Quality of Life in Milwaukee
Forbes Magazine rated Milwaukee as America’s second most relaxed cities in the country. This is in part because residents find it easy to strike a balance between work and their personal life. Low crime rates also play a part into the quality of life residents of Milwaukee have come to love.
Another friendly Midwestern city, Milwaukee, Wis., takes second place. Milwaukee pulls ahead of other large metros in part because of its healthy work-life balance. The city boasts great commute times and short working hours. Just over 96% of its residents take less than an hour to get to work, and the average amount of time spent toiling away is among the lowest in the country, a manageable 38.4 hours per week.
Work commute is also rather low, especially if you’re comparing to cities like New York City or Washington D.C. Some workers have been known to commute closer to 2 hours, whether it be driving or taking public transportation, just to get to work each day. The average commute in Milwaukee is less than an hour. The average hours worked are also lower than many parts of the country, at around 38 hours a week, which gives residents much needed time to relax, engage in sports or hobbies, and spend time with their family and friends.
The crime rate in Milwaukee is also lower than parts of the country, especially when compared to other big cities. Even some specific neighborhoods in Milwaukee are 99 percent safer as compared to other places to residence.
Aside from these factors, Milwaukee is known for being historically rich and culturally diverse, with there being a lot of amenities at residents’ disposal, and something for every walk of life or interest. Nationally recognized performing arts groups call Milwaukee home, and attractions and activities bring people from all over the world.
Those who live in Milwaukee cite the family oriented roots as part of their reason for staying, or coming back after they move somewhere else. In addition, Milwaukee provides a safe place with academic and career opportunities that can’t be found easily elsewhere. The low cost of living combined with the ease of getting around by foot, make Milwaukee a place that keep drawing in new residents as well as former ones. A big draw is that those who live here, and especially those who have lived in other parts of the country and world, is that they feel safe walking around.
Milwaukee also offers an ease that other cities do not. If you live in a place like New York City, and you wanted to attend an event, you would find yourself paying top dollar and having to set out for your adventure hours ahead of time just to make it. Milwaukee offers the easy access to do these sorts of things, but doesn’t flake on quality or entertainment.
Best Places to Live in Milwaukee
Of all of the big cities in the US, Milwaukee was ranked as the 15th most walkable. Sure, this is really great if you’re an active person, and like to get outside and smell the fresh air. The real reason this ranking is such a welcomed superlative is because Milwaukee, and the neighborhoods in it, are all within a reasonable distance from places of work, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and anything else you can imagine. This leads to a better quality of life in general for residents of Milwaukee.
So which places are the best to live in this beautiful city?
Northpoint
Just north of downtown Milwaukee, Northpoint is a popular neighborhood that has about 3,500 residents. It’s full of unique homes and architecture, some of which are overlooking Lake Michigan. This neighborhood also includes Lake Park, a favorite lakeshore that offers sandy beaches in the summertime. Northpoint is home to historical landmarks such as North point Lighthouse and North Point Water Tower, among others. Northpoint is also full of restaurants, bars, stores, and other amenities within walking distance of your home. Northpoint also has a low crime rate, and it is 99 percent safer than other towns in Milwaukee.
Murray Hill
Also north of downtown Milwaukee, Murray Hill has about 5,600 residents and is also within walking distance to a number of restaurants and stores, and also has a few options for schools if you have children. Murray Hill has a low crime rate as well, being 95 percent safer than the Milwaukee average, and it’s proximity to downtown with the feel of a small community makes Murray Hill a popular choice.
Juneau Town
This is the heart of Milwaukee, in that it’s the place where the city first began back in 1818. It is named for Soloman Juneau, the fur trader. Now a historical piece of Milwaukee, it is full of tons of amenities to enjoy and is close to an array of shops and restaurants. If you crave bring right in the heart of the city, this would be the place for you. Be advised, it will cost you more to live in this historic piece of Milwaukee, but you wouldn’t need to rely on a car and the crime levels are very low.
