Contemplating a Move to Michigan - Thoughts, Observations, Etc. Appreciated

[Foozle]

Okay, Michigan (and other) VRCCers.  Here's the scoop:  I'm contemplating a job move from Lexington, KY, to Ann Arbor (AA), MI – about 5.5 hours straight north. Aside from the "less cordial" winters (I grew up in North Dakota ) – and the fact the AA is quite possibly the most liberal place on planet earth – what other factors do I need to be considering?  Right now, my biggest concern is the cost of housing – which, oddly enough for a Midwestern city of this size, is ridiculously over-priced due to extremely short supply.  Also, since the University of Michigan owns substantial real estate in AA (and, as a public university, pays no taxes), I expect my property taxes to roughly double.  On a more positive note, I like the people, expect to like the job, and would be floored if there isn't better fishing.  Still, I've put down some roots in central KY, and have two adolescent-aged kids already in very good schools (plus, of course, it's always easier NOT to move).  What's the current economic, cultural, political, etc. "state of the state" re: Michigan and Ann Arbor?  I'm not looking for "move/don't move" votes – only the pros and cons of the general area (I've already compiled them for my present location).  In advance, thanks a bunch!  Terry

[Dino]

Hi Foozle,how you been? Don't have any info.for you on your potential move,just wanted to say THANKS once more! You might not remember ,you loaned & shipped some front fork tools to me in Pa. several years ago for my front fork rebuild., I have since given up the horrible winters of Pa, and now live in north Texas., So for me warmer is better, but what ever you decide ,good luck my friend. Dino

[Michvalk]

There is no better state for outdoor activity. Fishing is great, hunting above par, lots of gun clubs to shoot at. Roads are pretty decent for riding, and the helmet law just went away last year. I wouldn't live in town if you gave me the house, but there are several smaller, rural communities that are fairly close around that would have rural settings. I have lived in Central Michigan,with a short stint in central Asia, and can think of no other place to live. Your close to Dearborn, and the rest of Detroit, and I stay away from there, Except for the Henry Ford Museum and Deerfield Village. Mostly, I reside from Lansing, north, and am happy to stay out of the big city conjestion. Winter can be very unpredictable, just as this year the SE corner actually had more snow than we did up here. The big lakes control the weather, so you take what you get. Get with the Rogue Riders, as most of them live in that part of the state. Lots of them use the Michigan board

[ragincajun]

Home of the Michigan Wolverines....'nuff said.

I'd say there is competition from Louisiana for outdoor activities.  It is called Sportsman's Paradise..lol. 

[Oss]

well for one thing you will be really close to where Gig lives

That may be a good thing, maybe

[fudgie]

well for one thing you will be really close to where Gig lives

That may be a good thing, maybe

yes, maybe! 

[alph]

buy a snowblower this summer......  your back will thank you this coming winter.  night not be as big of a deal in Ann Arbor as it is in Kalamazoo, but they do get some good lake effect snow from lake michigan.

peaches and cherries!!  the two best things about michigan!!  love peaches....

if i had to live up north i'd choose michigan, instead i'm stuck in wisconsin......

[Wetrudgeon]

Ann Arbor is a pretty town.  Been there a few times, but only in the Spring/Summer.  It is said they have winter there.

We trudge on.

[Hooter]

   You have some good advise from these people. But one that sticks out is, don't live in town if you can help it. Taxes in the townships vs the city should be cheaper.  That part of the state USUALLY (?) doesn't get hammered with snow like we do from the big pond, but it does get its share. If a storm comes in from the east then that could all change. Hang on to your snowblower if it does.
     Hunting and fishing is good in this state specially if you head a little west to the Jackson area from Ann Arbor. Its all pretty much here to enjoy thats for sure. Work is necessary and I wish you well on the new job. A question though? How do the kids and bride feel about the move, specially if you are working now?  If you aren't working and you have an opportunity to do so, then the choice isn't too hard especially if you are in a specialized field and the job is there. Its tough to uproot the family and the kids might be a handful for a while until the acclamate to the change. They would be my concern, but kids are resiliant.  Good Luck!

