Yeah, been researching for a bit and it looks like property taxes will be about 1/3 what I'm paying now, but you have to get away from the Dells to find decent property close to lakes. Also have employment connections in Eau Claire area and my bro lives in Minneapolis, so want to be close to him, but we want quality fishing/hunting area in Wisconsin.

Will look into Terra Firma, thanks for the advice.

Ditching Illinois is always good

Had dinner with Ogie last month near his home.

Took a video of his next door neighbor before leaving.

To be fair, that's not my neighbor but rather the guy down the block

i was going to ask you are you doing this for retirement? if not are there jobs there for the industry you are in.

I don't know much about Rockford other than negative stories but ya, if you're up in age no reason to pay those ridiculous illinois taxes. only thing that may suck for you is the weather in winter. there may be other states you can consider for warmer weather that may be cheaper or the same as Eau Claire. but you said you want to stay close to family so understand.

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I spent some time in Wisconsin way back in the early 90s. The 'feel' I got from it was like everyone there was a space alien. It just felt real different. Like reading a book where the gov took space aliens who looked like earthlings, and placed them in locations all thru the country. Wisconsin being one of those places.

... but mostly doing it to be able to pursue hobbies (hunting, fishing, biking and hiking) more easily, have learned over the years that if you do not have any hobbies/interests in retirement you will not live long....