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Hello-- I am a recent grad in my early 20s who just had a second interview for a job in Manitowoc, and it appears promising that I'd land the job.
I'm considering it because it would be a great start after college, especially since I'm in a competitive field and the economy is pretty grim anyway right now. But, I'm a bit worried.
I've lived in Milwaukee my entire life and I am doubting I'd be happy in a small town. It seems like a nice town, just not sure if it is a good fit for someone my age with my background. I'd likely go back to Milwaukee every weekend, as my family, friends, and boyfriend are there.
What are some perks of Manitowoc living?
Are there any enjoyable things to do there for a female in her early 20s? (I'm not too interested in bar hopping or anything like that because I'd be focusing on work during the week)
Considering the job market and the fact you're young, you're never married to a job. You can always leave in 3 years. I would spend a weekend there because I haven't heard a lot of positives about the town. Mainly it's old and industrial and some what run down, this was my view as I drove through it once.
I moved to Manty after college too for a job and a guy That was a few years ago and I lived there for about 4 years. Manitowoc has a nice walking/biking trail on Lake Michigan and there are various events on the Lake throughout the summer.
As a woman in her twenties at the time, I have to say there wasn't a whole lot to do. It's a small town so the options are bowling, bars, restaurants...there is one dance club- Studio 8, unless something else opened up, but I doubt it. I heard there was some shooting there a few weeks ago.
They got more restaurants and stores since we moved a couple of years ago, so at least you won't have to drive to Sheboygan and Green Bay for shopping....but I just remember hanging out at Applebees a lot and...Walmart(
It was also difficult meeting people..especially young people. I met most people through my husband, but most people know each other from high school etc. so that's about it.
I hope that helps...if you have more questions...I can ask my husband...his family still lives there so we visit from time to time..Good luck!
What do you like to do? What are your hobbies? Manitowoc has an active theater group and a concert band and a symphony orchestra if you have dramatic or musical interests. The are several choral groups as well. There is a lovely YMCA as well as Holy Family's Wellness Center if you like to work out or swim. The rec department also offers fitness classes. The are many churches if a church home and groups is important to you. The restored Capitol Theater offers year-round outside entertainment. Silver Lake College and the UW-Manitowoc have plays, concerts and art displays frequently. There is always a festival of some kind in Manty or nearby Two Rivers. Having moved to Manitowoc many years ago from a large city out of state I learned quickly that one needs to reach out to activities/groups and participate in local activities. There is plenty to do besides bar-hopping. I found friends through work and sharing activities. You too will make friends if you make the effort. You will not make friends and will probably hate Manitowoc if you return to Milwaukee every weekend and never explore your new surroundings. Good luck to you in your new job!
Manitowoc is a very nice place to live. Im not much into bars myself but there are alot of them. Some with great food. Not sure what your interests are but there is always something to do. Manitowoc is not run down like someone else said. Like every city there are some houses that could look better. It is a beautiful area with alot of possibilities. Just that some people dont get out and enjoy what we have here. Alot of trails through the woods, a zoo, ymca, places to fish, if your into that. Some nice beaches. Alot of people take the lake for granted. But it is nice to live near it. Very peaceful and relaxing. If you have any questions send me a message.
Manitowoc has pretty much everything you could realistically expect from a town its size, but if you're coming from Milwaukee it'll probably take some getting used to. I also disagree that Manitowoc is rundown. In fact, downtown Manitowoc looks a lot like a miniature Milwaukee, complete with the rivers, bridges, restored old buildings (although not nearly as tall) and Lake Michigan. It's definitely one of the nicer downtowns you'll find north of Milwaukee.
The social scene is pretty much what you're expecting though, so you probably will end up taking a lot of weekend trips back to the city. But know that the cost of living in Manitowoc is dirt cheap and it's not unheard of to find a good apartment in the $350-400 range. You could probably work in Manitowoc for 2-3 years and have enough money saved up to move wherever you want.
We recently retired to Appleton from Madison. We were considering Manitowoc and Appleton, but after spending a couple days in and around both cities, we decided on Appleton because we felt like Manitowoc just didn't offer enough of what we wanted or thought we would want. The idea of living close to the water being in Manitowoc had us excited, but after checking the city out, that just wasn't enough. I'm afraid if you're used to living in a much larger city and like it, you may not adjust very well to a small city like Manitowoc. If we're choosing to retire to Appleton instead of Manitowoc, I can't really imagine someone your age being all that happy in Manitowoc. I'd suggest you spend a day or two there to try to get a feel for what living there might be like. While you're at it, if you do have the time check the Appleton area out. I think you'd be much happier living there. I consider Appleton a mini Madison. Appleton only has a population of about 80,000, but there are so many smaller cities close to Appleton, with many things to do and see.
Can anyone tell me about the area around Wilson and lakeside or Wilson and 9th in manitowoc. Very interested in a home there but we are from the Milwaukee/New Berlin area and are very unfamiliar with Manitowoc. Any tidbits would be much appreciated.
We recently retired to Appleton from Madison. We were considering Manitowoc and Appleton, but after spending a couple days in and around both cities, we decided on Appleton because we felt like Manitowoc just didn't offer enough of what we wanted or thought we would want. The idea of living close to the water being in Manitowoc had us excited, but after checking the city out, that just wasn't enough. I'm afraid if you're used to living in a much larger city and like it, you may not adjust very well to a small city like Manitowoc. If we're choosing to retire to Appleton instead of Manitowoc, I can't really imagine someone your age being all that happy in Manitowoc. I'd suggest you spend a day or two there to try to get a feel for what living there might be like. While you're at it, if you do have the time check the Appleton area out. I think you'd be much happier living there. I consider Appleton a mini Madison. Appleton only has a population of about 80,000, but there are so many smaller cities close to Appleton, with many things to do and see.
So glad you found the place you wanted to retire...I'm so happy for you, my friend! And I hear Appleton is a wonderful place to live...we are still here in CA, but never give up the hope of making it to someplace beautiful!! I sent you a private message...hope to hear from you!
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