What's to hate about Brown Deer,WI (Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls: apartment complexes, crimes)

[JustT&Me]

Here are a few links supporting a few of the perspectives I had shared:

Dead Malls dot Com: Feature: Northridge Mall: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Address Northridge 'perception problem' - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

Visualize Milwaukee: Northridge Mall Area

http://www.city-data.com/forum/milwa...till-safe.html
(Interestingly, a few of the posters on this thread are the same ones defending Brown Deer! Funny thing - they are noted as being from GA. I'm wondering why they are defending Brown Deer - is B.D. there hometown? Do they have family here? Unless they have either lived here or know someone who does, I would wonder ...?)
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
Crime: The number of violent crimes recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 16. The number of murders and homicides was 0. The violent crime rate was 1.3 per 1,000 people.

JS Online: Foul called on locked hoops
(A reference to the Hoops story that someone else on this thread noted.)

Wisconsin/Brown-Deer - Zip Code, Weather Forecast, Radio Stations, Population, Crime Rate, Area Codes, Homes for Sale
(You have to scroll down a bit, but there is a crimes chart listed on this link. And although there are no murders on this chart from 1999 - 2004, compare the number of rapes, burglaries, thefts, etc. If I was in the count for at least one of those statistics, you can imagine, I would no longer be living there.)
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to PeersCompared
to StateLow Violent Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

This means that B.D. was LOW on Low Property Crime (meaning HIGH!) compared to other areas in this state, and HALF as LOW as other cities of similar population as the Key follows:

Comparing Brown Deer to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Wisconsin (State):
Ratings range from Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (lowest) to Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (highest).



And for Low Property Crime, B.D. was HALF as LOW as others in this state (meaning half as HIGH), and about 3/4 or 75% when it came to comparing B.D. to similarly populated communities in the U.S. Not bad, but if you are considering *this* state, why live in a place that's in the top 25% for Violent Crime, when you can be in many other places... with far less?



When ppl discuss life in terms of "Diversity", generally the "diversity" of which they speak are generally either those of race or ethnic background or social/political perspectives. Personally, I do not believe that "diversity" makes a place necessarily better. Life is less chaotic and more peaceful when you are surrounded or surround yourself with things similar to what and who you are. Same goes for marriage - two ppl are likely to have greater success if they marry someone more similar to what they believe rather than someone who is "diverse" from them and their background. Same goes for interest groups, political groups, faith groups, ppl in book clubs, coffee shops - it's human nature. We tend to fare better with those with whom we have more in common - even if that thing in common ... is that we are "different" from everyone else from the place we originated.

Another great thing about CD - finding folks who are similar to what we think, believe, feel, hope, dream... and to go to that place where those ppl are, and/or at least be connected to them here on these threads. And then ... some of us just enjoy meeting new ppl and sharing our "diverse" opinions - and still can "get along" just fine. Hooray for us.


This reminds me of Star Trek. One interesting thing about the show was that there were rarely any "majorities" of ppl on Enterprise or the other ships. Quite often, nearly one of each "individual" of different backgrounds. And the focus behind the Collective, or the Borg, was the "one-mindedness" which was ruled by the "majority" of the Queen Borg, controlling all of their thoughts, their intentions, patterns of behavior, etc. "Resistance is futile!" (Sounds somewhat Nazi-ish at this point!)

In the end, the Borg *somewhat* self-destructed in their aim. So, in that sense, perhaps "Diversity" *is* the better choice, but until we are all living on space ships soaring to go "where no man (or woman or life being) has dared to go (& to Infinity & Beyond), then... I will choose to remain where I feel safest and most comfortable as I continue to go...

And btw, for the person who said "IMO" Brown was no "Norman Rockwell" - I would certainly agree. Definitely not Rockwell. Not B.D.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by JustT&Me

Here are a few links supporting a few of the perspectives I had shared:

Dead Malls dot Com: Feature: Northridge Mall: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Address Northridge 'perception problem' - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

Visualize Milwaukee: Northridge Mall Area

http://www.city-data.com/forum/milwa...till-safe.html
(Interestingly, a few of the posters on this thread are the same ones defending Brown Deer! Funny thing - they are noted as being from GA. I'm wondering why they are defending Brown Deer - is B.D. there hometown? Do they have family here? Unless they have either lived here or know someone who does, I would wonder ...?)
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
Crime: The number of violent crimes recorded by the FBI in 2003 was 16. The number of murders and homicides was 0. The violent crime rate was 1.3 per 1,000 people.

