Scorching in Miami (Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Wausau: school district, living in, shop)

[DanMarino]

Help! I am trapped in Florida. It is probably 89 degrees here. No white Christmas. We are looking to relocate to Wisconsin. It has gotten pretty bad raising kids here. Most will think we are crazy, but we really want to make the move. Seasons, what are seasons? We only have one season and it is HOT. Any recommendations on fairly small places to raise a family. We are two teachers and are done with large cities. Would love to hear about great places in Wisconsin!

[ccjarider]

You would probably love teaching anywhere in WI compared to S FL.

I know a few teachers who moved to FL for jobs and came back. They felt there were too many immigrant students who were not properly prepared and thus were sucking up excessive resources. They also felt familes did not care about schools and the public schools did not have near the financing WI schools have.
This is according to my friends, I cannot speak to the topic.

[ali&ajsmom]

if you are looking for a small town I would try randolph, brandon or waupun. all of them are within 10 minutes to larger cities with some chain stores or within 25-40 minutes to cities with larger malls and shopping. also brandon is in a very good school district as well as randolph. waupun has good schools but as far as hiring for teachers not so good. they are concidering shutting down 2 schools. I wish you the best of luck and I hope this helps.

[hankejp]

I don't know if you've ever been up here during the winter, but I think it would be a good idea to visit in the winter to see if you can handle it. There was probably a 90+ degree difference between the 2 areas this morning. At least where I live.

Depending on what you thoughts of a small town are, the Wausau area, located pretty much right in the middle of the state is small compared to Miami and is 3 to 4 hours away from Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

[JoshB]

I second the Wausau idea. It's a beautiful town. Stevens Point may also be another choice. Just choose a city on a map and check it out.

[jjacobeclark]

I personally like the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls area in Western Wisconsin. They are located less than 100 miles from the Twin Cities.

[susancruzs]

My only suggestion would be if you've never lived in the midwest, come here for more than a day or two in the winter! Your living in Fla. so summers should not be a problem but winter could be. I think the middle of the state would be great as people suggested.

[KateDaum]

The only caution I would have for you is if you want to teach check where they need teachers. I think the smaller areas are tough to find jobs in. Milwaukee seems to always need teachers.
I think you would find WI a breath of fresh air after Florida.

[DanMarino]

Kate you mentioned before your husband helps people relocate. How does this work?

[FormerCaliforniaGirl]

Whatever you do, DO NOT move here until you've spent at least a couple of weeks here in January. Yes, 89 degrees is very uncomfortable (especially in Florida with the humidity), but on the opposite extreme, -4 degrees isn't so great either

I moved here from San Diego, and wouldn't go back for the world. But coming from a city that has the mildest winters in the country, believe me, Wisconsin winters are a challenge.

But if you can live with the winters here, then believe me, you'll be rewarded. Wisconsin is a lovely state, and the pace and cost-of-living are so much nicer than in big cities. Also, if you want seasons, you'll get them here. Spring and Fall are spectacular!