[~ Timbrwolf]

. ...we,re up here in the North Woods, about 86 miles South of the Mighty Mac, so if ya do make a move
to Michigan, stop in when you,re up this way, we,ll show you some bodacious back roads.


...We,re also having our ...9th Annual Q in de Woods...on Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend.
So if you,re in the area stop on in and hang out for a while. Its a very laid back time with
good friends and bodacious food. ..  


...Contact US Here ~~~>  northernwolfpack@yahoo.com

[Blakjack]

I wish I Wish I WISH    I had stayed in Alabama and NOT moved to Ohio.  I don't know if Michigan is any better or worse in the areas I'm about to talk about. 

The reasons for deciding to make the move in the first place are many and varied.  But the unexpected financial hits have been very damaging.  I make alot more money now sure, (hence one significant reason for making the move in the first place back in 2007), but more and more its swallowed up in higher cost of living, taxes and so on.

Here are just a few examples.

My property taxes in Millbrook, AL (just outside Montgomery):  $165 PER YEAR (you read that right)
My property taxes here in Westerville, OH (just outside Columbus)  $4,600 PER YEAR

I should note that property taxes have GONE UP each and every year in OH since I bought this house, whereas in AL, a raise of property taxes requires a vote-in by the general population, and thankfully, everyone seems to agree to vote no every time.  Here, it seems any "No" vote just gets the politicians busy coming up with fees and other things they can push through and no-one has the gumption to stand up and say "Enough!"  Those of us who do speak out (and I have) are yelled down by the lemmings who eat up the rhetoric about police, fire, schools etc, instead of making those bean-counters make do with what they get like the rest of us.  My step-daughter went to a HS that looked like a newly-built modern college campus, and yet they have consistently asked for (and got) mill levies every year.  "Its for the schools!  We have to vote this in!"  Bah

I paid $63,750 for a 1600 SqFt house in AL
Here my 1500 SqFt house cost $133,900

Consequently the mortgage in AL was $565 per month
Here, the mortgage is $1288 per month

My water bill in AL was $37... EVERY THREE MONTHS
Water bill here in Ohio... $146 EVERY MONTH

In AL, I had a gas furnace and gas water heater, with electric AC.  Gas bill would range from $150 in winter months to $10 or $15 in summer.  Electric would likewise vary - high in summer, lower in winter.

Here, I also have a gas furnace but electric water heater and AC.  I had to get on the plan since in winter months the gas bill would zoom up over $300 and topped over $400 a couple times.  Even in summer, it never dipped below $45.

Electric bill here is somewhat more stabilized, but I still pay $150 each and every month give or take.  In summer it'll go up to around $200, but winter does not see a significant savings.

Gas prices (according to family who still live near Montgomery) run between $0.05 and $0.10 cheaper in AL than they do here.

I could go on and on and on.  Its a personal decision for any one individual and their family when considering a move, but for what its worth, my advice would be to stay below the Mason-Dixon.  Its not going to get any better anytime soon.

[Rams]

Terry,
It's a personal decision that only you and the boss can make.  Just wanted you to know I'll be happy to store that Valkyrie at my place here in the Bluegrass while you're up there.  I have no doubt you'll be back. 

[Hooter]

. ...we,re up here in the North Woods, about 86 miles South of the Mighty Mac, so if ya do make a move
to Michigan, stop in when you,re up this way, we,ll show you some bodacious back roads.


...We,re also having our ...9th Annual Q in de Woods...on Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend.
So if you,re in the area stop on in and hang out for a while. Its a very laid back time with
good friends and bodacious food. ..  


...Contact US Here ~~~>  northernwolfpack@yahoo.com

  I hadn't been to the U.P. in years and did so last year. I forgot how nice the ride and scenery was. Once you get away from all the crap in the cities this is a beautiful state. Went up 37 to Mesic and then headed east a touch and ran up through Traverse City. After we got out of there it was back roads to the bridge. What a sight after not seeing it in years! Then once in the U.P. things got a lot more open and with a bunch less everything. The upper lower is something to see and the bridge is the icing for anyone that has never been here or just hasn't gotten there.    

[BradValk48237]

Hey,

We'd be glad to have you up here.. we need the tax revenue!!!!!!!

