The Single Life in MKE (Milwaukee, Shorewood: transplants, apartments, elementary school)

[Mouzone_B]

So lots of posts here where doting mother is searching for a nice suburb with good schools, etc. While that's interesting and all, I'm a single guy considering relocation to Milwaukee.

I've lived in cities throughout the northeast and Chicago. Some cities were better than others, so how does Milwaukee stack up? I'd have a very limited social network at first, so am curious how friendly people are. Also, how "talented" is the gene pool overall?

I love the anecdotes in these forums, so feel free to opine as you wish. Comparisons to other major cities are very helpful. I'm not exactly searching for life partner, but when push comes to shove prefer that to a monk's life.

Thx in advance.

[Fishtacos]

You only mentioned one of your other stops, so I can't really compare much for you, even though I've lived in Milwaukee and Chicago among some other stops.

I'd recommend getting involved in the things you like to do, a sports team, class, hobby, organization, etc...and be around some people with similar interests to yours, and also be open to some things you either are less familiar with or know little about. You can always not go back to those you don't enjoy. If you sit around and wait for things to come to you, it won't happen.

Milwaukee is a smaller metro area, especially when compared to medium or big sized metros(Chicago that you mentioned), so many times some things or events won't walk up and smack you in the face, but you'll have plenty to do if you know where to go. Milwaukee loves it festivals and events and entertainment. You won't have 50 different plays to choose from in a night for example, but you'll always have a few. Quality of life is fine, just limited quantity in some offerings due to its size,...but you can only go to one thing or do one thing at a time in a given day or night.

You'd have to get more specific of your interests, background, etc...for more specific info.

A lot of it is your attitude. If you go to Milwaukee trying to compare it to a small college town, or to a very large city, you'll be frustrated. All places have its pros and cons, just take advantage of the so called "pros" that Milwaukee has to offer and you'll enjoy your time.

I can advise you that Milwaukee has plenty of good areas to live and play for single people in the city itself.... for people of all ages and interests.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by Mouzone_B

So lots of posts here where doting mother is searching for a nice suburb with good schools, etc. While that's interesting and all, I'm a single guy considering relocation to Milwaukee.

I've lived in cities throughout the northeast and Chicago. Some cities were better than others, so how does Milwaukee stack up? I'd have a very limited social network at first, so am curious how friendly people are. Also, how "talented" is the gene pool overall?

I love the anecdotes in these forums, so feel free to opine as you wish. Comparisons to other major cities are very helpful. I'm not exactly searching for life partner, but when push comes to shove prefer that to a monk's life.

Thx in advance.

There's plenty to do. The gene pool? Better than rumored to be amongst allegations of brain drain and corporations bailing out left and right. Neither is a huge issue.

One of the most successful, well-connected, well-respected people I know is not from here. This person basically started from the ground up five years ago and has a huge social network, tremendous professional support, and a great life. Not bad for someone who started life in Milwaukee recently out of college, not knowing anyone.

If it were me moving to Milwaukee, I'd make sure I moved to the East Side or downtown, maybe Shorewood or the Third Ward. I tend to stick to the east side. The opportunities for socializing are ample, and you would be right in the heart of things. When I was a single guy, I used to go out for a couple of drinks almost every night of the week. I enjoyed that time, I loved socializing, and I met a lot of people.

Although Milwaukee isn't Chicago, Boston, New York, or Philadelphia, it has its strong points. People are a little bit more questioning of outsiders, unfortunately, but you won't find that as much in the more transient areas such as the East Side and downtown (probably others). Overall, it has a lot of qualities that make it a great place to live. I spend a few months a year there, having lived there a couple of times before. Also lived in Chicago, DC, VA, NY, and others.

[Mouzone_B]

Good stuff, thx.

What do you two think about the city's bus system? I'd like to get myself settled without a car at first. A quick glance of the system map and it looks to cover a decent sized area. I figure there's always ZipCar or some equivalent in a pinch. Plus, there's always the train/bus to Chicago so I doubt I'd feel as though I were stuck on Gilligan's Island. It's just so much cheaper to get by without a car especially first starting out. If I get a job in the burbs eventually I won't mind floating for one.

Also, I'm assuming Milwaukee is a 2 am last call town, right?

[Mouzone_B]

So no one responded to my query but this article sure makes my idea seem like a bad one.

JS Online: Bus ridership plunges

[Twoaday]

Yes we are having an issue with our County Executive cut routes and raising fares but hopefully we can get him out of office soon so Milwaukee's transit can return to being one of the best in the country. That said it is possible to live without a car and up near UWM they have a flexcar program..

Now I always sell Milwaukee on nightlife. I believe our nightlife can compete with just about anybody. Everyone thinks of Milwaukee nightlife as beer and brats but that's just not true. We have some serious upscale nightlife that from my travels is on par or better than many cities.

[missmeggg]

An earlier post recommended Shorewood as a place to live and I wouldn't recommend it for a young single guy. It's more of a family atmosphere. I would recommend the eastside or Brady Street area; right on Prospect Ave or close to Cathedral Square is nice. There are some nice apartments in that area and if you don't have a car you'll have even more to choose from since quite a few don't have off street parking available. The nightlife is close by if you live in these areas as well.

[#Littledog]

I think Milwaukee has a great single life, especially if you live close to downtown or the east side. I agree, Shorewood is more for families or a young couple thinking about marriage. There is tons to do here. The public transit does have it's problems. I think it depends on where you are commuting for work.

Some people who have re-located say it's hard to make new friends because there are not as many transplants compared to other cities. A lot of people went to high school, college, even elementary school here and have retained all of their friends. People don't exclude newcomers; I think they're just not looking as hard for friends because they already have a big social network. But if you're patient and keep busy, you will make friends, meet beautiful Milwaukee ladies, and have a good time.