Thoughts on green bay (Milwaukee, Madison: home, neighborhoods, theatre)

[unsure001]

Hi,

I am a University student thinking of relocating to Green Bay (with a job). I have visited the place and am a little concerned. Was wondering if any of you with more experience might help.

1. I am an Asian female immigrant who speaks English fluently but am a little concerned that I saw very few people of color at Green Bay (near the University).

2. I have lived in New York before and therefore have never felt the need to learn to drive. Can one get around green bay with out a car especially in winter?

3. Although I am from the tropics I have lived in New York long enough so I am used to the east coast winter. But some of the other post on this forum suggests windchill temperatures far exceeding those I have experienced in NYC. How long does it get to get acclimated to it?

4. I am young and was wondering what one does for enterntaintment in the town? I am not into partying but like to go to Museums, films and theatre.

5. Finally I have *Never* lived in a city smaller than a population of a million. I am giving the relocation a lot of thought since I do not know how long it would take me to acclimate to a smaller location, particularly being a young woman of color who does not drive!

Thanks for all your help!

[Dolly]

I can't help you as I am getting ready to relocate to GB due to my husband's new job. But I had to laugh when you said you had never lived in a city of less than a million. I have never lived in a town of more than 3500 and the thought of 100 thousand people in GB (and driving there) scares me to death!
I do know they have a bus system in GB but other than that, the other GB people on the board can answer your other questions.

[GreggB]

Not being a big fan of Green Bay, may I suggest that you consider Milwaukee. More diverse, more culture, probably more attuned to your lifestyle. Having said that, Green Bay does have public transportation. Unlike New York City however, most folks in Green Bay get around by utilizing their own cars. On racial diversity, certainly more so than Appleton, much less than Milwaukee. Weather in the winter will be colder than NYC. NO doubt about that. Summers are short, warm and humid. Fall can be nice. Night life in Green Bay will not be anything like NYC. There are bars and clubs--be prepared for dealing with a lot of intoxicated people if you go to them. Whereas in most parts of the country, people drink to socialize, In Wisconsin people seem to drink to get drunk. Green Bay is a relatively safe community-you shouldn't have any problem with that. I wish you luck if you do go there. There are for sure friendly people in Green Bay. It will be a huge difference from what what you are acustomed to in NYC. If you should consider Milwaukee, The East Side, Riverwalk, and the Old Third Ward are all nice areas.

[Drover]

Let me first start off by saying I have nothing against Green Bay. Different strokes for different folks, and I have nothing disparaging to say about the city or those who enjoy it.

That said..... Given all of your qualifiers... it sounds like Green Bay would be a severe culture shock for you. And yes, the winters are brutal too -- makes New York winters look like a day at the beach. I think your "I'm a bit concerned" statement is your instincts telling you, "this place isn't for me." I'd probably heed those instincts. I'm not even sure Milwaukee would do it for you either.

[Chelito23]

Not knowing how to drive will be a major impediment to anywhere you move outside of NYC really...so assume any relocation will imply learning to drive and eventually getting a car. There are other cities with walkable neighborhoods, but nothing remotely close to NYC.

GB does have a small, but growing Asian and Hispanic community. Perhaps 15% of the total city population. Remember, white majority doesn't mean racist. Nonetheless, It is going to be a culture shock on many levels for you.

The people tend to be very friendly though, and you can take the job and see how you like the place. If not, you can move after a year. At least, you will gain experience and learn about another part of the country.

I wouldn't worry too much about those extreme windchills, those are not seen on a yearly basis. GB is colder than NY, but let's be honest, NYC is not the tropics either. Think temps consistenly 10 degrees colder across the board...and yes you acclimate quickly. As a matter of fact, GB is supposed to be in the 40s today and NYC in the 30s. It really varies. Warm clothes will do the trick!

What you want on a cultural level is difficult, I think GB may not have what you are looking for there. If possible, try Madison...

Otherwise, if you are relocating, you have been forwarned and have an idea of what to expect now. It will be different, but not undoable. Good luck.

[GreggB]

Madison-Yes, another good suggestion. A VERY good one at that!!!! Certainly more diverse, liberal, and would be less of a "Culture Shock" for you. As far as you being an Asian, don't let that worry you. Green Bay (as well as Appleton) is tolerant of different races. Not too say that you won't find an occasional "Redneck" out there. That type of ignorance, however, will most likely be found at some level nearly everywhere. And a final word--if you do come to Wisconsin, be sure and visit La Crosse. The most beautiful city in the state, with the friendliest people.

[unsure001]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. It has made my decision somewhat easier. I sympathize with the writer who has never lived in a large city - I will be facing a similar shock, though for the opposite reason, if I decide to move! I really appreciate the time you invested in responding.

[GreggB]

And so if you do choose to live in Green Bay, I wish you well. Having lived in Appleton for 30 plus years (just down the road from G.B.), I can tell you that there are a heck of a lot of places that are LESS desireable than G.B. Being a truck driver by trade, I've seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Wisconsin in general is not too bad of a place. High Taxes and Cold Weather finally overcame me, and that is why I moved to a warmer climate. In Wisconsin's defense, it has a lot to offer to a lot of people. Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison all are "Cool" places in their own way. At least you are avoiding Appleton!!!

[M TYPE X]

Don't do it. Save another job for someone in the Midwest who wants to be here, drive hundreds of miles to the nearest tourist attraction (or merely work or the mall), and "brave" the winter blizzards.

There are plenty of jobs in large cities for people who don't want to drive and are afraid of having enough privacy to think a solemn thought for more than five seconds.

Race is the least of the issues here, and Green Bay isn't the worst city in the Midwest. This is about you deciding against making the wrong decision for yourself.

... but if we must persist on the comparisons, does Green Bay have any museums? I know of mining and skiing museums in upper Michigan, but I am not familiar with everything in Wisconsin. Door County/Sturgeon Bay is very nice if you like nature and the lake in the summer.

Oh, the lakes. I miss home (Michigan). The cornfields of Illinois aren't so near my fancy.

Chicago might be enough of a "severe culture shock" to someone more acclimated from NYC! We shouldn't even talk Fort Wayne, Peoria, or Green Bay.

[GreggB]

The above post really DOES say a lot!! I will admit to that.