La Crosse?? (Milwaukee, Madison, Onalaska: 2009, low crime, job market)

[pharmommy]

Hi: I am being pursued by a company in La Crosse for a great opportunity, but I don't know much about La Crosse. I spent 2 years in grad school in Madison, WI, and so I know that area well.

I am a 41 year old single mom, and so my concerns are school quality, dating, and community activities. I know the winters are cold, and I'm not eager for that, but every place has it's downsides. I currently live in the Philadelphia area, and I have been trying to leave for years--cost of living is high here, crime is high, and people are rude.

Any advice? If this job were in the Milwaukee area, slam dunk. I have lots of friends in the Chicago area, so that's part of why I hesitate about La Crosse--it's just far!

Thank you!

[JoshB]

All I can say is La Crosse is beautiful, I have to head up there today to pick up a motorcycle. I look forward to the ride as it's very scenic up there.

I can't comment on the other things.

[Ron Burgundy]

Schools in the city are adequate and progressive (La Crosse pioneered socio-economic busing in the early 90s, although they later backed off that approach due to parental complaints). Schools in the surrounding communities of Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem are also top-notch.

La Crosse has a reputation as a bit of a party town, so there should be adequate social activities for you and your kid(s) to engage in. Riverfest (July) and Oktoberfest (Sept/Oct) are big happenings taking place in the city proper, while the surrounding communities do their own thing each weekend in the summer as well. The bars on 3rd/4th St, although many of them are dominated by students, are there too if something like that is your scene. Recreationally, you can hike the bluffs to the east of the city or go to the beaches on the west end at the Pettibone/North Side/Airport. If you happen own a boat, venture on out to the Mississippi.

Crime is a relative non-issue. If you want to engage in it, be my guest, but by and large it will have no affect on your daily life, even if you choose to live in that oh-so-dreaded North Side. (The north side is not nearly as bad as it's reputation.) You'll have to look pretty hard for trouble. Obviously compared to Philly, it a total non-entity.

Coming from such a large metro, it might be a bit of a shock, even compared to your time in Madison. La Crosse itself is only 50K large, and the metro area is around 100K (part of what keeps the cost-of-living so low). It's not lacking in shopping by any means, but you probably won't find many trendy, uber-upscale places with regards to fashion. But hey, you could hit that up on the Loop in Chicago while you're down there. Chicago is about a 4.5 hour drive from La Crosse, if that's a factor, so be it.

[redhotcrystal]

I have lived in La Crosse for most of my life and now have school age children of my own. They schools are said to be rated good, and I think my children are smart, but nothing special. I think you are in for a big surprise of boring. Being a beatiful scenic place is about all this area has going for it. There is little crime, which is a plus. Just not a very upbeat or growing. Alot of people have been losing jobs.I have been trying to leave for years. Our summers days keep shrinking each year. It is great you have a job offer, beacause the rest of the jobs in this area suck. Personaly I would not move my family here.The community events that go on are mudane and the same ever year. Madison or Milwaukee area sound like a closer fit to Phili. life.

[2221 Design]

that funny, i grew up in Lacrosse and have been trying to get back there, to me it is like a little Madison. Good schools, great recreation, very senic, great downtown for a city of its size, cheap housing (try that in Madison or Milwaukee!)

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by redhotcrystal

They schools are said to be rated good, and I think my children are smart, but nothing special.

I know what you mean here, but this made me laugh.

[Rogee]

If I were able to find a job in La Crosse, I would take it. It's not a hotbed for the job market, but it's a great city to live in.

It's very beautiful, very walkable, and good for outdoor activities. Winters are like the rest of Wisconsin, but summers in La Crosse always seem to be a little warmer than the rest of the state.

It is a party/college town like Madison. So there is plenty to do if you're into the bar scene.

Everything is quieter and more laid back than even Madison, so it will be a lot different than Philadelphia. But it's a good city for a family with the low crime and easy-going atmosphere.

[suecen]

I just was reading U.S. News & World Report magazine - July 2009 - La Crosse is on the list of 'Best Places to Live' for 2009. One interesting fact: more than a million visitors come to the area each year!