“Cream City” is the largest city in Wisconsin and has won the hearts of many with its charming lakefront and famous breweries. But is Milwaukee a great place to live? While the city offers endless opportunities for sports and summer festivals, it also faces challenges such as pollution and rough roads. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Milwaukee to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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Basic information about Milwaukee
| Median home sales price | $219,900 |
| average monthly rent | $1,090 |
| walk score | 62/100 |
| traffic score | 49/100 |
| bike score | 58/100 |
1. Advantages: Sports paradise
Milwaukee is a sports paradise with passionate fans and iconic teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, creating a vibrant sports culture. The city buzzes with excitement during games at American Family Field and Fiserv Forum, where thrilling baseball and basketball games attract spectators from around the world. Additionally, Milwaukee’s love of sports extends to strong support of college sports, with Marquette University basketball games being a major local event.
2. Disadvantages: Cold in winter
One of the significant disadvantages of living in Milwaukee is the harsh winter weather. From November to March, the city experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. This can make commuting difficult and make outdoor activities less enjoyable. Residents often must invest in winter gear and snow removal equipment, which can be an additional expense. Cold weather can also cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some people, affecting their overall health.
3. Advantages: Affordable living expenses
The cost of living in Milwaukee is relatively affordable, with the median home sales price being $219,900. Compared to big cities like Chicago, where the median home sales price is $370,000, Milwaukee is a more affordable place to live. Additionally, the cost of groceries, utilities, and health care is lower than the national average, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank.
4. Disadvantages: Hot and humid in summer
Summers in Milwaukee are hot and humid, with temperatures often soaring above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity making the air feel heavier. Despite the hot weather, Milwaukeeans are embracing the season and enjoying outdoor activities like boating on the lake. If you’re moving to Milwaukee, you’ll need to take some time to adjust to the summer heat.
5. Advantages: Go to Lake Michigan
Milwaukee is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, allowing residents to easily enjoy beautiful waterfront views and recreational activities. Bradford Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and beach volleyball in the summer. In addition, the Milwaukee Riverwalk offers scenic walking and biking trails along the water and access to a variety of restaurants and shops.
6. Disadvantages: Industrial pollution
Milwaukee has a history of industrial activity, which has resulted in a number of environmental issues, particularly related to pollution. The city’s manufacturing past left behind areas with contaminated soil and water. Despite efforts to clean up and revitalize these areas, some residents may still worry about long-term health effects.
7. Advantages: Smooth traffic
Compared to other major cities, Milwaukee experiences less traffic, giving residents shorter commute times and less congested roadways. Traffic flows more smoothly, making it easier to navigate throughout the city, whether for work or leisure activities. With less time stuck in traffic, Milwaukeeans can make the most of their day and enjoy all the city has to offer without the frustration of long delays.
8. Disadvantages: Rough roads
Milwaukee is known for its rough roads, with many streets and highways filled with potholes and uneven surfaces. For example, rough road surfaces along major roads such as Interstate 94 and Highway 41 often test driver patience and vehicle suspension systems.
9. Pros: Summer Festivals
Milwaukee really comes alive during summer festivals that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit. Events such as the Summer Music Festival and the German Music Festival, dubbed “the largest music festival in the world,” celebrate the city’s German heritage through music, food and beer, attracting crowds from far and wide. In addition, festivals like Polish Festival and Italian Festival highlight Milwaukee’s diverse community and offer a delightful array of traditional food, music, and entertainment.
10. Cons: Some of Wisconsin’s Highest Property Taxes
Milwaukee is grappling with some of the highest property taxes in Wisconsin, creating financial challenges for homeowners and businesses. For example, the city’s property tax rate is 2.53%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.99%, making it something new homeowners in the area can consider.
method: Median home sales price and average monthly rent data come from Redfin Information Center. Walk score, transit score, and bike score data come from walk score.
