[jtstagman]

Am considering Marquette and Traverse City for my eventual home. All comments welcome. Thanks

[Jswee]

Tell us a little bit more about your likes & dislikes, interests, etc.

I find Traverse City to be the perfect blend of small town atmosphere with a splash of cosmopolitan flair. Both have tons of outdoor recreational opportunities but TC being located close to Leelanau Co. and the amazing Lake Michigan beaches gives it an edge in my opinion, plus the OM and Leelanau Peninsula wineries add a nice touch. More dining opportunities, as well. Lake Superior beautiful to look at but I'd rather swim in Lake Michigan. If you you pick Marquette you better reeeaaallly like snow.

Being a TC native, though, I'm decidedly biased.

[almira]

Yeah, I think we need to know more about you! What do you wanna do there? Both places have their own schtick! Without knowing anything about you or your plans, it's too hard to tell... if you like the small town thing Marquette... although it's a big town for the UP, it's not around as much as TC. But I love them both. Let's hear about you!

[joemits]

Actually Mqt is bigger than TC. (check the atlas) TC may have more people in its county and may get more tourist but marquette also has NMU which has a student body of 10,000 and does not count as city population. I think Marquette is a more real town than TC and though lake Mi may be warmer the city of marquette has all open beach TC has none. That being said though both are nice towns.

[YAZ]

I'd call it a draw.

Havta check the snowfall though; not sure who gets more.....

TC gets an awful lot....if it's 10 inches more per season in Marquette....does it really matter?

Bigger deer in TC though....

More morels too.....

[fadedgirl]

Originally Posted by joemits

the city of marquette has all open beach TC has none.

Would you (or someone) please explain this? Thank you!

[Lindseyup67]

Yaz......Traverse City doesn't even come CLOSE to the snowfall amounts in Marquette!!! And I am under the impression that Traverse City is a "ritzy" tourist town, and therefore I imagine the rent/housing market is sky high there????????

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by Lindseyup67

Yaz......Traverse City doesn't even come CLOSE to the snowfall amounts in Marquette!!! And I am under the impression that Traverse City is a "ritzy" tourist town, and therefore I imagine the rent/housing market is sky high there????????

Rent & housing are inexpensive compared to other parts of the country. However, it is more expensive than the depressed towns in the UP. Also, Traverse City is not a "ritzy" tourist town. Very family friendly and activities & restaurants for every budget.

[Specialbuddy]

Inexpensive rent? I lived in a town that was of similar size and got a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhouse with a garage for the same price as my POS apartment in TC. It was a vacation destination as well but the rentals were much nicer then in TC. Not very many dog friendly rentals in TC either. Marquette has a better night life, lower rent, and younger adults because of the university. It was hard to make friends in TC because the people that live there are older. TC would probably be better for starting a family and it's not as isolated as Marquette.

I lived in both towns and it would be hard for me to move back to either town. Marquette is far away from everything and everyone but has good character and better scenery. Skiing and mountain biking is better but the waters of Superior are much colder.

[darstar]

Hands down...Marquette is number one when compairing anyplace in Lower Michigan. The UP is like no other place in the Country...except maybe Anchorage, AK ( on a much smaller scale )... Even reminds me of outlying Anchorage everytime I drive in from out of town , and look at the skyline....We here in Marquette get more snow , temps about the same as Anchorage....Cost of living is much less here , eventhough Marquette IS the most expensive place to live in the UP.... Home building keeps going on , even in the downturn. It is a union town...as far as trades go , so building costs can be high.... Condos have been overbuilt , but more are in the works ...so who knows ?...There is lots on old money around Marquette , looking for a place to spend-invest , so it just keeps building. You would not know you were in Michigan , due to the current activity.......however , the County next dor ..Baraga has the highest unemployment in the Country , about 26 per cent...so who knows what our future holds.