Retiring to Northern Wisconsin (Wausau, West Bend: home, closing, taxes)

[augiedogie]

So our current plan is to retire to someplace in the northern 1/2 of Wisconsin to a smaller town. Clintonville looks promising, as does Park Falls area. We'd prefer to stay away from the high tourist areas. Any suggestions? This will be eventually a 12 month out of the year relocation, so obviously someplace that still operates in the winter time, with snow removal etc. in place would be needed. We don't care about jobs, so that's not a criteria. Just someplace with internet, peace and quiet and some wildlife, the four legged kind.

[Nicci6Squirrels]

Have you looked at the Townsend, Lakewood, Wabeno area? Mountain is very pretty, too. Lots of wildlife. LOTS of peace and quiet.

Bonduel, Shawano, and Cecil are cute little towns, too. Worth checking out.
Bring your long underwear! You don't mind winter, right? (I personally kind of like winter, especially out in the woods.)

[Jim Mac]

Have you been to northern Wisconsin yet? If not, you better get used to very cold winters with a LOT of snow.

[augiedogie]

I grew up in Wisconsin. I know all about the weather. I grew up there in the 50's and 60's when we had some really nasty winters. One summer we were in Woodruff for a weeks vacation. It was cold all week and snowed one day, in early August. I remember one winter, late 60's. My brother came home from the Coast Guard for 2 weeks around Christmas. He was going stir crazy, because he couldn't even get out of town, West Bend, to go to Milw. because the road, 2 lane HWY 45 at the time, kept drifting shut and closing because of snow and wind. Yes, I know Wis. well. Graduated from UWSP.

[dirtydan57]

I grew up there and lived there for 32 of my first 40 years. I have no intention of ever going back to live. You all can have it. I don't know what is so special. Weather is not so hot and the winters are cold and gloomy. Lots of mosquitoes. Not a great economy and the taxes are some of the highest in the country. I hope you're all happy there. We've got plenty of liberals in Texas. We really don't need any more.

https://www.city-data.com/forum/43824916-post28.html

In April you dogged WI out and in July want to come back. What changed?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by dirtydan57

https://www.city-data.com/forum/43824916-post28.html

In April you dogged WI out and in July want to come back. What changed?

That is exactly what I was thinking.

[augiedogie]

What changed? The political situation in our country has been changing over the past year and not for the better. More killing, more lawlessness. I"ve also changed. Bad weather or not, I'd like to find some peace and quiet. I'd like to find someplace to enjoy the scenery. Plus, my wife's health has taken a very serious turn for the worse, so I'm thinking long term as far as being close to family. I've also changed some priorities.

There's still plenty to not like about the state, the taxes, weather, the amount of govt. But the border situation continues to get worse, and there doesn't seem to be any let up, and it may even get worse. Safety has always been a high priority.

[Nicci6Squirrels]

Sorry to hear your wife isn't doing well. I hope you find a good place where you can be happy.
It's true... there's no perfect place anywhere in the world. But being close to family and having peace and quiet and some space for yourself can make a big difference in a person's happiness level.

[froglipz]

Lots of snow shoveling, as you get older it becomes less fun!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by froglipz

Lots of snow shoveling, as you get older it becomes less fun!

That is why they invented snowblowers. For the OP, have you thought of areas closer to Wausau that are rural like Tomahawk or Hazelhurst? Three Lakes is another nice area, more lakes, but could be more touristy.