Seriously, I lived in the Ann Arbor area for 11 years and I still miss it after being gone for 10 years. I think its the best area to live in in lower/SE Michigan.

Yes , the city itself is more expensive than the surrounding areas to live in (and the cost of living overall WILL be more than where you are now).. I lived to the East and West, never in town, but always not more than 10 mins. away....

That being said, the surrounding areas, Dexter, Northvile, Scio TWP, Saline, Brighton, and the other 'somewhat Burbs are much more affordable, and some of the areas actually feel like the small towns they are or used to be.
You can be 10 minutes from Downtown and live on a farm if you wanted to as there is still some near rural area quite close by.....

Some of the best public schools in Michigan are in the area and many are quite new.

I have many friends in the area and still get there as often as I can even though it is now a 45 min drive-I'm in Oak Park, Michigan now, just north of Detroit proper..

If you like Food and things to do, you can't beat the scene in A2 (as we call it)...

4 brewpubs within walking distance of each other, over 100 restaurants near downtown .. plus U=M sports days... even if you don't go to the games themselves , the town if fun to be in...Unless UM loses then they all go home a pout..( I went to MSU)

There are dozens of parks in the area-Metro Parks, Very clean and the Huron river is a great place for a day of canoeing and fishing...... The trip out of Skip's canoe landing could be as little as 2 hours or 8... depending on when your cooler gets low.

TONS of stuff to do...

As far as riding.. the A2 area has some of the best local riding as far as country and some minor/decent twisty's.... riding along the Huron River and the Dexter area, along with many of the small lakes areas up towards Brighton, is somewhat like Northern KY... not the same , but as close as Michigan gets... I used to go out after work and get in 100 miles just put cruzin' around and never be more than 30 miles from downtown.. Irish hills... the list goes on... It's easy to just go get lost and still be home before dark. and you are alway's 30 minutes from Hell, (Hell, Michigan that is).. another good area to ride.

Overall, I'd highly recommend it for a great quality of life and things to do... as you are centrally located and major cities are 30 mins. to an hour away.. Detroit, Toledo, Lansing, etc.

But there might be a little sticker shock... but not hugely so.... It can be affordable for all that it offers.., but housing in Michigan in general will be 30 to 50% more than where your at now and higher taxes too.....

And there is that winter thing, but winters have been much milder in the last few years and the Ann Arbor area might get a few snows that you would need the blower.. I only used mine 3-4 times this year and it was about the same in A2.. so don't think its like Northern Mich., where you might have a couple of feet or more on the ground all the time.. my lawn was bare most of this winter and the roads are clear 99% of the time. The cold is the worst part. but once again its been pretty mild the last few years... I don't think it even got below zero this year..LOL

C'mon up and we'll show you around...... Hope this helps.

Brad

[cookiedough]

KY to MI will be a change of pace for sure being probably higher everything especially if you decide to live in the city.  I suggest trying to find a smaller town or farm close to where you may be working in the big city with more laid back change of pace unless you prefer to be near the big city life.

Here in WI we are only 30 miles south of Madison (big city) and the taxes, although higher than I would like and should be in this hicktown, is about 2 grand less per year than living in equivalent house in Madison.  But, driving that far in gas pricing eats up most of that 2 grand savings per year, but I would never send my kids to the Madison schools.  Nice place to work, not so much on living there.  Same can be said before we had kids I got a job offer to relocate to Milwaukee WI.  NO way in the world would I live there either for no amount of pay increase, well almost!

[Skinhead]

I will probably catch some flack from the born and bred Michiganders, but I would stay where you're at.  If you have to move, find a place out of AA in the country.  There are some nice roads to ride in the area (for Michigan), but I'm not a fan of the state in general.  (some say I'm a little biased).  If you do move up here, be sure to hook up with the Rogue Riders.

[Romeo]

If I lived in or near AA I would probably be even more of a fan of this beautiful state. Great roads over that way for riding. The University is a definite plus for the area. skinhead and I both do alot of riding over that way. Unfortunately it takes over an hour of terrible suburban Detroit riding to get over there. Ann Arbor has some of the best public schools anywhere, but along with that comes the high taxes. You get what you pay for, and like you said, it may be the most liberal and politically correct place this side of NYC. If you are an outdoorsman there is nothing like Michigan, at least not east of the Mississippi.
If you decide to move up here, be sure to look us up on the Michigan board.

