Question for locals.. (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls: house, schools, taxes)

[famlife]

We are moving to the Milwaukee area, working in menominee falls. The church we'll be going to is right downtown in Milwaukee. Can you guys think of anywhere I might find a house with an acre or 2, within a half an hour of Menominee falls and downtown? Safe and affordable, kid friendly too. A small town feel would be nice. We love hiking and biking, so trails n outdoorsy atmosphere would be excellent!

Ty!!

[caieva]

Wales. Small Village, minimum 1 acre lots outside the tiny downtown, blue ribbon schools, glacial drumlin trail, close to the Kettle Moraine, 20 minutes from Men. Falls and 30 to downtown.

[famlife]

thanks! I'll def look into this area :-)

[andrw313]

I like the suggestion of Wales. It is a neat little town with enough of a rural/nature feel. When you say "affordable" that takes on a variety of meanings depending on who you are so I will be general. I think Cedarburg is another awesome town...great historic downtown and a safe, small-town feel. It is moderately expensive in parts but you can certainly get a house for under 250k if you know where to look. Great schools as well and within 20 minutes of Men. Falls and 30 of downtown as well. As for nature, Jackson Marsh is nearby, the Interurban Bike Trail runs right through town (connects Southern and Northern borders of Ozaukee County, about 30 miles). I love that trail and it is paved or on roads the whole way. Grafton is another option and is right to the East of Cedarburg (a little further from Menomonee Falls). It would be a bit more affordable too. There are other options but I think these should get you started. Feel free to message me. Also, there is nothing wrong with Menomonee Falls... check out some of its more rural parts and you may find something you like with a 5 minute commute!

[code10t]

You should look in Richfield, which is just northwest of Menomonee Falls. It's close to the expressway so the commute to Milwaukee is very easy. There are lots of nice homes there and it has a very rural feel while not being too far from the major retail in Menomonee Falls and Germantown. The northern and western parts of Germantown are similar.

Another option is the west side of Mequon, although I think that's a bit more expensive. It's a great area though with terrific schools and has access to lots of nature. By area standards the taxes there aren't too bad either. It's a little farther from the freeway, but a little closer to Milwaukee so it's still not too far a trip. Easy commute to Menomonee Falls as well.

You might also want to look in Waukesha County west of Menomonee Falls or closer to the southern end near Sussex as there are lots of rural areas over there.

Good luck, let us know if you have more questions.

[famlife]

thanks a bunch! We'll be there in 3 weeks! We'll def look into all of these places.

[claudelle]

Maybe it will be above 40 degrees by then. Bring a sweater.