In the recent multi-media survey about Merrill, a question was asked regarding why people choose to stay in Merrill once they move to the city. There were five common responses to this question including family, job, community size, friends and schools.
Many people came to Merrill because of a job or a relationship and have stayed in the community for many years. Others came because family is here and a job was secured secondarily.
What is most attractive about Merrill, and has kept people in the community, is access to a variety of natural amenities including the Wisconsin and Prairie rivers (and accompanying trails and recreational activities), Council Grounds State Park, Harrison Hills, the Underdown, the city parks and proximity to the Northwoods. Did you know the city of Merrill has a City Forest? Merrill Memorial Forest is a 960-acre wildlife habitat area. It is located off County Trunk Hwy. R and is also a public hunting ground. The park includes an 80-acre wetland area, recently named the Don Manthei Recreational and Wetland Area.
Also attractive to Merrill residents is the sense of safety and security provided by excellent police and career fire/EMS protection as well as the small town atmosphere. Low cost of living is also a plus in Merrill, where the median home price (according to www.city-data.com) is $129,000 vs. $142,000 in Marathon County and $171,000 across the state of Wisconsin.
Did you know Merrill is one of the few communities in the country of its size to offer public transportation? The Merrill-Go-Round is a positive community asset that many residents depend on and value. Not many other communities of Merrill’s size serve their residents in this important way.
What a great place to live, work and play!
For more information about the survey results, contact Dave Johnson, City Administrator, at 715-536-5594 or [email protected].