My Family and I are moving to Houghton, need advice!"

Submitted by michiganmanj221 on
MGoBlog-family I ask for any help My wife has been offered a job in Houghton, MI but we currently live in Nebraska. We have never been to the UP and we don't have any contacts or any place to start looking for homes in or around Houghton to rent on a short term basis until we buy a home. I would appreciate any ideas or contacts that might be able to help or point us in the right direction. Things that would be helpful to know; 1. Homes or duplexes for rent. 2. Daycares 3. Jobs for myself (I have a BS in Park & Recreation Management) 4. Were not sure if we should live in or outside of Houghton. We're both from small town (2000 people or less) This is a huge move for my family (wife, 3 kids, 2 dogs, and myself)and ask for any help or suggestions you all have. My email is; [email protected] Thanks for your help
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rainingmaize

December 13th, 2016 at 11:38 PM ^

Check out the MDOT Jobs website. They post a lot of State of Michigan positions on it, so I'm sure there is some kind of job their that Parks and Recreation background could fit for. 

Joined: 04/13/2010

MGoPoints: 10458

Reb

December 13th, 2016 at 11:43 PM ^

I lived in Marquette for 6 years, earning an MA degree at NMU. Houghton is about 90 miles west from there; however, I've been to Houghton a few times to watch hockey in the winter and in the summer to take the boat to Isle Royale. Great town. Check out the Mining Journal for potential places to rent or look on the MTU website for housing options and or ideas. Check Craig's List too. All in all there are some opportunities for work, with you degree, at state parks or with the NPS. As others said, winters are brutal but Houghton is much better than Nebraska.

Joined: 12/04/2011

MGoPoints: 19

Naked Bootlegger

December 13th, 2016 at 11:52 PM ^

 

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
1023 PM EST TUE DEC 13 2016

...EXTENDED PERIOD OF BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ONGOING ACROSS THE
KEWEENAW PENINSULA...

MIZ001-003-141130-
/O.CON.KMQT.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-161215T1200Z/
KEWEENAW-NORTHERN HOUGHTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COPPER HARBOR...HOUGHTON...HANCOCK
1023 PM EST TUE DEC 13 2016

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THURSDAY...

HAZARDOUS WEATHER...

 * A BAND OF VERY HEAVY SNOW THAT DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW
   ACROSS THE KEWEENAW EARLIER TODAY HAS PUSHED TO FAR NORTHERN
   KEWEENAW COUNTY...FROM EAGLE RIVER TO COPPER HARBOR...BUT IS
   EXPECTED TO MOVE BACK SOUTH ACROSS THE REST OF THE KEWEENAW LATE
   TONIGHT. LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL THEN FALL HEAVILY AT TIMES THROUGH
   WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

 * WESTERLY WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO GUST BETWEEN 30 AND 40
   MPH...CREATING WIDESPREAD BLOWING SNOW AND FREQUENT WHITEOUT
   CONDITIONS THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

 * TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING
   WILL APPROACH 9 INCHES NORTH OF HOUGHTON...AND UP TO 6 INCHES
   BETWEEN HOUGHTON AND M-38. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW IS
   POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING ACROSS
   MAINLY HOUGHTON COUNTY.

 * WIND CHILLS WILL RANGE FROM 10 BELOW TO 25 BELOW ZERO THROUGH
   THURSDAY MORNING.

 

Joined: 01/28/2011

MGoPoints: 34629

ATC

December 19th, 2016 at 3:49 PM ^

....I'd also add Mt. Bohemia..... it's closer and has the best runs in the UP. (Football related, the owner of Bohemia used to own a professional team). I flow in from west coast just to ski it. (family thinks it's to visit them.... so it's win/win) EDIT: downvoted myself for the kewanaw error considering being originally from Menominee County.

Joined: 12/05/2014

MGoPoints: 2151

rob f

December 14th, 2016 at 12:17 AM ^

Take advantage of the snow that is an inevitable part of life in the Western UP. Mont Ripley (just across the Portage Channel over in Hancock) is easily the closest ski area and is both convenient and challenging. But if you really want great powder and have the time, you can't beat Porcupine Mountain Ski Area, about 1 1/4 hours west/SW of Houghton. Blackjack, Indian Head, Big Powderhorn are all good, too---long runs, good vertical drops and short lift lines. And LOTS of fresh snow!

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 193798

Hail-Storm

December 14th, 2016 at 9:14 AM ^

Growing up in Southwest michigan I got to know ice skiing very well, as Mt Brighton was usually pretty busy every friday night.  When I moved out east and Skied in Vermont (best tree skiing I've ever seen) I found that I suck at powder skiing.  You ski differntly, and I kept getting too deep into the snow (When deep powder, anything more than a foot). 

