"There’s a tremendous amount of people looking to move to Rhinelander. Whether it’s job opportunities, potentially retirement situations, but really across the spectrum," said Zach Vruwink.
The Northwoods is a beautiful place to call home and Rhinelander City administrator Zach Vruwink knows more and more people are starting to realize this.
Brittany Beyer of the Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation says that people are not only coming here for work, but to find stability in their lives.
"A lot of individuals are really looking for that live work balance that we can offer here," said Beyer.
But the reality of finding somewhere to live here in the Northwoods is tough.
According to Ms. Beyer, the majority of housing stock in the area was built in the 60s and 70s.
"People who are coming into the area to buy their first homes, have to buy something that needs a lot of renovation. So there’s a lot of investment that has to go into whatever you’re doing to land here," said Beyer.
City administrator Vruwink knows it is difficult for people looking to move into the city.
"It’s really a challenge and struggle for too many of our folks here in the city. So it’s a real serious issue and certainly a primary concern for the mayor and the city council and I as we look to address housing needs here in the city," said Vruwink.
The city is actively reaching out to owners of vacant lots with existing access to city utilities in order to encourage development.
"We want quality, but we also need affordability and some of those things can’t be met without city participation. So we’re actively working with developers and discussing how we might be able to meet that challenge," said Vruwink.
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