If you like the outdoors, then you'll love the beautiful northern Midwest state of Wisconsin. Like its neighbor Minnesota, Wisconsin is full of natural lakes while its forests are great for hunting and camping. If the wilderness isn't your thing, the state offers a taste of urban living with its scattered densely populated metro areas. If you're planning on a move to Wisconsin, read this article to find out the best places to consider.
Long hailed as the model college town, Madison is a well-educated city of more than 200,000 residents. It is the home of the University of Wisconsin, a top-level state school with a rabid sports fan base. Madison is also Wisconsin's capital city, making it a political hub and the home of the majestic state capitol building. Living in the city is fairly affordable, with the median family income around $75,000 and the median home price in the $200,000 range. Because of the nearby college community, the community's nightlife entails a very active bar scene. Best of all, an escape from the city is a short commute to a number of state parks where hiking, fishing and even cross-country skiing are common recreational activities.
If you enjoy country living with easy access to the big city, New Berlin is for you. This community of about 40,000 residents lies just about 30 minutes outside of the state's largest metro area, Milwaukee. Overall, the residents of New Berlin are fairly well off, averaging family incomes of about $90,000 with home prices averaging around $300,000. But the high price tag comes with a number of amenities, including a low crime rate, outstanding health care and plenty of recreational attractions, including more than 100 nearby golf courses.
Ranked the No. 1 place to live in the country by Money Magazine in 2007, Middleton is a small community of only 17,000 and lies just west of Madison. Whereas most suburbs often have less to offer then their nearby city counterparts, Middleton has a bustling downtown with dozens of restaurants and bars. Residents are well educated with about 85 percent having completed at least some college. Income level are high here, with median family incomes at about $95,000 annually while housing prices average about $235,000. The area's school systems are outstanding, with test scores ranging well above the national and state averages. In addition, employment is fairly stable thanks to government jobs and the nearby University of Wisconsin.