franklin-New Berlin-Muskego (Milwaukee, Brookfield: to live in, good, friend)

[Allan Trafton]

Greendale has some prestige. New Berlin, Muskego, Franklin and Oak Creek would all rank below average as far as prestige goes when compared to other Milwaukee suburbs. These are just run of the mill suburbs which can be found anywhere in the U.S. Nothing special.

[EnjoyEP]

I have to agree completely with Milwaukee City's defense of Greendale.

I currently live in Greendale. The majority of my life, I have lived in the City of Milwaukee itself - as well as 4+ years in Albuquerque, NM - however, now reside in Greendale.

I live in a "Greendale Original" home that was built in the 1930s. Sure, that isn't "new" or "suburban" like the one anti-Greendale poster was proclaiming, however, to me, the Originals are what make Greendale so unique, inviting, and historic!

As far as the thug thing, geez, I don't know...I am out and about quite a bit here in Greendale, and I find this community just about the most insanely safe, quiet, and....safe...community I could imagine. Often, locks on doors are fairly optional, and that is startling when you realize how "inner ring" of a suburb we are.

I can't agree with those here that have ripped or don't care about these 'burbs because they are all about Milwaukee itself. Again, the far majority of my life I have resided in the City itself. However, for young families that crave an element of genuine safety and nice, quiet nights, pursuing some inner ring (or even outer ring) suburbs makes a heckuva lotta sense.

Look at the stats regarding Greendale public schools. They are startling in how good they are. Incredible, actually. The taxes are far, far too high here in Greendale, but at least things like their remarkable education system do have somewhat of a return on the high tax-load.

The heart of Greendale is gorgeous. Rolling hills throughout the town, unique architecture, the quaint "village center" with the Village Hall, the shopping district, the parks, and the gazebo...it is all quite unique and beautiful.

I can't imagine enjoying Franklin, Muskego, or Oak Creek MORE than Greendale, however, I actually think all of them are quite nice too (more Franklin and Muskego).

There are semi-rural, semi-suburban aspects to all of these towns - all are in fairly close proximity (and reasonable commutes) to Milwaukee; they are all quiet, safe, and nice.

Franklin is THE fastest growing community in the whole MKE area metro, and Muskego has some of the biggest, most beautiful / pretty lakes in the entire state.

You could do a whole lot worse than to live in Franklin, Oak Creek, Muskego, OR Greendale! I am partial to Greendale as admittedly I really do enjoy its so-close proximity into the heart of the metro area (it takes me a 4-minute drive to be into the MKE freeway system) and its semi-urban / semi-suburban nature (including its walking-oriented nature), however, I would gladly live in any of these communities.

I guess my list would go:

1. Greendale
2. Franklin
2b. Muskego
4. Oak Creek

But honestly, I could live relatively happily (if being in this metro was a given) in any of these.

[Milwaukee City]

Yeah I'm with EP on this one, you ask anyone about Greendale if it's old and run down and they will call the cops on you for smokin' the rock! It's very very clean, quiet and kept up very well. Their downtown is a small quaint downtown, it's what I like to call beautiful.

[wiseinvesting]

IMO greendale is not as high class for the taxes and money you will pay. Like I said, people who live there will stick up for it because no one wants to hear there are better places than where they live. Just take a drive through the cities and see for yourself. If you want dinky homes at above average prices for wisconsin, go for greendale. If you want nice new homes and nice cities, pick the others mentioned. No need to take offence..just stating the facts.

[wiseinvesting]

By the way..those pics you posted make greendale old and run down ;p You can fit 2 or 3 of those inside my nice new New Berlin home for the same price ;]

[Milwaukee City]

No need to take offence..just stating the facts.

What you state are opinion's and I don't live in greendale, I live downtown Milwaukee. Those homes pictured are historic homes in the historic section of greendale not all house's look like that and greendale was setup as an economic stimulus in the great depression along with three other cities in the US and still remains one of only 3 government planned cities ever. Most of the houses in Greendale look just like your cookie cutter homes you would find in New Berlin, BTW New Berlin is no where near prestige. New Berlin is single family homes, farms and warehouses. Why would anyone want to live in New Berlin, oh I know they can't afford Brookfield, b/c New Berlin is just a poor man's Brookfield...lol.

[Milwaukee City]

IMO greendale is not as high class for the taxes and money you will pay. Like I said, people who live there will stick up for it because no one wants to hear there are better places than where they live. Just take a drive through the cities and see for yourself. If you want dinky homes at above average prices for wisconsin, go for greendale. If you want nice new homes and nice cities, pick the others mentioned. No need to take offence..just stating the facts.

...and if you want condescension just go to New Berlin.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by wiseinvesting

By the way..those pics you posted make greendale old and run down ;p You can fit 2 or 3 of those inside my nice new New Berlin home for the same price ;]

No way. That is complete BS.

A nice, well-kept Greendale Original prices in at $150-$200K. No exceptions.

A "big" (inferred by your statement that you can fit '2 or 3' of these inside YOUR home), "new" home in New Berlin would cost at a minimum $300K+. MINIMUM.

Unless you bought on a foreclosure or a short sale, there is no way your dollars come close to matching.

Beyond that, in Greendale, I am a 2-block walk away from restaurants, the library, concerts in the summer, stores, etc. In New Berlin, I would be a 10-minute drive from each.

I have lived in other states, much less other communities. Believe you me, I don't hold this vociferous defense of Greendale "because I have not lived elsewhere". I suspect that would be more true of your situation. Let's be honest though when evaluating these towns / 'burbs...

[BrianPK]

The bickering and nastiness in some of these posts should alert you to the general nature and mentality of the area.

None of the areas in question are better or worse than any other. Be aware that the winters are harsh and owning an older home in this climate can drastically affect your utility bills and quality of life for 6 months of the year.

Stay out of Milwaukee County to reduce your property taxes. The county is stuck with pension obligations and union legacy costs that cannot be eliminated from previous county administrations.

State aid is dwindling and the city and county are forced to go to the "property tax well" to fund their programs.

I live in greenfield (milwaukee county) within 5 miles of any of the communities that you have mentioned. Taxes on a home that sold for $369,000 in 2008 were $7,880. This is Milwaukee County, City of Greenfield Whitnall School district.

We have received large increases in property assesments from the cities (I own property in several communities) even though one could never sell the property for the assesed value.

Crime in general will continue to increase throughout the metro area as the central city thugs realize that they must move further out to find good pickings. Beware of any locations that are near Milwaukee county bus lines.

The best suburban mall in the area (mayfair) was plagued by violence one or two shootings, fights etc until the mall enforced an age limit policy. Although the mall is a much safer and pleasant place to be this element is present in the community and is looking for a place to "hang out".

Sorry if I seem negative, there are positives to the area, but be ware of what you are getting into. I would recommend renting in a suburban area before making a purchase.

Lake Michigan is still only at 46 Degrees and if you live near the lake, when the wind is from the east or northeast it gets very cool and damp.

The state and city has a very strong drinking culture. If you like to drink and want to drive while under the influence this is the place for you.

The summer culture is about beer tents, harleys, church festivals, and tailgaiting.

The winter culture is about hunting, packers, bars, bowling and drinking.

I am leaving the area as I feel that other areas of the country will offer greater economic potential when the country recovers from the recession along with warmer weather.

Enjoy your stay

[johnnygtar]

I grew up in Muskego. Our house was on the shore of Little Muskego lake. I could see the Roller Coaster across the lake from my bedroom window. Great place to live. Later in my teens, lived in Hales Corners. Great place as well.