Superior WI. (Madison, Kenosha, Racine: crime, how much, employment)

[baystater]

Hello

Would like to ask if anyone on this forum has any information about Superior Wisconsin?
I would especially like to know how the economy is doing there. But any information about Superior you can give me is much appreciated.

baystater

[GreggB]

Of all the cities in Wisconsin, Superior would be the LAST city I would want to live in. I should say One Of The Last, right there with Kenosha and Racine. Wheras Racine and Kenosha still have a viable economy with prospects of employment for most people--Superior is a decaying, dieing city. It has lost population over the years, very few jobs, the city has a lot of "run-down" areas. I would STRONGLY suggest that any one considering a relocation there--DON'T do it sight unseen!! Winter weather there is probably the harshest in the state due to it's location on the Western side of Lake Superior. Duluth Minnesota (Superior's neighbor), is MUCH nicer, but has increasing crime and city budget problems. My advice would be for you to consider Madison, La Crosse, Eau Claire, maybe Wasaua. Also the Fox Valley is worth considering ( if conservatism isn't an issue with you). Good Luck!

[mattyj46]

Originally Posted by GreggB

Of all the cities in Wisconsin, Superior would be the LAST city I would want to live in. I should say One Of The Last, right there with Kenosha and Racine. Wheras Racine and Kenosha still have a viable economy with prospects of employment for most people--Superior is a decaying, dieing city. It has lost population over the years, very few jobs, the city has a lot of "run-down" areas. I would STRONGLY suggest that any one considering a relocation there--DON'T do it sight unseen!! Winter weather there is probably the harshest in the state due to it's location on the Western side of Lake Superior. Duluth Minnesota (Superior's neighbor), is MUCH nicer, but has increasing crime and city budget problems. My advice would be for you to consider Madison, La Crosse, Eau Claire, maybe Wasaua. Also the Fox Valley is worth considering ( if conservatism isn't an issue with you). Good Luck!

How bad is it?? I am potientally relocating to Superior from New Zealand to play for their local football team the Superior Stampede, i've checked it out briefly, no pictures, any info would be appreicated + the weather?? I checked out weather.com and it didnt look good

Im looking to get out of New Zealand and think that this is my first big step.

[vagabond wannabe]

yeah, the weather is not good. the city itself is run down, although it wouldn't be my absolute last choice. if i was moving there for a job, i would definitely live in duluth, mn and commute. duluth is absolutely beautiful (still crappy weather though) and is loaded with recreation options. although, you're from nz, so it's all relative i guess.

[GreggB]

Originally Posted by mattyj46

How bad is it?? I am potientally relocating to Superior from New Zealand to play for their local football team the Superior Stampede, i've checked it out briefly, no pictures, any info would be appreicated + the weather?? I checked out weather.com and it didnt look good

Im looking to get out of New Zealand and think that this is my first big step.

How bad is it? Having lived in Wisconsin for over 40 years, I am at least somewhat familiar with most of it's medium sized cities. Without a doubt in my mind---Superior is the LAST Wisconsin city that I would choose to live in. The best way to put it, is simply this: Superior is NOT a pretty picture. As stated however, Superior's Minnesota neighbor, DULUTH is a different story. A lot more to offer there. Winters in the Superior/Duluth area are long, gray and COLD. Summers warm, short. Fall is pretty but by late October it is already cold. Northern Wisconsin is very nice. Quiet, beautiful, lots of recreation. Superior however, is that one nasty WART that kind of spoils the otherwise attractive surface!!

[Drover]

Originally Posted by mattyj46

How bad is it?? I am potientally relocating to Superior from New Zealand to play for their local football team the Superior Stampede, i've checked it out briefly, no pictures, any info would be appreicated + the weather?? I checked out weather.com and it didnt look good

Im looking to get out of New Zealand and think that this is my first big step.

Some people have touched briefly on the weather, but I don't think they've emphasized it enough. I don't know how much you've traveled and what times of year you've done it, but the winters in the Duluth/Superior area (and most of the northern U.S. for that matter) are nothing like you've experienced in New Zealand. The average overnight low temperature in Superior in January is -18 degrees celsius. And you'll have plenty of days where it never even gets that warm, and plenty of nights that get down to 25 below or colder. Be prepared!

Others have noted Superior is not exactly a pretty place, and a major consideration is job prospects. I don't know what your pay is going to be playing for the Superior Stampede, but I strongly suspect it will not be enough to live on. That would mean lining up work for the off-season and that's where Superior (and even neighborhing Duluth to some extent) fall short. Finally, others have suggested living in Duluth instead of Superior because Duluth is less of a crumbling pit... but the downside is that housing costs are considerably higher in Duluth.

[mattyj46]

Originally Posted by Drover

Some people have touched briefly on the weather, but I don't think they've emphasized it enough. I don't know how much you've traveled and what times of year you've done it, but the winters in the Duluth/Superior area (and most of the northern U.S. for that matter) are nothing like you've experienced in New Zealand. The average overnight low temperature in Superior in January is -18 degrees celsius. And you'll have plenty of days where it never even gets that warm, and plenty of nights that get down to 25 below or colder. Be prepared!

Others have noted Superior is not exactly a pretty place, and a major consideration is job prospects. I don't know what your pay is going to be playing for the Superior Stampede, but I strongly suspect it will not be enough to live on. That would mean lining up work for the off-season and that's where Superior (and even neighborhing Duluth to some extent) fall short. Finally, others have suggested living in Duluth instead of Superior because Duluth is less of a crumbling pit... but the downside is that housing costs are considerably higher in Duluth.

Yeah our winters arn't that bad, today is considered the worst day of winter so far and its only 41F with a windchill of 24F, so I'm not looking forward to this winter prospect.

Thanks for the info