Just was surprised how much I had to change my skiing with leaning back to keep my tips up and keeping my skis more down hill.  My skis were also more meant for ice than powder, which din't help either. 

Joined: 06/07/2010

MGoPoints: 9749

rob f

December 14th, 2016 at 9:26 AM ^

Although I'm past my best skiing days because of my iffy knees, I've been planning on getting out on the slopes this winter after missing the last couple ski seasons. Is Bohemia just for advanced -level skiers, or can an old guy like me handle it? 900'+ vertical drop? I didn't know anything like that existed in Michigan!

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 193798

ATC

December 14th, 2016 at 2:19 PM ^

Although "labeled" an advanced mountain.....I'd take anyone there for one simple reason.....POWDER. I've skied Whistler/Blackcomb over a decade.....it's the easiest mountain on your body because (like Bohemia) the pow greatly softens any fall..... btw there is a difference in powder... (i.e. Powder on Mt. Hood is high density "Cascade Concrete")... Bohemia is the good stuff, unlike anywhere east of the rockys. Long story short, Superior provides a very unique weather pattern. Bottom line, ice is hard and you slide....low density powder ain't. Also, skiing is like hockey.....it's a gliding sport. For example, if you have an athlete with an MCL in hockey (or skiing) you can brace up and ur good ta go. An athlete playing football will be out a minimum of 6 weeks with an MCL. Unless ur knees are bone on bone.... you should be fine at Bohemia.... be advised though, there are considerable glade runs.

Joined: 12/05/2014

MGoPoints: 2151

rob f

December 14th, 2016 at 6:37 PM ^

Much appreciated! I'm with you on the powder snow differences, that's one thing I've loved about the Western U.P. skiing I've done over the years. Always thought the powder there was better than that in Colorado (although my opinion was from very limited experience, having skied at only 3 CO resorts on two separate trips). BTW, what is a "glade run"?

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 193798

ATC

December 14th, 2016 at 7:31 PM ^

I Shoulda wrote skiing through the trees instead of glade skiing...... btw, I've had two back surgeries and days when I'm in pain....... after two hours on the slope, I'm pain free. Depending on what's going on with ur knees, there's a chance bracing could help significantly for joint alighnment issues wether primary or concurrent source of ur pain. Graphite is super light and you won't even know ur wearing them. Also, if you do go....you might consider trying a pair of reverse camber skis. They came out around 2010 ish. They look like water skis. The advantage is that you can turn on a dime....they are very tight. The ride is different in that you float more but the added nimbleness is worth the trade-off in decreased speed. I'd recommend Volkl Mantras......they might have rentals or U can pick up a cheap pair on eBay.

Joined: 12/05/2014

MGoPoints: 2151

BOX House

December 14th, 2016 at 8:30 AM ^

Hmmm.... noted.

to be fair, though, I don't think many people are mistaking me for a Yooper too often around here, what with my Ann Arbor bumper stickers and Detroit/U of M gear and general lack of camo. Also, I don't have a truck.

Joined: 12/14/2008

MGoPoints: 4057

Great Cornholio

December 14th, 2016 at 12:14 AM ^

Well maybe that's a bit too Sparty, but I am jealous as hell. Houghton is a fantastic and beautiful place and I've been going back regularly since my family moved downstate when I was a kid. Great place to raise kids/be a kid. So much to explore all over the Keweenaw, rich history and natural beauty. And the people are colorful too. Surprising number of academic types escaping up there. Hope you love it - go in with an open mind and you'll be charmed by a very special place.

Joined: 01/23/2013

MGoPoints: 3216

Victor Hale II

December 14th, 2016 at 1:52 AM ^

I work with a guy who has a house up there and travels there each weekend. He said he was up to his waist in snow and had to shovel his roof off just this past weekend. Forecast calls for more of the same. Your kids will love it, I'm sure. In all, it's a really pretty area. I've been there in all four seasons, and each one has plenty to offer for those who like the outdoors. Sorry I don't have specific job or housing advice, but good luck and welcome to the UP!

Joined: 12/28/2011

MGoPoints: 8846

uminks

December 14th, 2016 at 2:55 AM ^

The Department of Natural Resources manage public lands. I think there are Public lands just south of Houghton. Years ago I had a friend who was a teacher in Marquette, MI and she worked during the summer months with the DNR.

Joined: 11/10/2009

MGoPoints: 31973