[fudgie]

And you have to learn to drive in the left lane.   

[Romeo]

And you have to learn to drive in the left lane.   

i forgot about the "left lane" thing. Up here, it's not a passing lane, it's a " go as fast as you can" lane. Which, of course, is a good thing.

[Foozle]

And you have to learn to drive in the left lane.   

i forgot about the "left lane" thing. Up here, it's not a passing lane, it's a " go as fast as you can" lane. Which, of course, is a good thing.

Actually, that'd be a nice change.  I can't speak for other areas of Kentucky, but here in Lexington, the left lane is the "driving slow with no real destination in mind" lane.  Terry

[Spirited-6]

Terry,
It's a personal decision that only you and the boss can make.  Just wanted you to know I'll be happy to store that Valkyrie at my place here in the Bluegrass while you're up there.  I have no doubt you'll be back. 

No FARE  RON. I knew Terry first. I should have first "dibbs" on th BLUE & CREAM, with ALL THE OPT`s ever made !!!! So, back OFF !!!!!

[Spirited-6]

Terry, I thought your "roots" were deeper in Lex. , but you gotta go where you gotta go . I have enjoyed  knowing you and riding with you over the last few years. Wishing you and yours the very best.
Don.
PS. don`t let Ron have the Valk. He will part it out and make $ 10,000 dollars. 
Ron,,,,,, kidding.

[Jess from VA]

My brother lives out in the sticks on the Monroe/Washtenaw County line (Oakville-Waltz Rd), South of Belleville, about 26 miles to the center of of Ann Arbor .  There is a 3br, separate 2-car garage, 10 acre (narrow and deep) home across the street from him for sale for $52K, the amount left on the mortgage.  If you would live this far out and have any interest, let me know and I can get more details.

He wants me to buy it and move back to MI.  Nope, I'm going further South, not North, no more MI winters for me.

[Devl]

First... let me start out by saying that I am truly saddened at the response of our "VRCC State Rep of Michigan" & the "Leader" of the MIVRCC".  But that is a State issue... should/will be brought up for discussion on the MIVRCC Board (if it doesn't get taken down by the moderators) as it involves the State as a whole.
Now...Foozle, in comparing Michigan to Kentucky:
both states are beautiful and definitely have their assets and gorgeous little treasures tucked away in little niches of the State.  Ann Arbor is one of those little treasures for Michigan.  You have the best Hospital System in Michigan @ the U of M and you have one of the two largest Colleges in that community also.  Our economy is tourism based so the summertime is when Michigan shines, although we have a large tourism trade in the winter months also with skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing and winter carnivals.  I would suggest renting till you get to know the city abit and have a chance to discover all the great little communities surrounding Ann Arbor.  In those communities the tax base and cost of living would of course be cheaper and alot more "laid back" than in the City (per sae).  Michigan is on a "come back", however some areas of Michigan were not as badly effected as others in the "recession".  Ann Arbor and the west side of the State (ie: Grand Rapids up to Traverse City) seemed to hold its own and actually expanded during the recession.  Our winters here can be harsh, with alot of snow, especially if your in a snow belt (Ann Arbor is), so pack some warm clothes...lol  We have "no fault" auto insurance here, which is different from KY, so check into that.  We have alot more direct routes to nearby towns than  KY, we have hills to go over not mountains to dodge...lol
Moving to any other state, or town for that matter, there is always "culture shock"...its different thats all.  If you have a good job waiting for you here and your up for a new adventure, pack the truck and come on up.  BradValk sums it up well.  I have lived in Michigan all my life, have family in other states and have been to many, many other states and still love Michigan, our Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes!  If anyone gets bored in this state, its their own damn fault
So yes, come on up!  Give us a try! 

