Well, I'm pending a move from here in the PNW to Benton Harbor, MI. The move has more to do with family than anything else. I've only been there a couple of times and so I know nobody other than my family there. Anyone from BH,MI? Somewhere nearby? I know of at least one other member within a couple of hours' drive. Anyone else?

Living in Bremerton now and having lived within an hour or so of Benton-Harlem, I'd say if it wasn't for family don't do it.

 

Family is a great reason and all, but the economy turn has hit that area pretty badly, and it wasn't all that good to begin with. There are no mountains and the amount of Subaru's around there is pretty low

Given the economy, I wouldn't do it personally. (plus I could never get away with wearing shorts in the winter there with as cold as it gets)

 

But if family needs you there or something (like you need to be there to care for someone) then do it.

bring some rust free hatches with you if you do.

Northern Ohio here. Michigan is very rough right now with the job scene, I visit Michigan a lot. And yes, bring me a hatch as well. Im warning you now, there are very very very few old subarus here in this part of the country.

I'm going to say to make your move after doing some research. I think BH is a great place. The economy is tough here in MI, but BH has one thing going for it, It's only got one place to go, and that's up. It's close to the most beautiful fresh water lake in the world, and it's also home to an awesome brewery called "The Livery". I can't say enough about our beer. We have something like 88 breweries open right now, and that is really taking off.

 

As far as jobs go, it depends on what sort of field you're in. We are loosing our manufacturing job base, but I think we're on the down swing from that. A lot of talk is happening about revamping agriculture, and a lot is also going on in the entertainment sector. It can be hit and miss though. I'm fortunate to have had my job as a parts manager in a local body shop here in Muskegon. I've been here for 4 years and we've been growing ever since. I have been looking for another job for about 3 years now though, and have not had much luck.

 

Grand Rapids is a pretty cool place to be, there is a ton of stuff to do there. The UP has some of the most beautiful landscape on this side of the country. Lastly, I really can't say enough about the great lakes. Lake MI is incredible!

 

If anything, we've got pride. I can say, I've been through some very desolate places in Detroit, and it is not pretty, but there are pockets of prosperity. I think the country will see a turn around in Michigan soon. It's like the starving artist thing, you do your best work when you're in the face of defeat.

 

And, it's true, there are no Subarus older than `95 left here, and even the 2000 and down models are getting rusty. I'm looking for another ea82 wagon body if you are heading this way...

Edited January 8, 201115 yr by Mechanical_misfit

Thanks for all the input, folks.

 

For clarification, here's the deal. I am currently job-free and hunting. Have been for 3 months. My dad owns a restaurant in BH that he has offered to, essentially, give me because he wants to do something else with his life now. So employment isn't a particular concern, though income would be. It would (likely) mean 50-60 hours per week for (maybe) $30-40k/year. But, if I'm going to do this, I need for there to be more in my life than wake up, work restaurant, sleep, wash, rinse, repeat.

Just do what you feel is cool Michigan is fine I only moved because of the cold but I missed it use to live in benton harbor myself I have alot of family in south haven and bangor and friends grand rapids and kalamazoo lol