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 Huey Real Estate, LLC 1-800 SEE-HUEY PO Box 146 Marquette, MI 49855 p: 906-228-8889 f: 906-228-3831 e: huey@upwaterfront.com |
U.P. Issues When you buy land in the U.P. or any less developed area there are issues you may take for granted where you live that you should think about. Here you will find wildness, beauty, serenity, security, and recreational opportunities that can recharge your batteries and give you perspective on who you are and what you do. You can find a refuge from some of the less livable features of urban living: crime, traffic, noise, and a severe lack of privacy. As always, there are tradeoffs. Not every U.P. property connects to a public road. Some do not even have legal access, a recorded easement from a public road to the property. When land belonging to others has been used for more than 15 years a "proscriptive" right of access may be created and it may be possible to convert this to a legal easement. Sometimes "legal" access exists but is over terrain where it is not practically possible to build a usable road. Obviously you need the legal right to access your property over usable terrain. Many public roads are "seasonal," which means they are not plowed in the winter. In these areas people may have a vehicle with a plow or hire it done; but the length and/or nature of the access can make that nearly impossible or expensive. If you have land in such a place you will reach it by snowmobile, cross country skis or snowshoes in the winter. Consider utilities: In some areas it is difficult to drill a well because of rock, and the water you get may contains impurities that will need to be removed. This will make your system more expensive. Rural areas have no sewer systems. Sewage treatment requires a septic system or one of the new aerobic or wetland systems. In some areas these systems work very well; in others they require additional features that cost more and/or work less well. Some areas will not "perc" and septic systems are not possible. Your land may have electric and phone lines, or they may be close enough to extend at reasonable cost. If not you will need a generator if you want electric power, and cellular or radiophone systems of you want phone service. Some people make decisions on how they value privacy and wildness and do without or use alternate systems. The U.P. has excellent medical facilities that may not be close to the property you choose. The distance to a good airport with scheduled service is a consideration, as is the convenience of a good grocery store, restaurants, and a good hardware store. Concerns include the threat of metallic sulfide and uranium mining in the Western U.P. primarily west of Marquette. Exploration, and spirited opposition, is proceeding. See savethewildup.org for details. I believe this kind of mining will be supressed or controlled, but I could be wrong and within a few years there could well be active mines. Help us fight this kind of mining to protect the water! Some areas have it all. Others do not, and the trick there is not to be uncomfortable, but to be comfortable without conveniences. Again, there are tradeoffs: beach fires, Northern Lights, trout fishing, and a simpler lifestyle. People come and enjoy the North Country experience, build traditions, and pass them on to their children BECAUSE it is less developed. A broker can help you sort through alternatives, find an area with features and benefits that meet your needs, and a place within that area that will become dear to your heart. previous page // www.upwaterfront.com // contact us Disclaimer |