When considering a new home, many people seek an environment that offers a balance of cultural richness and a high quality of living.
Wisconsin provides that with a rich cultural heritage that includes the world’s largest cranberry festival, a renowned craft beer industry, and cheese production.
The state also features family-friendly communities with thriving industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism—with highlights on the vacation spots along its Great Lakes and America’s largest waterpark, Noah’s Ark.
Although Wisconsin has its excesses, like high taxes and harsh winters, it’s still a wonderful place to live. If you’re contemplating a move, here are eight Wisconsin cities that might be perfect for you.
Where are the best places to live in Wisconsin?
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Wausau
Source: Jimmy Emerson, DVM While Wausau means “faraway place” on the map, it’s right in Wisconsin’s center. It’s famous for its outdoor base camp, biking, hiking trails, and Lake Wausau, used for boating and kayaking.
There are also fun locations to explore Wausau’s rich culture, from the Center for Visual Arts art exhibitions to the music attractions at The Grand Theater.
Population: 166,334
Average Monthly Rent: $950
Average Household Income: $59,259
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
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Eau Claire
Source: Itrytohelp32 My nickname for Eau Claire is ‘the city of doubles.’ That’s because it’s located in both Eau Claire and Chippewa counties and is also the meeting point of their rivers.
It’s a top destination for lovers of music, arts and crafts. Events like the Eaux Claire Music and Arts Festival draw visitors annually.
Industries like retail and manufacturing aid its economy.
You won’t have to worry about quality education for yourself or your children. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is among the top ten Midwestern universities. Its top programs include marketing, health sciences, and education.
Downtown also has the charm of quality local restaurants, river paths for biking and hiking, live music festivals, and art exhibitions.
Population: 173,644
Average Monthly Rent: $1,200
Average Household Income: $63,882
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
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Green Bay
Source: Karen Eckberg While the Fox River splits Green Bay, its cheese and paper industries unite its citizens. It produces tissue paper, wrapping paper, and cheese used in the country.
Also, this is the home to the Green Bay Packers. Their football domination of the 1960s earned Green Bay the nicknames Titletown and Packerland. That proud history is in the Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field.
The passionate football fans will occasionally extend game invitations to you.
The riverfront boardwalk offers all the outdoor recreation you desire. The city also has over 60 parks for recreational activities.
Population: 330,292
Average Monthly Rent: $999
Average Household Income: $59,174
Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
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Appleton
Source: Ragingpeasant Appleton is like a little big city. It’s along the shores of the Fox River and the north of Lake Winnebago.
Life here includes the attractions of big cities minus the expenses. These include shopping malls, international airports, and industries like health care and manufacturing.
Its other notable locations include Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, the History Museum, and the Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
There are also many recreational activities for fun seekers on Fox River and Lake Winnebago.
Its small-town attribute is the friendliness of the citizens willing to share their cultural events with you.
Population: 244,845
Average Monthly Rent: $1,100
Average Household Income: $75,469
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
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La Crosse
Source: Wikideas1 Does the sight of beer excite you? Then, consider a move to La Crosse. Every year, the city hosts the Oktoberfest Festival USA, a massive celebration of beer and the diverse culture of La Crosse.
Its other attractions include farmer markets, museums, an art district, Riverside Park, and Mt. La Crosse Ski Area for families and individuals.
Additionally, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is among the top ten for quality education in the Badger State.
Population: 139,094
Average Monthly Rent: $1,140
Average Household Income: $51,836
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
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Sheboygan
Source: MrSchimpf My Sheboyganite friends constantly remind me why the city is called the World’s Bratwurst Capital. Nearly all their menus include fried bratwurst, which is always delicious.
The citizens even honor bratwurst with a yearly festival.
Despite the city’s love for bratwurst, cheese is its highest export.
This beautiful city lies on the coasts of Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago and is a top Wisconsin vacation spot. Its massive waterfront resources named it “Malibu of the Midwest.”
Big companies like Kohler and Sargento dominate Sheboygan’s industries.
Population: 117,841
Average Monthly Rent: $1,110
Average Household Income: $59,861
Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
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Madison
Dave Kremitzki Madison offers residents the quality urban living and outdoor adventure expected of a capital.
From its numerous parks and playgrounds to restaurants, museums, and sports attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Should you settle in Madison, you can occasionally visit the observation deck at the Capitol for stunning views. There’s also a farmers’ market in Dane County that runs from summer to early fall.
Population: 687,077
Average Monthly Rent: $1,516
Average Household Income: $74,895
Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
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Milwaukee
Source: Bfkenney Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. It is where the rivers Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnikinnic meet.
The city has a proud beer and festival heritage. Its beer industry prowess since the 19th century earned it the title “Beer Capital of the World.” It also hosts Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival.
Its other attractions include:
- Milwaukee Art Museum.
- The Third Ward district.
- Milwaukee County Zoo.
- A riverwalk.
- Milwaukee Public Market.
- Miller Brewery.
Milwaukee’s size and activities attract many residents. While you might worry about security and access to facilities, the city has several interventions. These include the Block Watch program for crime prevention tips and local towing services for roadside assistance.
Population: 1.6 million
Average Monthly Rent: $1,240
Average Household Income: $49,733
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Is Wisconsin a good place to move to?
Wisconsin offers a well-rounded living experience with quality education, affordable living, and friendly communities.
Additionally, the state’s four seasons provide a variety of outdoor activities, from summer hiking to winter skiing. While the high taxes can be a downside, the industries and numerous job opportunities make up for it.
What is the safest area in Wisconsin?
Horbart-Lawrence in Brown County near Green Bay is statistically the safest place to live in Wisconsin. So far, in 2024, its crime rate is just at 0.1.
How much do you need to make to live in Wisconsin comfortably?
The income you need to live comfortably in Wisconsin depends mostly on your family size. If you’re alone, you’ll be fine with about $42,000 yearly. But with a family, you’ll need to earn around $80,000.
Last Impressions
Wisconsin’s beautiful seasons and friendly communities make it a quality home destination. Other top cities here include Lake Geneva, which offers soothing lakeside living.
One last tip: explore Wisconsin before settling on a place to make your home. I hope you find what you seek in the Badger State. Cheers!