Possible Relo to WI ???

[Phoebe's Mom]

After 22 months of unemployment, my DH might have an opportunity in Rhinelander, WI and I was hoping to find out some more info about the area--more that is, than all the info I have discovered on the web about this small town in the past two days.  DH would have to commute--perhaps as much as 45 minutes to an hour--in order to afford us the opportunity to live in a more cosmopolitan area with good private schools.  So, my DK friends have not let me down yet so I was hoping for advice about cities in which to start looking and any other info anyone might be able to provide.  Please keep in mind that we are from NY and have spent all but three years of our lives in the tri-state area.  I need a city and private schools and shopping....lots of shopping.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I can't really help too much, but my cousins moved from Milwaukee to Rhinelander and they love it there. (I've never been to their house) Just a little FYI You are correct-WAY different from New York!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I love Madison, and I believe it has been named one of the best towns in America for families with kids in terms of schools, pediatricians, cultural activities, etc.. But it isn't exactly a city, and I don't think it's within an hour drive of Rhinelander.  

I also love Milwaukee, which is a city. Again, not sure how far it is from Rhinelander.

We do have quite a few DK members in Wisconsin, you should join the WIDOG Group!

And welcome to the Midwest. If all else fails, there's definitely a lot of good shopping here in the Chicago suburbs!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Should this actually be 2 YEARS of unemployment .... unless I have you confused with someone else I thought this had been a pretty long road for you guys?

[Phoebe's Mom]

I just saw the mistake and corrected it!  Thanks so much.  It makes a huge difference in whether or not to take the relo, no?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I was thinking that after 2 months you might not consider a move, but 22 months, you are ready to give just about anything a try.  I personally love relocating.  Find it exciting.  Hope it all works out for the best for you guys!  May 2012  be your year!

[Sharon & Monty]

you go gal!   My daughter and her bf moved to Boston with neither of them having a job. Its been a tough year or so., but they are both very, very conservative.  Bf had a real job for 6 months, they saved all their money,.  Mom has only helped a little bit,  Now, they are both employed and still acting like they have no  money, they bank everything just in case. No car, no tv cable, etcl  I have total respect as they know how to save up.  GO!

[Sharon & Monty]

YOU ARE A YOUNG GAL.   I AM ROOTING FOR YOU GUYS, GO, GO, GO!

 

 

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

We visit Rhinelander several times during the summer months.  My mom has a cottage on a lake about 40 minutes from there.  Drs. Foster and Smith have a factory outside of the city.  We always go to their outlet store.  (Drs. Foster & Smith sell pet supplies online.)  The city is small and rural.  In the winter, many people snowmobile, ice fish, cross country ski, participate in many different types of outdoor activities.  In the summer, there are hundreds of lakes to enjoy in the northern part of Wisconsin.  Your family could swim, jet ski, hike, go camping, etc.  In fall, the  leaves turn such beautiful colors.  Oh yes,  I want to mention there are a lot of deer!  It is a wooded area.  You need to be careful when you drive. 

 

I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions where you possibly might live.  The winters can be very snowy.  Your husband might find a long commute challenging. 

 

Many people from out of state leave the bigger cities and enjoy their weekends in northern Wisconsin.  They enjoy the quiet and peacefulness.  Some times changes are a blessing:0) 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well there you go, Drs. Foster & Smith ... at least Phoebe would be happy!  It sounds like if you are outdoor people that it would be a wonderful place.  Doesn't look like the shopping capital of the world but you could take trips to Minneapolis to Mall of America occasionally.  And there is always on line shopping.  I know DH was once stationed in North Dakota (before my time).  The great majority of the people that I know that were stationed there loved it because of the family atmosphere.  Because it is so cold and snowy and not a lot happening, everyone is very family oriented and get together for house parties and things like that.  There are always positives if you look for them.  You just have to decide what is best for your family. 

[Diana Erhart]

We have had many relocations in our married life, some wanted and some not wanted.  But from all this experience the advice I would give you is to go if he is offered the job.  Some of the best moves we made were ones that I was hesitant about.  The lifestyle will definitely be different but you may also find out that you like it.  We moved from DC to Indiana when our daughter was 1 1/2 years old.  It was a nice change to be in a very family friendly environment where children were welcome everywhere.  I did miss some things about the big city but you adjust and find other activities to take up your time and enjoy.  We became a much closer family living in a smaller town.  You have to have the mindset that it is an adventure and approach the move that way.  However, DO NOT compromise on the quality of your children's education.  That was always the #1 consideration in the location where we moved.  Whether it be private or public (there are some excellent public schools out there) we always went with the top school for our daughter.  Due to our relocating she was in 4 different schools in 5 years, some private and some public but always the best in the area where we were.  Good luck and if you have any questions or just want someone to listen, please feel free to contact me.  We are currently in the process of relocating again but this time our daughter is in her senior year of college so we don't have to worry about the schools anymore.