JS Online: Foul called on locked hoops
(A reference to the Hoops story that someone else on this thread noted.)

Wisconsin/Brown-Deer - Zip Code, Weather Forecast, Radio Stations, Population, Crime Rate, Area Codes, Homes for Sale
(You have to scroll down a bit, but there is a crimes chart listed on this link. And although there are no murders on this chart from 1999 - 2004, compare the number of rapes, burglaries, thefts, etc. If I was in the count for at least one of those statistics, you can imagine, I would no longer be living there.)
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to PeersCompared
to StateLow Violent Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

This means that B.D. was LOW on Low Property Crime (meaning HIGH!) compared to other areas in this state, and HALF as LOW as other cities of similar population as the Key follows:

Comparing Brown Deer to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Wisconsin (State):
Ratings range from Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (lowest) to Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (highest).



And for Low Property Crime, B.D. was HALF as LOW as others in this state (meaning half as HIGH), and about 3/4 or 75% when it came to comparing B.D. to similarly populated communities in the U.S. Not bad, but if you are considering *this* state, why live in a place that's in the top 25% for Violent Crime, when you can be in many other places... with far less?



When ppl discuss life in terms of "Diversity", generally the "diversity" of which they speak are generally either those of race or ethnic background or social/political perspectives. Personally, I do not believe that "diversity" makes a place necessarily better. Life is less chaotic and more peaceful when you are surrounded or surround yourself with things similar to what and who you are. Same goes for marriage - two ppl are likely to have greater success if they marry someone more similar to what they believe rather than someone who is "diverse" from them and their background. Same goes for interest groups, political groups, faith groups, ppl in book clubs, coffee shops - it's human nature. We tend to fare better with those with whom we have more in common - even if that thing in common ... is that we are "different" from everyone else from the place we originated.

Another great thing about CD - finding folks who are similar to what we think, believe, feel, hope, dream... and to go to that place where those ppl are, and/or at least be connected to them here on these threads. And then ... some of us just enjoy meeting new ppl and sharing our "diverse" opinions - and still can "get along" just fine. Hooray for us.


This reminds me of Star Trek. One interesting thing about the show was that there were rarely any "majorities" of ppl on Enterprise or the other ships. Quite often, nearly one of each "individual" of different backgrounds. And the focus behind the Collective, or the Borg, was the "one-mindedness" which was ruled by the "majority" of the Queen Borg, controlling all of their thoughts, their intentions, patterns of behavior, etc. "Resistance is futile!" (Sounds somewhat Nazi-ish at this point!)

In the end, the Borg *somewhat* self-destructed in their aim. So, in that sense, perhaps "Diversity" *is* the better choice, but until we are all living on space ships soaring to go "where no man (or woman or life being) has dared to go (& to Infinity & Beyond), then... I will choose to remain where I feel safest and most comfortable as I continue to go...

And btw, for the person who said "IMO" Brown was no "Norman Rockwell" - I would certainly agree. Definitely not Rockwell. Not B.D.

In a nutshell, what are you saying?

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by pirate_lafitte

In a nutshell, what are you saying?

The original thread asked "What's to hate about Brown Deer, WI"?

Personally, the word "hate" is not one I use. But in a nutshell, responding to the thread, if someone was considering a move to Brown Deer or it's surrounding area, I would encourage them to do some thorough research.

Several posters provided a lot of "pro" B.D. info esp. re: its safeness, but there also exists a strong & pervasive feeling within the area that, in comparison to other surrounding areas, B.D. is simply not as safe.

The links provided were to assist someone in researching both some pros & cons of B.D. in light of the safety info being exchanged on this thread.

Did that answer your question?

****

Speaking out of the nutshell...

I am not knocking B.D. for those who live there and/or love it - I think that's great. But in fairness to those who might be basing part of their decision to relocate to B.D., the links were intended to provide add'l info so they can research it for themselves and decide what's best for them.

In a way, providing such info might actually help sell them on the idea of living in B.D. If upon researching what they find, they determine it's safer than what others believe or perceive, then they might become as enthusiastic as yourself re: promoting B.D. as a great and safe place to live and decide to live there themselves.

You promote B.D. quite enthusiastically! From what you shared, IMO, you'd make a good real estate agent in promoting B.D.


