lapin_windstar

Well, there you go - there a lot of people for whom moving to Michigan wouldn't be such a great idea (personally, I'd probably find it difficult to find work), but in your situation, it could make perfect sense. There is a lot to be said for being close to friends and family.

Good luck in your decisionmaking!

penguinsix

St. Joes is pretty, and just over the bridge you have the absolute opposite in Benton Harbor. There are actually a few pretty fancy places on the road from St. Joe down the lake to Michigan City (outlet mall and Casinos) and then on into Chicago. A number of Chicago restaurants opened small branches along that road to cater the Chicago 'second home' crowd who have places along the lake.

I think the one positive you'll answer is 'you will know' if coming to the US is a good idea. You'll see firsthand, past the biases and perceptions, and be able to say 'we did it'. Eventhough you are retiring, you won't be second guessing yourself sitting around in the UK wondering 'should we have gone.'

If you do come and the negatives outweigh the positives, then you can consider returning (in fact, I would recommend keeping a plan B alive in some way if possible--maybe renting your house for a year, keep your bank accounts, etc).

Good luck with the move.

lyndilou

I said that without moving my lips! but yes my son will be a citizen and sponsor us.

Ray

LoL.. I read minds ...

lyndilou

if only Ray if only

Sally Redux

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore: "I can read your mind like a book - and a bloody boring book it is too"

anabella

Does it really have to be Michigan? I can't think of a single good reason to move there.. sorry..

lyndilou

it has to Michigan unles son and dil relocate-they moved there from New England! But they have to be where the best jobs are and that is MI at the moment

anabella

I see.. So that'll be your best reason to move there.. being with your son.. good luck!!! (if I was you I'd stay in England and visit from there, I find MI very depressing )

lapin_windstar

anabella

Lol..

lyndilou

ooohhhhhhhhhh errrrr yes I see your point hehe

frrussre

In winter, you will not need to clean your car, it will be buried in snow. Tissues are not needed your nose will be frozen.

Reg. Frank R.

RBB223

Depends on what he likes. For me the UP is a little bit of heaven, good deer hunting, wild country, beautiful wild scenery, great forests, lots of cedar - but most English aren't terribly interested in these things.

I'd never live in lower Michigan.

Irn-bru

OK you want positive (I don't know Michigan) but have you tried the exchange rate, the cheaper housing (and I guess even cheaper housing there if the economy in Michigan is so bad?) argument?
Also if you were thinking of going somewhere warm for a few months thats good if you have joint pain/arthritis etc.