[Skinhead]

First... let me start out by saying that I am truly saddened at the response of our "VRCC State Rep of Michigan" & the "Leader" of the MIVRCC".  But that is a State issue... should/will be brought up for discussion on the MIVRCC Board (if it doesn't get taken down by the moderators) as it involves the State as a whole.
Now...Foozle, in comparing Michigan to Kentucky:
both states are beautiful and definitely have their assets and gorgeous little treasures tucked away in little niches of the State.  Ann Arbor is one of those little treasures for Michigan.  You have the best Hospital System in Michigan @ the U of M and you have one of the two largest Colleges in that community also.  Our economy is tourism based so the summertime is when Michigan shines, although we have a large tourism trade in the winter months also with skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing and winter carnivals.  I would suggest renting till you get to know the city abit and have a chance to discover all the great little communities surrounding Ann Arbor.  In those communities the tax base and cost of living would of course be cheaper and alot more "laid back" than in the City (per sae).  Michigan is on a "come back", however some areas of Michigan were not as badly effected as others in the "recession".  Ann Arbor and the west side of the State (ie: Grand Rapids up to Traverse City) seemed to hold its own and actually expanded during the recession.  Our winters here can be harsh, with alot of snow, especially if your in a snow belt (Ann Arbor is), so pack some warm clothes...lol  We have "no fault" auto insurance here, which is different from KY, so check into that.  We have alot more direct routes to nearby towns than  KY, we have hills to go over not mountains to dodge...lol
Moving to any other state, or town for that matter, there is always "culture shock"...its different thats all.  If you have a good job waiting for you here and your up for a new adventure, pack the truck and come on up.  BradValk sums it up well.  I have lived in Michigan all my life, have family in other states and have been to many, many other states and still love Michigan, our Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes!  If anyone gets bored in this state, its their own damn fault
So yes, come on up!  Give us a try!  

I told you!  I'm sorry I expressed my honest opinion.  I don't recall giving up my right to have an opinion that differs from yours when i became state rep.  We can discuss further on the state board if you wish.  I stand by my opinion and support your right to have your own no matter how wrong it is.

Ride safely.

[fudgie]

Guess I dont see what skinhead said was bad. 

[Romeo]

Guess I dont see what skinhead said was bad. 

nor do I Fudgie.

[Garry 2r's]

How bout those Tigers!!!!

[Rams]

PS. don`t let Ron have the Valk. He will part it out and make $ 10,000 dollars.  
Ron,,,,,, kidding.

Having considered the implications of such a statement in reference to my integrity, I must admit that I am deeply hurt, cut to the quik I tell you.  So much so that, just the thought of Terry learning of and then potentially accepting such a vile accusation as a possible truth has driven me to seek physicological help,  Those long micro seconds of intense self evaluation prior to being forcefully booted out of the student nurses changing room and the follow up investigation/interview with local law enforcement convinced me to call Terry so as to assure him that I am only interested in the well being and preservation of his Valkyrie.  Unlike other interested (local) parties who may have an interest in securing Terry's Valkyrie for their own selfish reasons.    

As a result, I have made an oral contract with Terry that should he decide on allowing me the opportunity to be care taker of his (soon to me mine) Valkyrie that I would exercise the Fat Lady only when she calls me to do so and I have promised (myself) to only borrow bling for short periods of time as necessary to ride by Don's place and specific Valkyrie events that he attends so that he will know (without any doubt) that I am keeping Terry's Fat Lady and it's bling in in top condition.  (Unlike other un-named individuals who would no doubt allow her to rust and fall into dis-repair due to lack of attention.)  I shall not name who that might be so as to not be accused of any inflamatory comments.

So, although I will miss Terry, I have committed to giving his (soon to be mine) Valkyre, the finest care available.  With that, I offer my assistance to Terry and his lovely family in finding a mover to expedite his upcoming move to the great state of Michigan.   I can help him pack and will (given sufficient notice) allow Terry to see his Valkyrie (from a safe distance) almost any time he requests.

There, I feel better now.  

[Jess from VA]

Those long micro seconds of intense self evaluation prior to being forcefully booted out of the student nurses changing room....

This is much more interesting than moving to MI, so how did you come to be in there, and did you have your camera phone with you?     

[Rams]

Those long micro seconds of intense self evaluation prior to being forcefully booted out of the student nurses changing room....

