I think mass migration to the UP is unlikely and even climate migration to the Lower Peninsula isn't happening any time soon, even though there's anecdotal reporting about people moving to the Traverse area from the south. People are still moving to Florida and Texas despite the heat, the tornadoes and hurricanes, the flooding.
Sounds like my kind of place (not the effect you were aiming for, I know!), and I feel your pain. We've not seen population increases like what you suggest is predicted for the UP, but where I live has grown increasingly attractive. It started before the arrival of Covid but really ratcheted up then, thanks to its rural character, proximity to major cities, and water-based charm. I remember walking our trails during the phase of lockdown and realizing, to my astonishment, that I didn't recognize any of the faces I was passing. Still, to some, I'm a come here. Maybe I'll go back to living aboard!
As a fellow ferry islander, I relate to so much of this, from the ferry lines to the power outages and the constant pressure of climate refugees from California and elsewhere wanting to move here. By around July 7th, locals start looking forward to Labor Day, when the visitors go home, and our island comes to life.
Our winters are milder, but wet and gray. I grew up in England, so it doesn't bother me so much, but we skip town a few times during the winter for sunnier climes.
We just tell people it rains here all the time, you'd hate it. Please spread the word.
Lots of luck with that Mona! You did a fine job clarifying the issues yet people hear what they want to hear. I know exactly what you're talking about having moved to Jerome, AZ in 1987 with a population of 340. 25 years later, the town changed for those who continued to come and undo our charm. I then moved to Baja, Mexico, 10 years ago and the same is happening here. I'm grateful that I'm old now.
I was born in Michigan and even after we moved away and down here to South Florida (where it is extremely hot and sticky) after my parents divorced, I spent every summer up there throughout high school. We often went to Mackinac Island and camping up in the UP. One year we drove all the way up to Copper Harbor. So beautiful! Thank you for reminding me of wonderful memories. 💕
When we moved to Olympia, Washington, we said the same thing. It was beautiful - lots of trees and space, deer wandered through the yard, and bald eagles flew overhead. Unfortunately, nobody listened, our old area is filled with new houses, lots of traffic, and way too many people. We had to move back, but oh I miss my woods.
Verizon cell phone service on Ladyslipper lane, on DI, required sitting on the hood of a pickup truck or SUV in the driveway. Contact with Verizon corporate offices through the years gave different excuses for spotty service including; “ you’re too close to Canada.” Finally a young person in a Brighton, Michigan, Verizon phone store heard my lament about cold days sitting atop the car and solved the problem. A free plug in booster antenna was mailed to us and now we have better reception with more bars (5) than we do at home.
As a former Michigander, this is a really great read.
I think mass migration to the UP is unlikely and even climate migration to the Lower Peninsula isn't happening any time soon, even though there's anecdotal reporting about people moving to the Traverse area from the south. People are still moving to Florida and Texas despite the heat, the tornadoes and hurricanes, the flooding.
Sounds like my kind of place (not the effect you were aiming for, I know!), and I feel your pain. We've not seen population increases like what you suggest is predicted for the UP, but where I live has grown increasingly attractive. It started before the arrival of Covid but really ratcheted up then, thanks to its rural character, proximity to major cities, and water-based charm. I remember walking our trails during the phase of lockdown and realizing, to my astonishment, that I didn't recognize any of the faces I was passing. Still, to some, I'm a come here. Maybe I'll go back to living aboard!
I always love reading your stories. The U.P. Is beautiful but the winters can be harsh. I’ll tell everyone! 🥰
What an adventure! Really lovely, Ramona. The mountains are my thing…and my goal…all in good time.
We say many of these same things out on the Olympic Peninsula. 😉
As a fellow ferry islander, I relate to so much of this, from the ferry lines to the power outages and the constant pressure of climate refugees from California and elsewhere wanting to move here. By around July 7th, locals start looking forward to Labor Day, when the visitors go home, and our island comes to life.
Our winters are milder, but wet and gray. I grew up in England, so it doesn't bother me so much, but we skip town a few times during the winter for sunnier climes.
We just tell people it rains here all the time, you'd hate it. Please spread the word.
BTW, for UP fans, I highly recommend Steve Hamilton's mystery Cold Day in Paradise. One of my all-time favorites.
Yes! Beautifully written.
I’ve never been but you’ve made me want to come visit! 💖
Remote places like this have always exerted such a pull on me! The most isolated, the better. But those winters....
Lots of luck with that Mona! You did a fine job clarifying the issues yet people hear what they want to hear. I know exactly what you're talking about having moved to Jerome, AZ in 1987 with a population of 340. 25 years later, the town changed for those who continued to come and undo our charm. I then moved to Baja, Mexico, 10 years ago and the same is happening here. I'm grateful that I'm old now.
I was born in Michigan and even after we moved away and down here to South Florida (where it is extremely hot and sticky) after my parents divorced, I spent every summer up there throughout high school. We often went to Mackinac Island and camping up in the UP. One year we drove all the way up to Copper Harbor. So beautiful! Thank you for reminding me of wonderful memories. 💕
When we moved to Olympia, Washington, we said the same thing. It was beautiful - lots of trees and space, deer wandered through the yard, and bald eagles flew overhead. Unfortunately, nobody listened, our old area is filled with new houses, lots of traffic, and way too many people. We had to move back, but oh I miss my woods.
Verizon cell phone service on Ladyslipper lane, on DI, required sitting on the hood of a pickup truck or SUV in the driveway. Contact with Verizon corporate offices through the years gave different excuses for spotty service including; “ you’re too close to Canada.” Finally a young person in a Brighton, Michigan, Verizon phone store heard my lament about cold days sitting atop the car and solved the problem. A free plug in booster antenna was mailed to us and now we have better reception with more bars (5) than we do at home.