A mix of vibrant cities, charming small towns, and scenic lakeside communities creates an aura that welcomes people to live in the Midwest. That is the state of Wisconsin. From urban sophistication to peaceful countryside, Wisconsin has it all!
Wisconsin’s 8 Best Places to Live In
Now, based on the quality of life, cost of living, and other perks of the cities I will unveil the best place to live in Wisconsin. So, without further ado let’s get started!
Madison
Madison is an ideal place to settle in, thanks to its balanced lifestyle, career growth opportunities, and outdoor ventures. It’s currently holding the place as one of the best cities for young professionals. This city offers a higher quality of life, job opportunities, and a dynamic culture. Being the state capital and the home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this metropolitan lures a diverse educated population. Speaking of which, Madison boasts a low 2.5% unemployment rate, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysing the report further reveals that Madison provides a strong job market in education, healthcare, technology, and government. That said, Madison is particularly blessed with the tech industry. Companies like Epic Systems provide employment to thousands of citizens and support the city’s fast economic growth.
The real estate sector is also interesting here. The median home price is around $330,000. It’s a tad bit higher than the national average, yet affordable in contrast to other tech-driven cities. On that note, the overall quality of life in Madison is outstanding. Parks, lakes, biking trails, etc., turn this city into one of the healthiest places in America[CDC]. Cultural attractions like the Overture Center for the Arts and seasonal events like the Dane County Farmers Market add special feathers to the city’s diverse activities.
Lake Geneva
A picturesque natural setting and close-knit community have put Lake Geneva on the radar for most sought-after Wisconsin’t residential areas. At fifty miles south-west of Milwaukee, this city comes with a serene lifestyle and with the convenience of quick access to larger urban areas. The cost of living for Lake Geneva is approximately 6.9% lower than the national average. The median home price is around $309,600 which is moderately affordable compared to many other lakefront communities. The $1,010 monthly rent for two-bedroom apartments is 41% cheaper than the U.S. average. One of the most affordable cities to seek a rental home for that matter.
Coming back to the lakefront community, this town surrounds Geneva Lake which is a major point of attraction for water-loving people, hiking, and scenic views. Besides, this city is packed with shops, restaurants, and local businesses. So the citizens are prized with a variety of recreational and lifestyle amenities. However, it’s worth noting that being carried away with such amazing facilities wouldn't be wise. For newcomers, I recommend having a chat with locals or going through online resources on the guide to live in Lake Geneva. So make sure to make deep dive into the economic situation, education, and employability before making a decision. But as it appears, the economy of Lake Geneva is stable. Education, manufacturing, and tourism industries fuel it strongly.
Coming back to the lakefront community, this town surrounds Geneva Lake which is a major point of attraction for water-loving people, hiking, and scenic views. Besides, this city is packed with shops, restaurants, and local businesses. So the citizens are prized with a variety of recreational and lifestyle amenities. However, it’s worth noting that being carried away with such amazing facilities wouldn't be wise. For newcomers, I recommend having a chat with locals or going through online resources on the guide to live in Lake Geneva. So make sure to make deep dive into the economic situation, education, and employability before making a decision. But as it appears, the economy of Lake Geneva is stable. Education, manufacturing, and tourism industries fuel it strongly.
Milwaukee
Wisconsin's largest city Milwaukee is composed of a rich cultural arena, first-rate schools, and a well-balanced economy. Factoring in all these elements, Milwaukee becomes one of the top spots to live in Wisconsin. $174,000 median home price welcomes people with arms open into the city. It’s way more affordable than other large metro areas throughout the USA. This creates an attractive opportunity for newcomers. With a living wage for a single adult being $16.50 per hour, Milwaukee appears to be a cost-effective place to live. The employment market is formidable too in Milwaukee. Healthcare, manufacturing industries, and finance offer enough jobs for its residents. From trendy East Town to family-friendly Bay View, Milwaukee has a heterogeneous neighbourhood to explore. Despite being hit by issues like redlining and segregation, the city carries on investing to maintain its energizing communities. The goal here is to provide unbiased growth and inclusivity throughout its neighbourhoods [APL].
