We are in upper MI, and (no surprise) we are seriously considering a move.
I would ideally like to keep doing what I do now, small scale (one or two man operation) construction and remodeling.
My question is, what do you look for when checking out a new location? Do you look at the papers, phonebook, construction sites, ask around at lumberyards… What do you suggest?
We are going on an extended (week or ten day) road trip to look at some places, so we will physically be in the areas we are interested in.
I’m open to any and all suggestions!
Thanks, TN
Edited 4/13/2008 12:37 pm ET by True North
Replies
Look in the parking lots in the lumberyards early in the morning. Run down how much business the gut wagons are getting. Check the equipment rental places.
He!!, get down south - it's much nicer down here!
Forrest
Not here, too many wealthy immigrants already. <G>
Last time we went community shopping we took 10 weeks, learned a lot. In your time frame you could probably learn more from the internet if you have a wide area to cover.
Most important is to be clear what characteristics you are looking for in a community. You're obviously needing a decent economy, but beyond that there's wide variation. We had specifics, made comparing communities simple.
Are trolls only Michiganders?
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Well, you don't have to be a Michigander to be a troll, but it helps!Seriously though, Lower Penninsula people are called trolls by the Upper Penninsula people because we're south of the Mackinaw bridge, and as everyone knows, trolls live under bridges!!Thanks for the comments, and keep it coming!
Saw that echo, echo... How do you do that?
My error, didn't look at your profile, thought you a UPer from your post. Headed for Rose City area next month to deliver my mother to her summer home. Real estate there has been real interesting the past couple of years. And I've gotta try to find a house in Saginaw I saw a few years ago, want a photograph. Teletubby type place.
We had a distinct city size in mind. College town only, for a variety of reasons. Looked at what alternative schools the community supported, though we don't have kids. Median house price is obviously important. Little point in going somewhere you can't comfortably afford.
We figured we could make a living about anywhere. Much more important was choosing where we wanted to live. We did well, a few miles out of a small city, near a hamlet full of interesting folks. Good mix of indigenous and newcomers.
Helps if you know what you're looking for in a community. PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Duplicate post. I'm plagued with them!!
Edited 4/13/2008 1:11 pm ET by True North
just move to austin tex thats where all the ex michignites go!
and just a note, i said tex on purpose cause the #### is in washington DC
Jim Allen fills the quota of Michiganers allowed in Austin for quite some time :)
Bruce
I'm in Round Rock so theres still room for one more in Austin. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Only until Austin annexes it. -Maybe room for one more
so when does the gunslinger western scene "this town ain't big enough fer bofus" play out????
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Check out NC. I'm a former troll that made the move and love it. I know Charlotte has a ton of construction happening right now as do the other major cities.
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"Thank goodness for the Democrats! If you are terminally unemployable, enjoy living off of govt welfare and feel you owe society nothing you're in luck: there is a donkey waiting for you."