Please help direct me to some nicer towns... (Madison, Appleton: house, job market)

[operaphantom2003]

I MUST move my family out of Utah and our current situation. Personally I have lived in 12 states and been through all but 2 (Alaska and Hawaii) and am focusing on Wisconsin and Iowa (I have only been through both on greyhound but never really stopped). My family is me, my soon to be 5 year old son, and my mother. The adults in the house agree that we must move or face a future here that I really do not want for me or my son. What I am really looking for is a town that has plenty of parks and recreational activities for my son, a VA (clinic at the least) for my mother, and a decent job for me (min. 20k). We also need public transportation of some sort until I can buy a car there. We have no need for one in Salt Lake. As far as schools I am really looking for ones that are NOT dual immersion (nothing against Spanish but he has to learn math, social studies, and science in English first). I also do not speak Spanish, but I don't know if that is a hindrance in Wisconsin like it is here. I am finishing my degree in Economics and have 14 years of retail experience (12 in a supervisory position) and 3 years of foods experience (1 as a kitchen manager). I have looked into Port Washington and a few other cities but don't know if they are what I am looking for. Any ideas would be very helpful.

[ranger17]

I would suggest the Madison area. Has plenty of good parks, the VA system, and better then the norm for employment

[JDCATONSVILLE]

My family and I live in Merrill,WI. and we love it. We moved here about two years ago from Catonsville,MD because we wanted a better quality of life for us and our two children and I wouldn't change a thing. It's a smaller town about 9,000 and has plenty of parks and outdoor activities, the school system is really good and the peolpe are friendly. Merrill is about 20 miles north of Wausau, which is where my wife and I both work. Wausau and it's sorrounding communities are a bit larger and therefore have more ammenities to offer, but being that it's not that far the commute is not that bad. I have just two stop signs and farms between my house and my job, it takes me about about 17 minutes to do the commute. Unlike back in Maryland where I had a 15 mile commut and on a good day it was 45 minutes, but it could take up to 1-1/2 hours depending on traffic and the wheather. Well good luck in your search and I wish you luck in your endeavor.

[notmuch69]

Marshfield! Community Profile - City of Marshfield - Marshfield, Wisconsin
Not overrun with illegals yet, everyone speaks English. Not sure about the public transportation though.

[saykinriseo]

I would suggest the Fox Cities. There is plenty to do in Appleton and the job market is the best of the Fox Valley area IMO. I currently live in Oshkosh and I would NOT recommend it if you don't have a car. There are no bus systems in this area with Sunday service or Holiday service. Buses run in Appleton from 6:15 AM - 9:15 PM (a few routes leave downtown at 9:45 PM) Monday-Friday. Same schedule on Saturday except the buses start 2 hours later. Pretty affordable little town and if you don't mind getting by on a little less money, pretty nice overall. There's a big VA clinic on the west side of town by the technical college. Bus goes out there too. If you need anymore info, let me know. Born and raised in Appleton (26 years old).

[jasperhobbs]

Originally Posted by ranger17

I would suggest the Madison area. Has plenty of good parks, the VA system, and better then the norm for employment

Madison is a good choice but keep in mind cost of living there is very high.

Jasper