Beautiful Scenery - No Jobs - Good Schools - Easy
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9/4/2009
I'm a Battle Creek native, have lived here all my life. Battle Creek boasts the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the midwest. It has 4 distinct seasons, unfortunately winter dominates and lasts almost 6 months each year. So if you are in to winter sports and like the cold and damp this is the place for you!
There is the lush greenery of the spring and bright fall follage we look forward to, set against the lack of sunlight from early November to February. A few years ago Battle Creek set a record for lack of sunlight for 40 straight days. Like living on the dark side of the moon! No wonder that so many people who live here are treated for Seasonal Depressive Disorder during the dark winter months.
There is no humidity in the winter months -- static electricty is the norm unless you acquire an indoor humidifier. It's just the opposite with oppressive humidity May through Mid October. The summer heat with the humidity is also bad. Can get in the mid-90s with 90+% humidity from late June thru mid-September. This is also not the best place for allergy sufferers, due to the excessive pollen, ragweed and other spores in the air in spring, summer and fall.
If you decide to move here, be aware that jobs are scarce unless you have an advanced degree in food science, medicine or other similiar field. With a minimum 15%+ unemployment rate (it's much higher than has been officially reported) there is really stiff competition for entry-level and mid level jobs. Late last year one of the cereal companies had 10 entry level factory openings of which 5,000 people applied. Several temporary job agencies have left town as there are is not even enough temporary work to keep them in business here.
Battle Creek is unfortunately noted for its high crime rate. With the poor ecomony, breaking and entering and robberies are on the increase. Also have a higher than average murder rate.
On a positive note, the cost of living and house prices are well below the national average. The Battle Creek area has good public schools, libraries and cultural events. Also, being a smaller town, it's an easy commute to anywhere in greater Battle Creek. There are enough stores and restaurants to provide some variety. Most retail and quite of few of the restaurants are chain franchises. However, there are a number of quite good, locally owned and operated restaurants.
Hope this helps you decide about living in Battle Creek.
Bp | Battle Creek, MI