Pleasant Prairie, WI (Kenosha, Forest: real estate, homes, safe neighborhood)

[camom2]

Hi,

Hubby is looking into a possible job opportunity in Pleasant Prairie, and we are in CA and not familiar with WI at all. So any info would be great!

Wants: Our price point would be 350K, Great Schools, Family Friendly neighborhood, Safe neighborhood.

Would taxes be more affordable in WI vs. Illionois??

Which cities in WI and IL would you recommend that are within an hours drive to Pleasant Prairie?

Thanks in advance, I know alot of info to request, but at this point anything is helpful!!!!

[susancruzs]

Did you do a search? This topic has been discussed on this forum and Illinois forum quite a bit, pros and cons of working/living in Wisc. or Illinois and visa versa. Remember when looking at distance, what you think is an hour drive will not be in the winter.

[camom2]

Wow, thanks for bringing that snow factor to my attention, did not even consider that ~~ Yikes!

[WriteStarr]

Actually for someone moving to the area for a job, Pleasant Prairie would be a good location. Good schools, many nice available homes well within your price range ($350k will buy you an exquisite home in this area; there are more expensive homes but I'm sure you'd find an abundance of acceptable homes for less than $350k) and probably within a 10-minute commute of your husband's new job. It's a good area in which to live (except for that darned snow stuff). I live in Pleasant Prairie and would be glad to answer any questions you might have. mike@writestarr.com

[camom2]

Thanks Writestarr,

How far is Lake Forest to Pleasant Prairie? I just read that Pleasant Prairie is near an industrial area, with power plants???? Is this true? Do not want to live near that at all, esp with children and a husband in remission from cancer.... Thanks!

[KC3700]

Pleasant Prarie is pretty large in area. Not everywhere in Pleasant Prarie is near the power plant.

I'll attach the Wikipedia article on it, though. It's not exactly a small facility.

Pleasant Prairie Power Plant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[camom2]

KC,

Wow! Thank You! Definately makes me think twice!

[KC3700]

Originally Posted by camom2

KC,

Wow! Thank You! Definately makes me think twice!

I'm not necessarily calling it unsafe. Wisconsin is very good at policing up this stuff. Still though, you should know about this plant if you are concerned about living near such a facility.

[AnObserver]

carmom2, there are some good resources available if you're interested in Pleasant Prairie. PleasantPrairieOnline.com has a news section with archives. These can give you a feel for the type of community it is. One thing you can't get from the site though, is a feel for the public services (like snow removal, garbage and recyling, the park system and police and fire). The services are exceptional, they make it very easy. The other site you won't want to miss is RecPlexOnline.com. RecPlex is an amazing resource for families. From swimming or skating on a Friday night with your kids, to summer camps and childcare, year-round youth sports, in addition to all of the health and fitness offerings. This has been an amazing resource for our family. As for the commute, the drive to and from Lake Forest isn't bad. I've done this in the past for work, though, I'm not sure what you'll be comparing it to. Personnaly, I love living in Pleasant Prairie. It's safe, clean, green and family friendly.

[newspaper_reader]

The newspaper in the area is the Kenosha News. It has updated news at Kenosha News | Home. Every weekday after 4:30 p.m. (central) it provides a brief video newscast online as well at Kenosha News | Video. The newspaper also has a very good online real estate search.