Another thread ( https://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/threads/buying-a-house-in-iowa.285827/ ) connected with a theme noted by local officials here in the Upper Midwest (Central WI).
I am retired and pretty active and connected in my community, so in chatting with my Metromarket manager friend (he's a transplant from the Quad Cities area and a Hawk), he got on the topic of people from Texas, California, and especially Florida applying for jobs with his Kroger (Metromarket). Out of those, he got a superbly talented regional manager (born in Oaxaca, Mexico) from the San Diego area. A Florida transplant became his in-house Floral Manager who increased his sales over the past year by over 300% and is now opening her own Floral Shop. Four members of a family from Texas applied and all were hired and working out well as great store employees after over a year. A lady and former associate for Kroger has brought her parents here from Florida to "escape." There were more but those were the ones I recall.
I found that interesting but nothing noteworthy until I spoke with a local Alderperson for my city. I am battling with the city as they plan to develop a nice 30-acre woodland (with a trout stream!) into 111 home sites! Those are tiny lots, lots of houses. I am a Wildlife Biologist by training and informing them of the 140 species of birds recorded in the woodlot planned for development. I asked what the big hurry was as they hadn't even done an environmental impact assessment, hydrology impact, or concerns of groundwater, sewage treatment, or neighborhood impact. The Alderperson responded, "We have a local need for affordable housing and there are many moving in as 'environmental refugees from the South' who have an increasing need for housing."
Now that got my attention. I add to the list my two new neighbors who are from Arizona and California. My area does not often get over 90 degrees, has an abundance of groundwater, low taxes, no hurricanes, few tornadoes, no earthquakes, and crime is not a major issue. We have good roads, decent schools, wild areas, and a diverse economy. The northern half of WI is a target area for those moving out of the south. Big change from not many years ago when those moving South were envied!
I am retired and pretty active and connected in my community, so in chatting with my Metromarket manager friend (he's a transplant from the Quad Cities area and a Hawk), he got on the topic of people from Texas, California, and especially Florida applying for jobs with his Kroger (Metromarket). Out of those, he got a superbly talented regional manager (born in Oaxaca, Mexico) from the San Diego area. A Florida transplant became his in-house Floral Manager who increased his sales over the past year by over 300% and is now opening her own Floral Shop. Four members of a family from Texas applied and all were hired and working out well as great store employees after over a year. A lady and former associate for Kroger has brought her parents here from Florida to "escape." There were more but those were the ones I recall.
I found that interesting but nothing noteworthy until I spoke with a local Alderperson for my city. I am battling with the city as they plan to develop a nice 30-acre woodland (with a trout stream!) into 111 home sites! Those are tiny lots, lots of houses. I am a Wildlife Biologist by training and informing them of the 140 species of birds recorded in the woodlot planned for development. I asked what the big hurry was as they hadn't even done an environmental impact assessment, hydrology impact, or concerns of groundwater, sewage treatment, or neighborhood impact. The Alderperson responded, "We have a local need for affordable housing and there are many moving in as 'environmental refugees from the South' who have an increasing need for housing."
Now that got my attention. I add to the list my two new neighbors who are from Arizona and California. My area does not often get over 90 degrees, has an abundance of groundwater, low taxes, no hurricanes, few tornadoes, no earthquakes, and crime is not a major issue. We have good roads, decent schools, wild areas, and a diverse economy. The northern half of WI is a target area for those moving out of the south. Big change from not many years ago when those moving South were envied!
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