Quality of Life

Living Here

Affordability. Access. Ease.

What makes Milwaukee such a great place to live? It's the communities of the metropolitan area, each of which offers a quality of life that can’t be beat. Looking for an urban setting that’s close to downtown or a rural outpost where you can enjoy nature? Others may say it, but we mean it -- there is something for everyone here.

$290,000

Median Home Sales Price

$914

Median Gross Rent

Minutes is the Average Commute Time

"In recent years, when I tell others that I’m from Milwaukee, I’m surprised by how many respond by saying they had recently visited. Virtually all of them tell me they loved the city, and I can tell by the shock in their voices that every single one of them was surprised they had such a great time.”

CASSANDRA BROOKLYN

Cost of Living

Milwaukee’s cost of living is slightly below the U.S. city average and ranks significantly lower than many major metropolitan areas, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

According to the ACCRA cost-of-living index, $100,000 in living costs in Milwaukee would equal:

$155,000 in Boston
$127,000 in Chicago
$117,000 in Denver
$109,000 in Minneapolis/St. Paul
$138,000 in Portland
$200,000 in San Francisco

Best Places to Live Rankings

To get a flavor for the Milwaukee metro area’s variety of neighborhoods, Niche publishes a Best Places to Live ranking that provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall livability of area communities, considering several key factors, including:

• Quality of local schools
• Crime rates
• Housing trends
• Employment statistics
• Access to amenities

Check out those that received A+ ratings below.

Niche’s 2023 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

Community	Overall Rating	Population	Public Schools	Housing	Good for families	Crime & Safety	Nightlife	Diversity
Brookfield	A+	41,020	A+	A-	A+	B	A	B
Shorewood	A+	13,734	A+	B	A+	B-	A	B+
Whitefish Bay	A+	14,818	A+	A-	A+	B	A-	B
Mequon	A+	24,814	A+	A-	A+	B	B+	B-
Elm Grove	A+	6,456	A+	B+	A+	B	A	B
Thiensville	A+	3,284	A+	A	A+	A	A-	B
River Hills
Fox Point
Bayside
Nashotah
Wauwatosa
Cedarburg
Wind Point
Sussex

Quality Education

If you’re looking for quality education, you couldn’t come to a better place. Our high school students consistently outperform the national average on the ACT test and regularly rank near the top nationally on the college entrance exam.

Niche A+ Rated Schools in SE Wisconsin

1. Cedarburg High School
2. Homestead High School
3. University School Milwaukee K12
4. Nicolet High School
5. Whitefish Bay High School
6. Whitefish Bay Middle School
7. Shorewood High School
8. Lake Bluff Elementary School
9. Divine Savior High School
10. Marquette High School
11. Brookfield Academy K12
12. Brookfield Elementary School
13. Brookfield East High School
14. Brookfield Central High School
15. Wisconsin Hills Middle School
16. Tonawanda Elementary School
17. Catholic Memorial High School

18. Dixon Elementary School
19. Pilgrim Park Middle School
20. Swanson Elementary School
21. Pewaukee High School
22. Arrowhead High School
23. The Prairie School K12
24. Muskego Lakes Middle School
25. Greendale High School
26. College Park Elementary School
27. Lakeview Technology Academy
28. Swallow Elementary School
29. North Lake Elementary School
30. Lake Country Elementary/Middle School
31. University Lake School K12
32. Marcy Elementary School
33. Health Sciences High School

Greater Milwaukee Relocation Guide

Discover Milwaukee is a collaborative effort between the many professionals ready to assist you with your move and welcome to the Milwaukee Region.

It includes detailed information on schools, communities, home prices and more. Order a hard copy or have new employees visit their website.

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