You may find this hard to believe, but of every location in this country we could live, I’ve chosen Madison, Wisconsin.
I swear, I’ve been thinking about a landing place for about three years. Everywhere on this map, we’ve stayed at least one night and we’ve looked around and probably grocery shopped and had a beer, so we haven’t just stopped everywhere, in a way we have lived everywhere.
And, everywhere has its pros and cons, of course. I thought I wanted to live at the beach, but either houses are expensive in popular places, or small places are so small we’d lose our minds after a month. They’re all buggy. In the South many people are very conservative, and I mean very. The East Coast is packed with people, no matter what persuasion. The Southwest is hot, all the time. The Pacific Northwest is wet, all the time. California is expensive and far away. I could overly simplify even more regions, but I’ll just get myself into trouble with y’all.
My point is that the more I thought about location, the more I realized that place is no longer the deciding factor to me. What’s important to me by now is society, fellowship, giving back, friends. For that, I could start over somewhere with a high ranking of friendly people, but I’m tired of being the stranger. So I should go where I already know people. Seeing as how I can’t make myself go back to the interstates and sprawling cities of the East Coast, that leaves only a few places.
I do know three couples in Madison. I have been there three times (maybe not a lot, I know) but I really enjoyed it. It’s liberal and somewhat diverse and funky. It has what you need in a city (hospitals) but a lot of the urban neighborhoods are each like a small town: walkable, bikable, interesting. It’s got a large and respected university (Tracy went to grad school there, and Finn’s international research program is based there). It’s got good local beer. And, after witnessing so much entitlement across the country, I’m ready for some Midwest humility. Politeness.
Yes, the winters. I’ve been trading daily snapshots with my friend Doug who lives there, and “dismal” does not seem like an overstatement. But, truth be told, for five years I haven’t known what season it is, so I’m okay with seasons again. I lived in Montana for a couple of years; I should be okay with Wisconsin.
Frankly, after looking for so long, I simply had to pick a place, and when I said “Madison,” it felt good.
Now, finding a house is going to be tricky, much less starting over from scratch, entirely—and we have other constraints I’m yet not blogging about. So, the nomad story isn’t over yet. Hang in here with me; I’ll be able tell you more soon.
Howdy, neighbor-to-be!
We only visited Madison twice before committing, and the first time only lasted 18(ish) hours, but you know what? Not a single regret. Looking forward to seeing you guys once in a while!
We will have to come visit you and have a reunion with Doug too!
This is Bik actually. I forgot to log in.
I support more Bik visits!
Admit it, you’re moving there to be closer to Mark.
Never having been to Wisconsin I’ll have to take your word about its attributes, but they all sound perfect. And if you’re happy? I’m happy.
The idea of starting from scratch again must be a little daunting, but it can also be a wonderfully fresh adventure. Good luck with the house hunting… be sure and take us along.
😉
I don’t know if you’ve blogged about settling down before, but to me, this sounds like huge news. I’m a few years in after moving to a new community. Making friends is hard. I have quite a few acquaintances, and potential friends. Lack of time and energy due to work is the limiting factor for me. I can’t wait to hear more from you!
Be patient, be kind to yourself, and know that it all works out in the end. I’ve so enjoyed being on this journey (vicariously) with you and Tracy!!