[JCAddy]

Has anyone here ever been to Traverse City, MI ?? Or anywhere in Michigan for that matter.

I've got a 2nd option that I am looking into and wondering what people here think.

[simmsimaging]

I liked Louisiana better myself. Haven't spent a wild amount of time in either state, but passed through Michigan many times and I've been in around Detroit quite a bit.

b

[JCAddy]

Oh it's a whole different world from Detroit. Check this site out. www.visittraversecity.com

I would NEVER even consider moving to Detroit.

After comparing the crime rate, schools / education and growth. I have to say that I am more impressed with Traverse City, MI. Seems that after Katrina, Baton Rouge is getting alot worse than it was before.

[parch45]

I have been to Traverse City and it is very nice. I assume that you have checked some of the web sites (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-1 ... acations-i). It is not to uncommon for people in the south part of Michigan to vacation in the north, where Traverse City is, or to go there for the weekends. It's great in the summer, but it can get really cold in the winter months. I live near and work in Detroit. I have worked there for several year and I am still alive, but I would have to agree that it is a bit on the rough side.

[JCAddy]

I have been to Traverse City and it is very nice. I assume that you have checked some of the web sites (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-1 ... acations-i). It is not to uncommon for people in the south part of Michigan to vacation in the north, where Traverse City is, or to go there for the weekends. It's great in the summer, but it can get really cold in the winter months. I live near and work in Detroit. I have worked there for several year and I am still alive, but I would have to agree that it is a bit on the rough side.

Coming from spoiled California weather is all that worries me. I've never lived anywhere where it snows so that will be getting used to. I'll stear clear of Detroit though. Good to hear some insight from a resident. Thanks alot Parch.

[ivox3]

The winter will seriously test your inner peace. Long stretches without sunshine and what does shine of the sun is short lived, ..as the day gets dark very early.

But, ..... the change of seasons is unparalleled.

Can't you find a job in SoCal ??????

[b-kandor]

I cannot stress this enough - you will not get used to winter. Winter is a mortal combat between you and the elements - the weather spends 8 months of the year trying to kill you and you are required to spend the same 8 months fighting back.... by drinking hot chocolate and wearing warm sweaters..

[simmsimaging]

Looks like a nice place. Some of my wife's family live in northern Michigan and they have a cottage up there somewhere too (as you may gather, I'm not that close with them )

Winter sucks - I live in Ontario: I know winter. It sucks.

b

p.s Did I mention that winter sucks?

[b-kandor]

I live in Ontario as well, so yes I agree!

[JCAddy]

Hahah thanks for the encouraging words!

I do have a job in California and could stay here if I wanted. I HATE the people here and it's soooo overcrowded now. I'll probably never be able to afford a house because the median price here is now 700k. I've got a good offer up in Traverse and also in Baton Rouge is why I am asking

Just researching my options before I make any decisions.

[GM5]

Greg. I will actually be doing a similar move "maybe not so far" but Southern California to Louisiana. Do you remember what company you used to move?

I think it was United Van Lines but I'm not sure at this point - it was a while ago! I know what you mean by the overcrowding in California - it has ruined what was a great place to live.

Brett's correct - winter sucks. Probably more so in Ontario than in New England

Good luck with your decision. Personally, I would avoid Louisiana. I hate humidity more than I hate winter.

-Greg

[JCAddy]

Thanks again for your insight. I'll look into United Van Lines. I got a pretty good quote the other day from a smaller company for about $3,000.

I'm visiting all these places before I decide, fyi. Being very cautious about all of this. I don't want any regrets.

Right now I'm figuring the winter / cold will last about 4 straight months, mid December - March and then the weather is beautiful for the most part.