Lower East Side
Also in close proximity to downtown Milwaukee, Lower East Side is known for its marina and surrounding parks. Housing is more affordable, but the crime rate isn’t quite as low as the neighborhoods already mentioned.
Milwaukee’s Off-Beat Sites to See
Milwaukee, Wisconsin can be a severely underrated city to live in. It is full of culture, adventures, and can be a wonderful place to raise a family. A lot of the great things about Milwaukee are known, especially the quality of life for its residents and the low cost of living, but what about some of the fun things to see and do off of the beaten path?
Were you a fan of the show Happy Days? If you were, then you cannot spend time in Milwaukee without visiting the Fonz Statue. Yes, you read that right. Right in the heart of Milwaukee, on the Milwaukee River walk, you can visit the bronze Fonz statue. He has been standing proud right in the city where Happy Days was based since 2007. A local group of fans decided Milwaukee was lacking this important bronze piece of art, and raised $85,000 to have it erected.
Folk artist Mary Nohl once called a beautiful lakefront house in Milwaukee her home. Today, it is known as “The Witch’s House,” because of rumors that she remained single because she killed her family and entombed them into the giant concrete statues that stand guard outside of her home. There are more than 60 statues that can be seen scattered around the home.
Do you like Jelly beans? If you do, you might want to check out the Jelly Belly Visitor Center, where you can gawk at a jelly beans Elvis, giant jelly beans, and even a flying Mr. Jelly Belly. Take a tour of the Jelly Belly warehouse on the Jelly Belly Express Train and if you aren’t having a sugar rush yet, taste test some jelly bean favorites.
Miller Park has more than just baseball, but it is also the home of the mascot sausage race. Before the seventh inning, the mascots; Brett Wurst, Stosh, Guido, Frankie Furter, and Cinco, race across the field. Where else can you watch 6 foot tall mascots run around?
Milwaukee is home to famed motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson, and while here you can enter the Harley-Davidson Museum Engine Room and feast your eyes of an entire wall displaying the evolution of the Harley engine.
If you can’t take a trip to Paris, France, then the Bastille Days festival is a close second. The largest Franch themed festival in the United States is held in downtown Milwaukee and features a 43 foot tall Eiffel Tower. Bonjour!
Sightseeing in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a beautiful city, full of life and culture, and exciting adventures. It is a wonderful place to raise a family, and research shows that those living in Milwaukee are happier than most, and enjoy a lower cost of living. Whether you’re visiting friends or family who live in Milwaukee, or have just relocated here, these sights are a great place to begin your adventure and give you insight into what else makes Milwaukee such a special place.
Milwaukee is well known for its beer, so it’s no surprise that one of the places to see on our list is the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. The mansion was built in 1892 for the well-known beer baron, and local residents saved the mansion from being torn down in 1975. Since then, the mansion has been restored and brought back to its original beauty. The mansion boasts 37 rooms, 12 bathrooms, and 14 fireplaces. The mansion is now considered a gem for Milwaukee.
You might recognize the name Joan of Arc, and in the mid-1960s the Saint Joan of Arc Chapel was moved to Milwaukee from Long Island, New York. The chapel contains a stone that was kissed by Joan of Arc before her death, and is reported to be cold to the touch as opposed to the other stones in the little chapel. It is the only medieval building that still stands in the Western Hemisphere.
Old World Wisconsin is the largest outdoor museum that showcases the rich rural aspects of the city. The museum preserves the historic beauty by keeping the theme of the 1800s as a village with crossroads and farms surrounding it. Daily reenactments can be enjoyed and offer a glimpse into the life that was commonly lived at that time in this area. The whole village spans 600 acres, so bring your walking shoes.
If you love to be on the water, the Milwaukee Boat Line offers cruises that bring you around the city and showcase the best sights, including the shipping docks, lighthouses, and more. Enjoy time on the water, enjoy the weather, and learn about Milwaukee’s history in the process.
If you would prefer to enjoy a relaxing meal while seeing the sights, you can take advantage of the Edelweiss Cruise Dining, which travels the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the twinkling stars, the beauty of Milwaukee, and dine as you float along the water.
