Moving up there from FL (no not crazy) (Appleton, Fort Atkinson: taxes, to live in)

[movingonupWI]

Thanks to all the replies.. You are making it a lot easier to decide. Now we are taking a trip to check out some of the more recommended areas. So excited!!! Can't wait to get out of the crime infested concrete jungle. Man I hope you all have fire flies... been telling my kids about them.

[r_k]

I think you'll find all parts of Wisconsin (expect possibly a few parts of Milwaukee and Madison) to be family friendly. Of the counties you listed, I would lean towards Jefferson or Sheboygan mainly because the rest may be a bit too rural (i.e. a bigger change from Florida). Fire Flies are common in rural Wisconsin (esp. the south, less sure about north) but only during June/July.

[lilred0005]

Hey, I definitely don't think you're crazy because I'm doing the exact same thing! I live in South Florida(Fla native) and I HATE pretty much everything about it, however next yr I will be moving to the U.P., so it sounds like we have that in common, lol. WI is on our radar too in case the U.P. doesn't work out. We will be checking out Appleton and maybe Rhinelander. Sorry I don't have any real WI info but just wanted to wish you and your family good luck on your move!

[hankejp]

Kewaunee is a nice town in the summer, just because it is a big fishing hub. I think in the winters, it can be a bit of a ghost town. It is a nice area. Remember, that being close to the lake, your going to have cooler temps most of the time than if you were inland more.

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by catfeathers

Jefferson County is nice...within range of either Milwaukee or Madison...good shopping close, and I have friend who lives in Jefferson and they love it's small town atmosphere.....

This one's a winner. Close proximity to both Madison and Milwaukee and has or is small town, regardless. The Outlet Mall up on 94 is a nice thing to have local. Also one of my favorite Drive-in Theaters is there in Jefferson, just east of town on Highway 18.

Lots of Jefferson County is farm land and the towns have small town appeal. Lake Mills to the East is really nice for a small town. Another thing since you have childeren, the Wisconsin Dells is not far for those Family get-a-ways.

[sholomar]

I'd pick jefferson county of the choices you have. Closer to Madison/Milwaukee, farther south so it's warmer, not too far from either the Dells or Lake Michigan. Choice number 2: Green lake County. Choice number 3: Manitowac/Sheboygan counties.

[r_k]

Originally Posted by hankejp

...Remember, that being close to the lake, your going to have cooler temps most of the time than if you were inland more.

It should be noted the above is true in Spring and Summer. During the Fall and Winter the effect is reversed, i.e. it is colder away from the lake.

[strawflower]

How about Calumet? You could live in Darboy (well Harrison actually, but it's considered Darboy) and that would still be considered Calumet Co. Most areas in C.C are less than a half hour away from Appleton. I think a lot of people forget that.

[Milwaukee City]

Trust me stay away from Jefferson, Fort Atkinson is a lot better. Take this from someone who moved to Fort and saw everybody who lived in Jefferson, not like Jefferson. Jefferson is the butt of all jokes in Jefferson County. Jefferson is the Cudahy of Jefferson County and Fort Atkinson is like the Grafton of Jefferson County.

[r_k]

I think most people are talking about Jefferson County, not the City of Jefferson. Lake Mills is another possible option within Jefferson County.