Why We Live Here

In a new report from WalletHub, experts compared all 50 states to decide which is the best to live in and WalletHub determined that Wisconsin is the No. 4 best state to live in nationwide, just ahead of its neighbor, Minnesota and behind New Jersey at No. 3.

1. Massachusetts​
2. Idaho​
3. New Jersey​
4. Wisconsin​
5. Minnesota​

• Affordability (30)​
• Economy (12)​
• Education & Health (9)​
• Quality of Life (12)​
• Safety (8)​

So here's your chance to mention the Pros and Cons of where you live and why you live there. Most of us live in the upper midwest but this is not limited to which state you live in.

As my signature states, we live in Neenah, Wisconsin and have lived here for the last 20+ years. Career choices brought me to the Fox Valley. A place with low crime, good schools and hospitals and just as important to me, all four seasons. Like many of us, I enjoy the end of summer when the leaves turn, the first snow falls, and beyond. Springtime brings new beginnings and summer's endless possibilities. We like it here!
Cons would include local taxes/poor roads, urban sprawl effecting recreation and recent low-snow winters.

Ok Gary I may have a problem with this report, New Jersey is number one in Safety! Have a hard time believing that. I live in the UP so would love to know how it would rank if we didn’t have to include lower mi and Detroit

goofy600 said:

Ok Gary I may have a problem with this report, New Jersey is number one in Safety! Have a hard time believing that. I live in the UP so would love to know how it would rank if we didn’t have to include lower mi and Detroit

Click to expand...

Yeah, there were a couple of unusual numbers in there. Generally speaking, the upper midwest did quite well in most categories.

I could live in either Michigan or Wisconsin. Primarily for the seasons, the people and the hope for those epic winters I remember in the 70’s. Since moving from the UP in 1981 I have always wanted to live back there but the wife won’t, again. The good thing is I am only a couple hours away from the UP.

Well Gary, since I was born and raised in Minnesota, it’s possible that I stayed here because I didn’t know any better.

I’m thinking there are some people on here that have had an experience similar to mine: Grew up in a small town, moved to a big city for several decades, then retired and moved back to that same small town.

I guess I’ve seen pluses and minuses in both lifestyles. There are things I miss about the city but I’m liking our current situation back in northern MN. A few acres of land out in the country, not really any neighbors, and deer are our most frequent visitors. Having a short drive to a cabin on Lake of the Woods is a real bonus.

With all things considered, I suspect that what keeps a lot of us in the upper Midwest is a general feeling that the quality of life is good here.

Overall I can't complain about WI.
Grew up in IL, left at 20 & never considered returning. After a brief time in Miami, moved to WI (Prescott) in '83 & worked in the Twin Cities until '05. Spent 12 years in Northern WI before going to Northern MN in '17. Covid did away with that job so here I am now in Waushara County.
I'm in the hilly pine forest part, sort of reminds me of Vilas. 4 seasons, lakes and not many people. Snowfall is poor compared to the 80s but it is everywhere. If & when we get snow, our trails are nice.
To be honest, I wouldn't want to live SE of a live from Green Bay to Madison. Just too expensive & crowded.