[mikea911]

I will be retiring this summer and will be moving back to my home state of Michigan. I have decided to spend my final years on the east coast, specifically Alpena, but after a trip up to the area last week(just missed the big storm by a couple days) I have a problem. My partner fell in love with the tawas area and would like to move there. She is insisting that we consider the area in our plans, so I would like to hear some pro's and con's for each from those who know the area well.

[Metrohound]

I live in Essexville and have been to Tawas many times. Tawas City and East Tawas have a combined population of about 4500. There is a small hospital. You would probably have to go to Bay City or Alpena for any serious medical condition. Bay City and Alpena are both a little more than an hour away. For shopping there is a Walmart, and East Tawas has an outstanding business district for its size. For groceries there is Walmart and Neiman's family market which is Kroger like. There is a adequate number of restaurants including several fast food restaurants. It is a very nice area, but does not have the amenities that a larger city (such as Traverse City or Alpena) would have.

[mikea911]

Thanks for your input Metrohound, I am thinking much the same. Also we will be buying an older home in need of repair, and no home depot in the Tawas area. She likes the downtown walking area in Tawas, which I admit is an attraction for me too, but I would rather drive to Tawas to window shop, than drive to Alpena for medical care and building materials.

[Meemur]

Former Michigan resident here. If you think you will need the hospital, live near it, and make sure whatever insurance you have will be accepted. As you mentioned, there are some brutal snow and ice storms in that area that can make travel very difficult in the winter. Being close to the ER vs. an hour away may be the difference between life and an early death.

I'm older and that was a selling point for Des Moines: I'm close to two decent hospitals that take my insurance.

[mikea911]

Thanks for your input meemur. While we are both in reasonably good health, I would feel better having a hospital close by, but I find the home depot to be a major consideration as well, since the homes we looked at, while not in bad condition, are in need of tlc. In Tawas the main source of building materials is the Do It Center, probably a good source of products, but based on past experience not as kind to the wallet.