Milwaukee’s Best Eateries
Milwaukee is very well- known for its unique and delicious food and beer scene. It would be incredibly hard to find a place to eat that isn’t delicious, or a brewery that doesn’t have a tasty beer. Here is a list of some of the best places to call your favorite in Milwaukee.
Love Handle is a quaint counter-service restaurant that gives the term “sandwich shop” a whole new meaning. The menu goes through rotations of some of the most delicious and unique sandwich combinations you could ever imagine. One sandwich features truffle bologna and pickled radishes. See, told you it was unique. If you want some sweets after your sandwich (if you still have room), then look no further than their selection of seasonal favorites.
If you’re into a casual and laid back vibe, then look no further than The Noble. The Noble gives you the feeling that you’re gabbing over dinner at your best friend’s apartment. The menu changes daily, but always features a vegetarian option, as well as unique spins on classic dishes.
If you want to stop for a quick bite, then a fancier than most butcher shop might be in order. Bavette-La Boucherie features smaller dishes and sandwiches with fresh foods. Enjoy a selection of craft beers or wines while you dine.
If you are feeling adventurous and are looking for exotic foods and dessert specialties, then Coquette Café might be for you. Their menu borrows from the best flavors around the world, and they encourage you to order your dessert first.
Take a step back in time into this Serbian inspired tavern that is warm and welcoming. Three Brothers offers friendly faces and food you couldn’t otherwise find.
If you prefer an Asian medley, then look no further than Mr. Wok. Never judge a book by its cover, because then you might walk right by this hidden storefront restaurant, nestled between retail spaces. This restaurant features Malaysian dishes, as well as Thai and Chinese. You will usually be greeted by the owner himself, and at these prices, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Don’t take the Pine Lake House at face value, because the dishes are both simple and complex. The vegetables often come from the chef’s own garden, and the downstairs offers a neighborhood hangout.
If you’re looking for burgers and ice cream, then you have to visit Kopp’s. They boast the best patties in the area, and you can hang with friends and enjoy unique flavors of frozen custard.
Milwaukee’s Reputation
Milwaukee has a reputation for a number of things, all unique and cater to various levels of interest. Milwaukee has primarily been known as a beer town, being home to the well-known brewer, Miller. IN addition to this famous brewery, Milwaukee also has a number of taverns, bars, pubs, and even microbreweries. The Water Street Entertainment Center in Milwaukee is known for its liveliness of brewpubs and restaurants, as well as bars and taverns. Now a National Historic Landmark, Milwaukee is also home to Third Ward, a restored warehouse district known for dining, a vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and even antique shops. This is the kind of place you go for hours to explore and enjoy.
Aside from dining and beer, Milwaukee houses the Milwaukee County Zoo, Midwest Express Center, and one of the country’s best museums, the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Miller Park is home to the Bucks and the Brewers, making it a popular attraction for basketball and baseball fans, and sports lovers in general.
Lake Michigan, which can be seen from homes in various neighborhoods in Milwaukee, offers cruises, along with the Milwaukee River. Milwaukee is known for its famous Riverwalk, which is a 3 mile walkway that stretches through all of downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward District. Along the way, residents and visitors can make pit stops at some unique attractions, including the Bronze Fonz (a statue of Fonzie from Happy Days) and medallions along the way from local school kids with personal drawings.
Milwaukee is home to some exciting music attractions as well, Summerfest and the Great Circus Parade. Milwaukee has called itself the “City of Festivals,” and does its best to hold some of the best and most exciting festivals around, the most notable being SummerFest. SummerFest is set on the lakefront and brings about a million visitors each year, making it officially recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest music festival in the world. The festival goes on for 11 days, features over 700 bands, and is set up on 12 stages all across the lakefront. The festival has seen famous performers such as the Doors, Beach Boys, Paul Simon, and Eric Clapton.
Milwaukee is also well known for its food scene. Milwaukee has always been home to a rich immigrant heritage, and this is seen consistently in the unique restaurants. Authentic foods such as German, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Latin can easily be found along Old World Third Street and South Side.