[JimmyInGreatLakes]

We just did a trip to the U.P. and spent a day in Marquette. I'll have to say, it is REALLY nice now. We were there 10 years ago and it seems to be thriving even more. Some nice lakefront condo's and great paths near downtown. I suppose it helped it was sunny and 80 but I'm sure it has it's positives in any season. Very impressed!

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by JimmyInGreatLakes

We just did a trip to the U.P. and spent a day in Marquette. I'll have to say, it is REALLY nice now. We were there 10 years ago and it seems to be thriving even more. Some nice lakefront condo's and great paths near downtown. I suppose it helped it was sunny and 80 but I'm sure it has it's positives in any season. Very impressed!

I would LOVE to have one of those condo's! Marquette is a awesome place for sure.

[riverclark67]

I know this thread is older but I would like to put my 2 cents in for Marquette. I have not been to Iron Mountain.

I am from way downstate Michigan - almost Ohio border practically. My husband had a job transfer to the mine one poster said people were protesting a few years back. We LOVE Marquette. I can see it meeting your needs.

It's truly unique and quirky. You mentioned it might be similar to Boulder, Co. I have not been there but I see where you might compare the two. Honestly, the comparison that I see Marquette most similar to in style is Ann Arbor Mi. Ann Arbor is also a college town. Even that comparison isn't really right. Marquette has a small town feel, but with a dash of college town, with a dash of the quirky hippy granola set another poster mentioned. There are a lot of art galleries and nice restaurants, but Marquette is pretty exceedingly casual. Most people just wear jeans and casual clothing even going out in evenings. It's definitely oriented to the outdoors. Biking is huge - all seasons. There is skiing, snow shoeing and snow machines. People are friendly. Everyone looks you in the eye and greets you. Neighbors come over and introduce themselves. When we moved in a neighbor told us his garage was always open if we need to borrow tools and there was beer in the fridge if wanted on of those while we were at it. Lol. My husband and I just sort of looked at each other. It's a different world. My husband is from California but has lived all over the world including and visited many other states (including Alaska) and other countries. I am from the Metro Detroit area. People do not leave their garages unlocked nor offer you free beer there (needless to say). It was very refreshing. You almost feel like you have stepped back in time to a certain degree. While my hubby and I would joke about it and still lock our door (habits die hard), honestly we loved it. It's nice to have people actually speak to you and be nice - not give you the middle finger in traffic. I am sure other people downstate and elsewhere near big cities can relate.

I found it you want to live in or near town you can have all the amenities but never feel like you are living in the "city" per se. We rented a larger home on Southern end of Marquette a little closer to the Township. We had a 2 acre yard and we were in a neighborhood, but it was very quiet. Deer, fox and other assorted wildlife went through our yard daily even though technically we were within the city limits. I liked to call it the "Marquette Bubble". It has everything you need of civilization, but you go a few miles outside it and you only find blink-your-eye and they are gone type towns or lots of forested area. This is a good thing. You can easily reside "outside of town' and have a lot of land and be fairly secluded and still be into Marquette pretty quickly. To me it had the best of both worlds.

The only downside is when you leave the Marquette Bubble you're some distance any major city. As far as Medical care there are multiple larger hospitals in Marquette. There are other smaller towns (smaller than Marquette as it's the biggest city in the UP). So you can drive east to Muinising or West over to Negaunee or Ishpeming, but none of these are large towns. To metro Detroit it's about 7-8 hour drive depending how often you stop and traffic conditions. The closest major city to Marquette is around 3 hours to Green Bay Wisconsin.

My husband has been to Alaska several times and he said UP reminds him of Alaska in many ways. Some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen is in and around Marquette. Presque Isle Park and Black Rocks is right within the city limit. There are miles and miles of beaches to explore. Check out the cliff diving in the summer at Presque Isle.

Marquette has a wonderful Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Dog sled races that begin right in the center of historic downtown in February.

Marquette is VERY dog friendly. Our family loves the off leash trails by Tourist Park.

Marquette also has some mountains. They will not stand up to the height of mountains in Colorado or Alaska, but Sugarloaf in Marquette has an amazing view of Superior and Marquette to the East. Marquette Mountain is used for Skiing and there is also summit you can look out from. Hogback Mtn is the most secluded. Sugarloaf has stairs. Marquette Mtn has a rustic road to the top. Hogback is hiking up.

After 2 summers we are still exploring and finding new things to do in and around Marquette. We love the city, but we also love the outdoors.

I found it be a very accepting community.

If snow is your thing they get a LOT of it. It is measured in feet, not inches. Fall is spectacular. Coming from downstate Michigan I am used to fall color, but the colors in the UP and in Marquette are the prettiest I've seen. There are so many inland lakes. Most everyone focuses on proximity to Superior. Superior is pretty amazing, but not the best for swimming as it's cold year round. People do swim it though. I love Lake Michigamme and there many, many inland lakes right around the Marquette area.

The only downside is renting in Marquette. There are not many rental available and you will pay premium. We didn't want to buy right away and had sticker shock. However, it's supply and demand. Marquette is a college town so there are a lot of people wanting to rent and fewer properties available. Many properties were older homes. There are some new condos and newer homes, but most of the homes and building are older (inside the city limits).

If you are in the market to buy a home there are plenty for sale. Many older home has been redone. You seem to get a lot for your money if you buying a home in Marquette or the general area - such as Harvey or Chocolay Township. These communities are just east of Marquette proper.

[perfectprisons]

Grew up in the Marquette area but now live in Detroit. Absolutely beautiful place to live and I took the scenery for granted as it was all I ever knew during my adolescence. I would say the Marquette has a broader range of types (ones that don't fit the typical "Yooper" mold) and more opportunities for nightlife and activities. I was around that area in the 80's/90's when the Delft and Nordic Theaters were around as well as Club MQT - so I have fond memories of the downtown area as teenager.

This video will have you sold on Marquette: [vimeo]151874919[/vimeo]
https://vimeo.com/151874919

Efforts have been made recently to revitalize the downtown area with some new farm-to-table style restaurants and an assortment of craft/micro breweries. You add these elements plus the college-town vibe and you've got yourself a great little city.

Marquette is surrounded by a couple smaller communities that you may also want to explore...but keep in mind you'll be driving anywhere from 15-45 minutes to get to Marquette.

These are:

Munising - On Lake Superior with beautiful views (google Pictured Rocks) but it's sort of a sleepy town that could use a bit of a revival.

Ishpeming/Westwood/Negaunee - Tight-knit communities where everyone is related with inexpensive housing and great local eateries. The people here are proud of their small towns and their high school sports teams. A majority of the people who live in these areas were/are employed by the Marquette Iron Range, reinforcing that Blue-Collar vibe that you see in a place like Western Pennsylvania.

Gwinn - Mixed reviews on this place. Lots of individuals dealing with poverty and there is some crime there courtesy of an abandoned air force base. Had a friend who went to high school there and he had a particularly miserable experience. However, there are many small inland lakes in the area which are great for swimming and fishing.

Iron Mountain is more your salt-of-the-earth small town and close to Wisconsin. Great people, but no trace of metro-life/culture and very similar to Negaunee.

Just to reiterate what everyone else said: Beautiful in summer and fall, cold as hell in the winter, slower-paced living, friendly townfolk (in some towns!)

Good luck in your move and keep us posted!