Looking to move to Wisconsin ...

[Moosemom]

Where would you recommend ? ? ?
Where do you suggest we avoid ? ? ?

Moving from Detroit, DH is an automotive mechanic, have two kids who would require special education services (ADHD/Autism). Would like a yard for the kids to burn off as much as energy as possible, but have limited finances (just like everyone else).

Constructive posts please ... I know that many areas are not edens, but I don't want to jump from the frying pan into the fire sort of speak.

Thanks

[ccjarider]

To help answer your question you should express why WI in particular, is of interest to you? This will help to give you constructive help.

The things you mention are just too generic. All communities have cars, schools and houses with yards.

[ImaloneJill]

I hear Madison has awesome resources for autistic children.

[notmuch69]

What size town/city do you want?

[krock1dk]

Madison or the suburbs of Milwaukee.

[Moosemom]

My husband's dealership has lost its contract with GM for November 1, 2010. The owner cannot decide what he wants to do with his business and frankly we can't wait for him to decide. My husband has put out resumes to all the local dealership and with the influx of mechanics in our area, there are just no jobs here. We started looking at South Dakota/North Dakota, but my husband would like to be closer to the family in Michigan. We currently live in a suburb of Detroit and the tide is turning in our neighborhood ~ my husband was robbed at gunpoint in our driveway for a bag of licorice. I have done some research and found that Wisconsin only has an 8% unemployment rate compared to Michigan's 15%.

We are looking for medium to small town. He would like it there was space between neighbors. We currently own a double lot on a corner, which is nice. He would like some acres, like around 1 or more. We seem to be favoring the older style of homes, as our current home is 1922. I recently settled a workers compensation claim and have my settlement to start fresh somewhere else. Recent medical issues/bills ate away at our savings.

If I could find a school district that has a supportive system for my boys already in place, that would be awesome, but I am used to fighting the Board of Education to get what they need in place.

We are hoping to be able to come to Wisconsin this weekend for open houses in the Gillett, Clintonville, Omro, and Wautoma areas. Hopefully my ODS does NOT have H1N1 ! ! !

I was reading other posts on here and a few mentioned that several areas have a smell to them ... that is what I am afraid of with not living in the State. I am afraid of moving, only to find out that while the house/price is nice, the neighborhood is not. I have also read in other posts the way that people attack each other and that is why I asked for the constructive help. We have until the June to find a place, fix it up, and move and I IF Wisconsin is NOT the State that could fit our family I need to get going on finding one that is. I have heard a lot of good things about this website and am hoping that what people have told me is correct.

I hope this additional information will help you be able to help me.
Thanks.

[notmuch69]

The only ones I'm familiar with are Marshfield and Eau Claire. I think Marshfield is a great town with most everything you need and very low crime. Community Profile - City of Marshfield - Marshfield, Wisconsin It has a huge hospital but I'm not sure about the special education. You could probably find a house with 1+ acres close to town for a decent price.
Eau Claire/Chippewa area is larger and will probably have more mechanic jobs.

[ImaloneJill]

The people on the board who live here full time are very helpful and would be the ones I would listen to for advice on the communities.

But as far as the autism goes (and my grandson is autistic, so I know your experience) I have known people to actually move to Wisconsin from Illinois just to get the better schooling and care that Wisconsin has to offer. I have heard Wisconsin is one of the best states in the US for this.

Here is a link to their resources, maybe you can do your homework before you move to help you decide:

ASW - Wisconsin Autism Resources
Good luck!

[Moosemom]

I appreciate all the personal messages regarding areas to move and doing my homework is why I turned here ~ I participate in the Detroit board, so I thought/hoped there would be something similar for Wisconsin.

I will be definitely checking out the links in regard to the autism, now to find programs for ODS's ADHD/ODD.

Keep any and all information you might have coming ... it means a lot.

[#Littledog]

As a former Michigander, I think you will love Wisconsin. I moved here from a Detroit suburb 20 years ago and have never looked back. You will find the people much friendlier. Wisconsin is one of the best states in the country for healthcare and education. One drawback is the property and state income taxes are high. Overall, however, I think the quality of life is much better here.

As far as where to move, I'm not sure what to tell you. I live in Milwaukee and I'm not as familiar with more rural areas. A previous poster mentioned Eau Claire is a nice area and I agree. You can also check out La Cross. I would recommend keeping your job search open and seeing where it takes you. Most parts of Wisconsin would be a pleasure. Best of luck!