[Heikki Lunta]

Hey folks, I am interested in applying for a job at Saginaw Valley State and would really appreciate some input on the area. I've heard that Saginaw is dealing with some problems because of the depressed economy, e.g. crime. On the other hand, I hear mostly positive things about Bay City. I'm interested in living either in the Bay City area or to the west\north of SVSU, and I'd like to hear what you folks think about these areas in terms of: 1) availability and pricing of renting or buying a house; 2) opportunities for outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, cycling etc.; 3) relative prevalence of crime in any of the surrounding area; 4) anything else you want to throw out there.

For reference I'm divorced, in my late 40s, pretty laid back and just enjoy outdoors activities however I do enjoy some things offered by urban areas at times like ethnic food, good beer, festivals, and 40ish divorced or otherwise single women

I will be grateful for any information you can share with me. Many thanks ~ HL

[michmoldman]

Bay City is a nice town, parts of Saginaw are terrible, while other parts are pretty nice and adding businesses....including Cabelas recently. In either city, you won't be far from a wide assortment of outdoor activities. Needless to say, in Bay City...you won't find any shortage of water based activities, and you are not too far away from some GREAT beaches on Lake Huron.
From what you are wanting, either would be a great choice. Outdoor activities and great beer is the name of the game in Michigan!

[MSwartz]

1. Most of the housing around SVSU is exceptional if you want to live nearby the university. Prices are generally pretty normal for Michigan, which is to say, below the national average. I live in Frankenlust Twp. which is on the Southern end of Bay County and nearby SVSU. Most of the housing stock is relatively new; there is nothing built before 1970 or so for the most part aside from a few older farm houses. There are some homes for rent nearby where I live that are pretty nice, so I'm sure there are decent home rental opportunities here, but you'll have to look around for them.

2. Access to outdoors activities won't be too far no matter where you live. Good hiking might be harder to find because most of the land here is completely flat.

3. You probably won't have to worry about crime or living in a bad neighborhood if you have a non-janitorial job at SVSU. Anywhere the median home price is 25K or more is probably going to be alright.

[Heikki Lunta]

Right on guys, thanks for the info . I've been doing a little more looking around on the innerwebs and I'm liking what I see. If I live in or near town I think it will be Bay City. MSwartz, I'm interested in your area, I wouldn't mind being out in the country a little bit in an older farmhouse either. That would probably be ideal.

Looks like there should be decent waterfowl hunting too, sure deer are plentiful but not sure about public land, more looking to do. I'm not real familiar with Huron but I understand there is great walleye fishing in Saginaw Bay and I'm guessing smallmouth fishing is good too. I would hope snowmobiling and other snow fun would be an option too.

I don't mind it being flat, it can still make for some great hikes\treks, running, and good cycling.

I've been gone from Michigan for about 30 years and have always wanted to get back. Just got distracted and detoured a few times and stuck down south mostly. I'd love to get back to the Keweenaw, but I'll take what I can get until I can find a decent job back up there. This would be a good job at SVSU, both in terms of stability and enjoying the work.

Thanks again. Please keep the input coming folks

[MSwartz]

It's a nice place to live and centrally located. There's at least one placard posted by the township that reads, "Heart of the Tri-Cities," which is definitely true. It's nice being within a pretty short drive to almost anywhere you would need to go locally.

I know it doesn't do you much good right now, but one thing I am excited about is a future linking of the Bay City and Saginaw trail systems. If we're lucky the project should begin construction by next year. It follows a disused rail line about 8 miles between the two systems and mostly along the Saginaw River.

There are plenty of wonderful existing trails though.

Good luck

[Heikki Lunta]

I'm just now starting to look at the trail systems in the area. That is very exciting, most areas down here in the Dirty can't compare to this. Don't want to count my chickens, but here's hoping I pull it off and get the position.

I've read other things that indicate the area is dog friendly for the most part. I hope that's true.

Thanks MSwartz, I have to spread it around before yada yada

[chiroptera]

Hi Heikke (that was fun to type.)

I live in the next county south, and agree that in that area, you can't miss with Bay City and parts of Saginaw appear to be very nice.


As to dog-friendly, I have three dogs and compete in dog sports so in that mileau there is certainly a big dog community. Both UKC and CPE are Michigan-based. Plus there are lots and lots of great trails in the area. Also, as far as I know, Michigan home insurers cannot charge you more, or deny coverage, simply because you own a certain breed of dog.

However, Saginaw county does have restrictions on pit bull-type dogs, just so you know.

Saginaw County pit bull adoption ban remains, vaccinations to begin | MLive.com

[Heikki Lunta]

Thanks for the info Chiroptera or is it BatFan?

The area looks great. I think I'm making a good choice. Best wishes

[chiroptera]

Originally Posted by Heikki Lunta

Thanks for the info Chiroptera or is it BatFan?

The area looks great. I think I'm making a good choice. Best wishes

Best of luck to you with the job situation!