I got a job in Sparta Wisconsin, need advice from locals

[gotsmack]

It's examples. If he wants social living, while working in Sparta, he should obviously take up living in La Crosse, it would be the natural choice and an empty, relaxed 20 mile commute to Sparta.

I agree, but from having the school there, I was just concerned that traffic and parking would be really bad in the area so I was looking at Onalaska. Is there anytihing to do in Onalaska or should I just put up with it and find a place in La Crosse?

My job will require me to be away from my home for 3 weeks at a time every so often. Am I going to get robbed in La Crosse if no one is home for such a long time?

I would suggest living in West Salem. It is a half-way point between La Crosse and Sparta. La Crosse has a good restaurant selection for its size. There is a grocery store near the size of Walmart called Woodman's. They carry a great selection of food and their liquor store has some of the best beers made. You are an 1 1/2 hour drive to Wisconsin Dells and 2 hours to Madison. Only 3hrs from Minneapolis.

Are there good restaurants in West Salem though?

More like Leinenkugel's and Miller Lite. Look for residence in LC if you hope to have any sort of "culture" near where you live. Otherwise, hope you like rednecks.

No worries, I drink liquor. I'm sure they have a classy place that serves a decent single malt scotch. or at least a decent sipping rum or VSOP cogniac. Being asian, I have a low tolerance so 1 or 2 sniffers are enough for me.

 

[debian0001]

I think the only sketchy areas in Wisconsin are Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[Jadow]

I just got a job in Sparta Wisconsin. I work in Philly now and am fed up with my work and career growth opportunities so this is a welcome change even though they are not offering the pay or location that I want. This is one of those situations where you have to backtrack because you are at a dead end.

Details:
Age: early 30s
Status: Single
Pay: $50k
Debts: like $128 a month in student loans. Car is paid off.
Other: I am used to life in small city/packed in suburbs of North NJ where everything is walking distance or a 15 minute drive. I also prefer to have something to put away in savings at the end of the month.

I'm only including the money stuff so you can have an idea of what I can afford in rent.

What I need to know:
1a. What town should I live in? I want off street parking at an apartment complex where there are lots of things to do for young people. If I have to drive anywhere I have to mention that I have not parallel parked since my driving exam.

1b. I'm thinking Onalaska or West Salem. Are these places good? Safety is my #1 concern, then it is commute (in terms of plowed highways to get to work not so much time as long as it is under 45 minutes), then it is entertainment.

2. Do I need an engine block heater?

3. Are there any other things I should know about? Like areas to stay away from?


Thanks in advance and Happy New Year.

congrats, that's where im from.

la crosse/onalaska has alll the restaurants and shopping, but about a 20 min drive to sparta. west salem is in between. really up to you do you want to live right in sparta near work, or drive each day? sparta does have some fast food places and a wal-mart... the drive from lax/ona is all I-90 which gets plowed good.

you won't need an engine block heater

no real areas to stay away from, you're moving to God's Country

 

[Jadow]

This. The whole concept of Sparta not being safe or having bad parts of the city is ludicrous.

agreed, lol

 

[Jadow]

onalaska is better than la crosse, but also more expensive.

also, make sure you check out "coney island"

 

[Jadow]

No worries, I drink liquor. I'm sure they have a classy place that serves a decent single malt scotch. or at least a decent sipping rum or VSOP cogniac. Being asian, I have a low tolerance so 1 or 2 sniffers are enough for me.

make sure to check out the "Double Deuce" on french island for a classy place like that

 

[BurnItDwn]

nice, enjoy!

I would love to move to NW Wisconsin, only I have work here in IL.

 

[Jadow]

so did you make the move? What do you think so far? I know the weather has been absolute horseshit in March and April this year. Much colder and wetter than average.