Green Bay
Green Bay distinguishes itself with its sparkling economy and quality of life. Also, with the fusion of urban amenities and natural beauty, this city easily earns a top position as a living place. The city in Brown County has a 10% lower living cost than the U.S. national average. As a result, families can easily make their way into the city. Adding more to the mundane, median home prices sit around $215,100 which is quite a bit below the national average. Such a price is especially amicable to maiden homeowners and seasoned real estate investors.
That said, the $55,000 household income shows a decent standard of living. The quality of life in Green Bay can ascend higher. Parks, cultural interests, and high-rated schools can go beyond affordability. To support that, Green Bay’s economy is growing with plenty of job opportunities. Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and trading are the predominant ones.
Brookfield
High living standards and top-rated schools mark Brookfield as an ideal place for families to settle down in Wisconsin. The Emmbrook School District is time and time again recognized for outstanding excellence. It ranks above the national average luring families who seek an educational environment. This city’s economy is driven by a stable job market in healthcare, education, and finance. The $93,000 median household income is a clear indication of superior living standards compared to many other states in Wisconsin. Local businesses and larger corporations mostly contribute to the low unemployment rate here. Brookfield’s real estate market is on the more expensive side than most cities in Wisconsin. The median home value is around $472,533. However, residents living here find it worthwhile given the low crime rates and superior lifestyle.
Appleton
According to Census Reporter Appleton’s median household income is roughly $83,966 which exceeds the national average. However, the poverty rate remains low at 5% which is below the US national average of 12.5%. This data shows how superior the quality of life here is. Throw a vibrant family-friendly city life into the mix and that is what makes this city a great place to live in. The strong economy of this metro is reflected in the home pricing here. At $274,600 median home value creates a window for new residents and families to flock to the city for settling down. You see, Appleton is renowned for its balanced living cost. From affordable single-family homes, and holiday homes to luxury condos, it’s appealing to a miscellaneous group of crowd. On the other side of the spectrum, an engaged community, educational opportunities, and 21.4 minutes of average commute time add perks to the metro life here. Also, easy access to jobs, recreational activities, and enhanced citizen services make this city an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees.
Eau Claire
A metro in a picturesque setting? Yes, that is what describes Eau Claire. It poses a perfect balance between the bustling city life and laid-back lifestyle. The 1,100 acres of parkland and miles of scenic trails along the Chippewa River are ideal for leisure activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. Not to mention the historic down-town that offers diverse cultural attractions, namely Pablo Center for Arts. For any family looking to put down roots, Eau Claire could be that place. I'll tell you why. A strong education system and community support services are what families root for. 95% of the residents here have a high school diploma or higher. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire elevates both educational and employment potential in the region. The 69,000 population of Eau Claire is an indication of a small town warmth with amenities of larger cities. With the $67,419 median household income this city is affordable to its residents. However, the $339,900 median home listing price is pretty steep.
Middleton
Like the famous line in the Spider-Man movie “Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man”, Middleton is your “Good Neighbour City”. The 20,000 or so residents of this city have easy access to Madison which is the capital of the state. Middleton’s stronghold is the highly regarded school system. The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is superb in providing superior education to youngsters. And it’s a major attraction for families to raise children. A family’s quality time is well spent in 25 conservancy parks and over 1,000 acres of open space. Picnics, fairs, sports events, or other arrangements encourage an active lifestyle for residents of all ages. In terms of supporting such a lifestyle, Middleton is economically sound. It thrives as a business hub with major commercial areas like Greenway Station. It provides diverse shopping, dining, and employment opportunities.
Summary
The rich variety of Wisconsin is what makes it a great state to live or move in. More specifically, strong local economies, communities, natural beauty, and a variety of lifestyle choices are the key factors. So as per your preference, you can choose any place in the list to settle down.
What about you, have you ever been to Wisconsin? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Top image by Yinan Chen from Pixabay)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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