Btw, THANK YOU, YAC, for removing what competing links needed to be removed. I am very new to the board and in the learning phase of what is postable and what is not. I am not an agent - just someone on CD looking for info in my own relocation process. Btw, I'm wondering if it would help if P.L.'s insertion quoting of my complete previous post was removed since it was longer and just a few entries behind it? Obviously, not P.L's post itself, but perhaps simply removing the lengthy quote and referring to it by the post's date & time perhaps? Just a suggestion. Thank you!

[pirate_lafitte]

I'm just doing my own homework just in case I ever do decide to make my residence near the Milwaukee(or Racine) area.

[south-to-west]

Cheers, RNye! I also disagree with some of the sentiments on here. The area of Brown Deer where my mother lives definitely reminds of a Norman Rockwell painting. There are a lot of trees, nice modest homes, kids playing in the street, and an overall tranquil atmosphere.

Also, it's unfair to lump the Northridge area in with Brown Deer. Yes, the western edge is close to the Northridge area, but the rest of the city is quite different--especially when you get east of 60th Street. I have never felt unsafe in Brown Deer.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by JustT&Me

The original thread asked "What's to hate about Brown Deer, WI"?

Personally, the word "hate" is not one I use. But in a nutshell, responding to the thread, if someone was considering a move to Brown Deer or it's surrounding area, I would encourage them to do some thorough research.

Several posters provided a lot of "pro" B.D. info esp. re: its safeness, but there also exists a strong & pervasive feeling within the area that, in comparison to other surrounding areas, B.D. is simply not as safe.

The links provided were to assist someone in researching both some pros & cons of B.D. in light of the safety info being exchanged on this thread.

Did that answer your question?

****

Speaking out of the nutshell...

I am not knocking B.D. for those who live there and/or love it - I think that's great. But in fairness to those who might be basing part of their decision to relocate to B.D., the links were intended to provide add'l info so they can research it for themselves and decide what's best for them.

In a way, providing such info might actually help sell them on the idea of living in B.D. If upon researching what they find, they determine it's safer than what others believe or perceive, then they might become as enthusiastic as yourself re: promoting B.D. as a great and safe place to live and decide to live there themselves.

You promote B.D. quite enthusiastically! From what you shared, IMO, you'd make a good real estate agent in promoting B.D.


Btw, THANK YOU, YAC, for removing what competing links needed to be removed. I am very new to the board and in the learning phase of what is postable and what is not. I am not an agent - just someone on CD looking for info in my own relocation process. Btw, I'm wondering if it would help if P.L.'s insertion quoting of my complete previous post was removed since it was longer and just a few entries behind it? Obviously, not P.L's post itself, but perhaps simply removing the lengthy quote and referring to it by the post's date & time perhaps? Just a suggestion. Thank you!

All I wanted to do was find some answers. It might help because before a person makes a decision to move anywhere, he/she should find out what works for them and find out good places to live.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

Cheers, RNye! I also disagree with some of the sentiments on here. The area of Brown Deer where my mother lives definitely reminds of a Norman Rockwell painting. There are a lot of trees, nice modest homes, kids playing in the street, and an overall tranquil atmosphere.

Also, it's unfair to lump the Northridge area in with Brown Deer. Yes, the western edge is close to the Northridge area, but the rest of the city is quite different--especially when you get east of 60th Street. I have never felt unsafe in Brown Deer.

What is Northridge?

[south-to-west]

Northridge is a now-defunct mall that now is the site of a Menard's Hardware Store (think of the Midwest version of Home Depot) and a Pick 'n Save (one of the major grocers in Wisconsin). There are still a lot of retailers operating around the area of the mall.

Anyways, Northridge started to experience a decline when incidents of shoplifting and the prevalence of rowdy teenagers began to increase. This was also fanned by racial undertones as many of the teenagers that were apprehended or kicked out rountinely were black. Additionally, there are several large apartment complexes surrounding the mall that had a significant number of tenants that were Section 8 certificate-holders. The fate of the mall was sealed when a white husband from the affluent suburb of Cedarburg decided to gruesomely stab his wife to death in a parking lot of TGI Friday's and blame it on a black teenager in order to collect an insurance claim. Because of all of this, the area surrounding Northridge developed the reputation as being one of the more crime-ridden areas on the Northwest side of Milwaukee. Unfortunately, Brown Deer sort of developed this reputation since its city limits are located less than a mile from the now-defunct mall.