This is much more interesting than moving to MI, so how did you come to be in there, and did you have your camera phone with you?    

OK, I can see where this is going.  Can we stay focused on what's important here?  Terry needs adequate and valuable information to convince him to move to that wonderful winter play ground known as Michigan.  All I'm trying to do is provide him with a secure, environmentally controlled facility where it will receive all the attention it needs (unlike some other local individuals would have him believe) in which to store his (soon to be mine) Valkyrie.  

I was confused, I got lost, I just took a wrong turn while searching for that counselor, based on my attorney's advice, I'm sticking to that story.   (Besides, cell phone pics don't do justice if you know what I mean.)  

[Jess from VA]

OK.  Sound advice, and nicely played.

I have a true story about waking up one early morning in the Toledo Yacht Club's ladies powder room, under wet sails at 16yoa, and having to wait for them to leave before I ran out of there.  But I don't want to disrupt the thread, so I'll hold it for later.   

[Jess Tolbirt]

I used to live in Marquette,,, in 1976 we had 3 feet of snow on july 4th,,the silver dome caved in due to all the ice that year,,i went back to Texas and havent been back to Mi. since..

[Foozle]

I used to live in Marquette,,, in 1976 we had 3 feet of snow on july 4th,,the silver dome caved in due to all the ice that year,,i went back to Texas and havent been back to Mi. since..

I've had a similar life experience coming from the exteme upper midwest.  One particularly brutal winter many years ago, the ambient air temperature in North Dakota was so cold - you could run outside with a pan of boiling water, immediately throw it into the air, and it would instantly vaporize into ice crystals.  Now, I go back every other year to visit family (always in the summer). Terry

[Spirited-6]

As a result, I have made an oral contract with Terry that should he decide on allowing me the opportunity to be care taker of his (soon to me mine) Valkyrie that I would exercise the Fat Lady only when she calls me to do so and I have promised (myself) to only borrow bling for short periods of time as necessary to ride by Don's place and specific Valkyrie events that he attends so that he will know (without any doubt) that I am keeping Terry's Fat Lady and it's bling in in top condition.  (Unlike other un-named individuals who would no doubt allow her to rust and fall into dis-repair due to lack of attention.)  I shall not name who that might be so as to not be accused of any inflamatory comments


Ron, thanks for that. LMAO ...  OK,OK , I retrack my statements.   

[larryh0841]

I would subscribe to a couple of local newspapers from Michigan if I was to move here the get better impression of what goes on here day to day.  Also come up and spend some time in the area you are thinking of moving to.  Our insurance laws are pretty bad with the MCCA charged on all of our street registered vehicles even when in storage.  Motorcyclists are charged $177.00 this year and it is going up in July and are not covered by the fund unless involved in an accident with a car that is also in the fund.  This information will not be in the papers.
    My wife and I have toured 47 of the states and we chose to live in Michigan.  What we have here are thousands and thousands of acres of state owned land for recreation.  Thousands of miles of off-road trails for riding and hiking.  Bicycle paths, rivers and streams, and the great lakes.   Anyone can find fault with where they live, but Michigan is a great place for us.  I am retired and can go anywhere I please.  I hope you come here and enjoy Michigan.
                                                             Larry

[Blue Moon]

Hey, Terry. 

Have not been on the board in a long while but Blackrams has been persistent in chatting up the KY VRCC members.  It's been a long time.  I still got my 2000 Interstate and it is flamed out now.  Picture to come.

I can say without reservation and, as a Kentuckian that has been to Michigan more times than I can count, MI is a very fine place. 

My wife and I vacationed there as teenagers before we were married and continued vacationing in the Ludington area every year for about 10 years – even after our kids were born – we stayed on a lake called Hamlin just north of Ludington.

We love the Holland, Grand Haven, Ludington, Manistee areas and have stayed in all those cities along the lake.  (My uncle is the retired police chief of Ferrysburg MI (Grand Haven) and we try to make the Annual Coast Guard festival there when we can.

Sorry to see you leave the great state of KY but MI is so nice in the summer. Good luck.  Here is a pic or two.

Rick

[Blue Moon]

Fishing in Grand Haven, MI