shops to indoor skateboard parks, bars and La Crosse has a GREAT music and arts seen!!! What are some of your interests? For a single guy it might be heaven. You will meet a lot of people just by doing the things you like to do. The people are very accepting of others here....very accepting.
Rentals...they are everywhere. Check out the La Crosse tribune online or pick up a paper. I have been house hunting for the past few months and I always see "For Rent" signs all over and in great neighborhoods! You will not have a problem finding a house to rent thats dog friendly.3
On the cost of living..check out Cost of living: Compare prices in two cities - CNNMoney.com
This seemed to be right on the money for me. Try googling " cost of living comparisons " and compare the numbers from each site.

Glad your coming to La Crosse and I hope you really enjoy your new job!