If you ask me, the reputation is totally undeserved and unfair. I have never felt unsafe in Brown Deer, I have never been scared to stop at a traffic light in Brown Deer, I've never had to look over my shoulder in Brown Deer, and I've never heard gunshots in Brown Deer. People who make blanket comments about Brown Deer being ghetto or crime ridden wouldn't know a ghetto even if it bit them in the arse. Brown Deer is a great suburb that enjoys an excellent location in relation to other attractions in the Milwaukee area, and is also a place where one can enjoy a good quality of life.

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by pirate_lafitte

All I wanted to do was find some answers. It might help because before a person makes a decision to move anywhere, he/she should find out what works for them and find out good places to live.

I understand - which is why I replied to the thread in the first place. I too am in process of relocation and am seeking information from this board with what other info I find in making my determination. What is different about CD from many other sites is that it provides first-hand information that you won't find in most travel guides and local promotional information. I have been finding some great information from others which I might not have found otherwise and greatly value having both the pros & cons of a place when making a decision. It is difficult for some to read the cons of the place they call home, but for others it is a part of the pride of the place (e.g., places where ppl say you have to be "hearty" or "independent" to live there).

I would not have posted on this thread at all except for the couple of posters' repeated seeming defenses regarding how safe they feel in B.D. with regard to others' opinions that it is not as safe as other surrounding areas. IMO it would have been irresponsible, knowing ppl come here for "city data" which you might not find otherwise, to have left the thread as it stood with the other posters' repeated opinions of safety when there *does* exist a pervasive, public problem regarding B.D. that it is not. Otherwise, it would obviously not be an issue or concern.

IMO it would have been a better representation of the town in which they obviously enjoy living to have stated the facts altogether instead of seeming to overstate the wonderfulness of B.D. when a problem does exist such as S-to-W acknowledgement: "shoplifting," "the prevalence of rowdy teenagers," and that the problem was "fanned by racial undertones as many of the teenagers that were apprehended or kicked out rountinely were black."

While the poster believed B.D. reputation for being unsafe might be "undeserved" & "unfair," an equally unfair projection included, "Additionally, there are several large apartment complexes surrounding the mall that had a significant number of tenants that were Section 8 certificate-holders". Is it fair that "Section 8 certificate-holders" "deserve" any more an assignment for Brown Deer's reputation than the poster felt Brown Deer "deserves" for the reputation which exists? Even if documentation existed proving that a majority of the convicted offenses were committed by those living in those specific complexes, the Brown Deer's reputation as it stands would still rest on its own shoulders - fair or not.

Also, in assigning the "fate of the mall" having been "sealed" by a "white" from an "affluent suburb"? It seems the point attempting to be made was that it was an outsider of a specific race rather than someone from B.D. who committed the crime. One has to wonder if the man specifically chose B.D. to commit his crime, and if so, why? Why did he not commit his offense in the "affluent suburb of Cedarburg"? If he made such a deliberate decision, perhaps it would have been easier to commit such a crime where multiple problems had notably layed the framework.

It seems on this thread that posts stating opinions which are not aligned with the opinions of those who believe Brown Deer is safe and "Norman Rockwell-ish" will be countered with a repeated post in defense. IMO those posts which were more enthusiastic regarding Brown Deer might have held greater weight had they stated pros & cons altogether and not come to such a repeated defense of B.D., in effect, demonstrating & reinforcing the reality of B.D.'s controversy with regard to reputation.

During relocation, a part of the process includes determining the *exiting* of such a place if one decides to leave (e.g., reselling their home). Is living in a place of such controversial opinion a place you want to call "Home"? For some, the answer is yes, and for others, the answer is no. I would recommend that if you think Brown Deer holds what you are seeking, then go for it! Perhaps those who enjoy it will be willing to provide personal contact info via PM so you will have made a few local acquaintances upon arrival on which you can build possible friendships. And if you find it doesn't suit you, then you will have at least tried.

Other nearby communities you might also enjoy include: Glendale, White Fish Bay, Foxpoint, Menomonee Falls, or Germantown. Also, although the downtown area is under a long-term & inconvenient interchange reconstruction, the "Eastside" is a very favorable, trendy area where you can find great jobs, nice affordable housing, great entertainment (esp. summers along the Lake), fine dining, & shopping ranging from department store to Farmer's Market all within blocks - and never need a car. However, if you move there and *do* have a car, ensure that you have off-street parking during the winter to avoid parking tickets for winter plowing.

Enjoy your continued search and may you find the place your heart comes to call "Home."

