possible job in Kohler Amercian Club - where to live? (Milwaukee: for rent, how much)

[cheerchix]

My husband has a possible job oppurtunity at the American Club in Kohler WI. A little background on us, we are both in our late 20's with a 17 month old son. I'm from Vancouver Canada and my husband has lived all over the US but mainly resided in Indiana and Boston for the majority of his life. If we accept this job it will be more of a temporary move for us, basically for a couple years to save money. We are both city people, and used to alot of diverse cultures so i realize that this would be a change of pace for us - for now anyways. Any recommendations on places/towns to live? we would want to rent a 2/3 bedroom and want to live no more than 30 min from the resort. How much can we expect to pay for rent? Any input woud be great, as we both know nothing about this town
thanks

[Fishtacos]

The nearest sizeable town is 5 miles away called Sheboygan.(50k) It is inexpensive. Milwaukee would be the most desirable town for you, but it is 50 miles South. If you aren't willing to commute(it really isn't bad at all, no traffic, straight shot on highway), your options will be limited.

Port Washington is another option a little further South from Sheboygan.

You could try a far North suburban Milwaukee Suburb, i.e. Mequon etc...which would knock at least 20 minutes plus off of your commute to a downtown Milwaukee.

Considering your background, imo you are really going to want to be able to hit the urban parts of Milwaukee on days off, weekends, nights etc...even if you have to live in a far north Milwaukee burb to help with commute time.

It's about 1 hour to downtown Milwaukee from where you'll be, ...straight shot, once on 43,... little traffic, ever, ...not that bad, not great.

If you lived in Chicago and lived in a suburb, it would likely take you longer to get home from the city to your house than it would from Kohler to Milwaukee very much of the time.

I'd think considering your profile, you would like a major metro "feel" even if it were its Northern burbs or close to it.

[susancruzs]

Are you going to be able to visit first? The area will be a culture shock for you once you are away from Milwaukee. In spite of the commute, I'd consider living on the very north of Milwaukee as the previous poster says, I don't think you'd be happy in the smaller towns.

[cheerchix]

i'm kind of stuck here in Canada, waiting for my visa papers to get finalized...which is another drama within itself. My husband had to move ahead to the US and start looking for work and get things established for when we can join him. So unfortunately I do not have the convenience of going there first...however my husband I'm sure would be going there for the interview. I know that you can't get the feel for an entire city in a day, but it would be good to peek around so to speak. How long would the commute be from the Northest point of Milwaukee to Kohler/

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by cheerchix

i'm kind of stuck here in Canada, waiting for my visa papers to get finalized...which is another drama within itself. My husband had to move ahead to the US and start looking for work and get things established for when we can join him. So unfortunately I do not have the convenience of going there first...however my husband I'm sure would be going there for the interview. I know that you can't get the feel for an entire city in a day, but it would be good to peek around so to speak. How long would the commute be from the Northest point of Milwaukee to Kohler/

City or burbs?....for the most Northern point. You could easily knock that commute in half by living in a far North side suburb of Milwaukee. The drive isn't bad, an hour from the city. With the head start, you'd knock it in half or close to it. It's not overly crowded hwy where you would be traveling at regular hwy speeds or faster much of the time. It isn't a stop and go stressful ride of an hour.

[diegosmom]

I grew up in Kohler and depending on your hubby's job at the American Club I would not recommend going to the Norther burbs of Milwaukee. Since he will have resort-hotel hours (no 8-5er), the commute in winter is horrible and he could miss out on arriving to work, let alone not get home. It gets dark early in the winter months - 4:30pm ish. You will not find anything cityish in that part of Wisconsin. I wouldn't necessarily consider Sheboygan, even though larger than Kohler. This is small town area and the amenties of Kohler with the American Club and sister properties are very 5 star compared to the rest of the area. Save Milwaukee for visits, but not to live as seriously I do not recommend the commute - young couple, baby, etc.....been there.

Perhaps you could look at Port Washington. Could fall into the weather commute issue, but it is half-way between Kohler and Milwaukee and it is in on the main drag of I-43 (interstate highway=4 lanes).

Personally, and just take it for what it is worth, I would enjoy the area of Kohler, Elkhart Lake, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan for what it is...small town, family oriented, nice schools, good health care, and bloom where you are planted. It isn't forever anyway. I live in a huge metropolis overseas and embrace what I have, even if it isn't my true desire. It is temporary as well. Go for your 2-3 years, save your money, and enjoy it for what it has..parks, friendly people, etc. The American Club is beautiful and a great opportunity in the Hospitality industry for your hubby. Then if the smallishness of the place gets to you, just put a large metro area for the next move.

I just would hate to fool you into thinking that a urban-style of living in a big city is possible without putting a huge strain on commutes and family. And I didn't even bring up the cost of gas - you will not save given that commute.

PM me if you would like.

[ekg56]

Kohler is a nice area. My sister lives in Plymouth. Sheboyagan is becoming a more diverse area.

[ekg56]

My sister lives in Plymouth. Very nice town. I have a cousin that commutes from Whitefish Bay to Kohler. He said it isn't bad when traffic and weather are good. Homes would be cheaper in Plymouth, Sheboyagan Falls etc.

[homeagn]

ekg56--

How long does it take your cousin to commute from Whitefish Bay to Kohler when the weather/traffic are good?

Did he say how often the weather and traffic are NOT good? And is it any different doing the reverse commute (ie, Kohler to Whitefish Bay in the AM).

Thanks!

[WisconsinIght]

Why not Grafton? It's a nice town with maybe 15-30k people. About 30 min to Milwaukee and 30 to Kohler and Sheboygan.
My sister lives there, and has a 4 and 2 yr old. It's a family-friendly town.