[south-to-west]

Originally Posted by JustT&Me

I understand - which is why I replied to the thread in the first place. I too am in process of relocation and am seeking information from this board with what other info I find in making my determination. What is different about CD from many other sites is that it provides first-hand information that you won't find in most travel guides and local promotional information. I have been finding some great information from others which I might not have found otherwise and greatly value having both the pros & cons of a place when making a decision. It is difficult for some to read the cons of the place they call home, but for others it is a part of the pride of the place (e.g., places where ppl say you have to be "hearty" or "independent" to live there).

I would not have posted on this thread at all except for the couple of posters' repeated seeming defenses regarding how safe they feel in B.D. with regard to others' opinions that it is not as safe as other surrounding areas. IMO it would have been irresponsible, knowing ppl come here for "city data" which you might not find otherwise, to have left the thread as it stood with the other posters' repeated opinions of safety when there *does* exist a pervasive, public problem regarding B.D. that it is not. Otherwise, it would obviously not be an issue or concern.

IMO it would have been a better representation of the town in which they obviously enjoy living to have stated the facts altogether instead of seeming to overstate the wonderfulness of B.D. when a problem does exist such as S-to-W acknowledgement: "shoplifting," "the prevalence of rowdy teenagers," and that the problem was "fanned by racial undertones as many of the teenagers that were apprehended or kicked out rountinely were black."

While the poster believed B.D. reputation for being unsafe might be "undeserved" & "unfair," an equally unfair projection included, "Additionally, there are several large apartment complexes surrounding the mall that had a significant number of tenants that were Section 8 certificate-holders". Is it fair that "Section 8 certificate-holders" "deserve" any more an assignment for Brown Deer's reputation than the poster felt Brown Deer "deserves" for the reputation which exists? Even if documentation existed proving that a majority of the convicted offenses were committed by those living in those specific complexes, the Brown Deer's reputation as it stands would still rest on its own shoulders - fair or not.

Also, in assigning the "fate of the mall" having been "sealed" by a "white" from an "affluent suburb"? It seems the point attempting to be made was that it was an outsider of a specific race rather than someone from B.D. who committed the crime. One has to wonder if the man specifically chose B.D. to commit his crime, and if so, why? Why did he not commit his offense in the "affluent suburb of Cedarburg"? If he made such a deliberate decision, perhaps it would have been easier to commit such a crime where multiple problems had notably layed the framework.

It seems on this thread that posts stating opinions which are not aligned with the opinions of those who believe Brown Deer is safe and "Norman Rockwell-ish" will be countered with a repeated post in defense. IMO those posts which were more enthusiastic regarding Brown Deer might have held greater weight had they stated pros & cons altogether and not come to such a repeated defense of B.D., in effect, demonstrating & reinforcing the reality of B.D.'s controversy with regard to reputation.

During relocation, a part of the process includes determining the *exiting* of such a place if one decides to leave (e.g., reselling their home). Is living in a place of such controversial opinion a place you want to call "Home"? For some, the answer is yes, and for others, the answer is no. I would recommend that if you think Brown Deer holds what you are seeking, then go for it! Perhaps those who enjoy it will be willing to provide personal contact info via PM so you will have made a few local acquaintances upon arrival on which you can build possible friendships. And if you find it doesn't suit you, then you will have at least tried.

Other nearby communities you might also enjoy include: Glendale, White Fish Bay, Foxpoint, Menomonee Falls, or Germantown. Also, although the downtown area is under a long-term & inconvenient interchange reconstruction, the "Eastside" is a very favorable, trendy area where you can find great jobs, nice affordable housing, great entertainment (esp. summers along the Lake), fine dining, & shopping ranging from department store to Farmer's Market all within blocks - and never need a car. However, if you move there and *do* have a car, ensure that you have off-street parking during the winter to avoid parking tickets for winter plowing.

Enjoy your continued search and may you find the place your heart comes to call "Home."

You keep trying to pin whatever happened at Northridge on Brown Deer. Northridge is NOT in Brown Deer! Nor are the apartment complexes that surround it. I think that Jesse Anderson (the murderous husband) chose TGI Friday's because it was the one of the closest "big box" restaurants to Cedarburg. Northridge was the closest mall to Cedarburg. Does Brown Deer have its downsides? Sure. But in no way is it a "ghetto" nor is it a blighted area of metro Milwaukee. Overall, it's a solidly middle-class suburb that is tranquil and where people enjoy a decent quality of life.