Green Bay or Janesville (Milwaukee, Madison: purchasing, school, college)

[Meka0430]

Hello. I am most likely moving back to Wisconsin next year and have been living in Las Vegas for the last few years. I am originally from the Madison area but also lived in the Appleton area for a couple years. I am looking at either Green Bay or Janesville as those areas seem more in my budget for purchasing a house. I am curious about people's opinions on how they compare. I realize both are more blue-collar and industrial feeling. I like that Janesville is closer to Madison but I am worried I would end up driving to Madison constantly as Janesville seems a bit limited on stores and activities ( community events, a variety of good restaurant options, Trader Joes or similar type grocery stores). Madison is a good fit for me but the cost of living sure has gone up in all of Dane County since I last lived there. I feel like Green Bay would have more things to do but also is farther from a bigger city such as Madison or Milwaukee. Any input on how Green Bay and Janesville compare would be greatly appreciated.

[InnovativeAmerican]

I'd personally go with Janesville. Close to Lake Geneva, too.

[ranger17]

hi OP, are there any specific requirements for work, school if kids are involved, medical needs, etc?

[timberline742]

Janesville. Closer to Madison and Chicago. Definitely Janesville.

[Meka0430]

No specific requirements. I work in social services and there seem to be a few options in both areas for my field. No kids so school system is not a concern. As of now there is no need for special medical providers. Plus anything will be an improvement from the medical in Las Vegas. I am more on the liberal side and enjoy living in diverse areas. I realize both cities are probably more conservative and not as diverse as larger areas but I am assuming there are pockets that are more so than others.

[TRlaura]

Green Bay. The further you are away from Milwaukee and Dane County the better.

[damba]

Originally Posted by TRlaura

Green Bay. The further you are away from Milwaukee and Dane County the better.

You are out of your mind.

If the person is liberal at all, avoid Janesville and much of the immediate surrounding area. GB would be better only if something slightly outside Madison or Milwaukee wasn’t affordable.

[Empidonax]

Originally Posted by TRlaura

Green Bay. The further you are away from Milwaukee and Dane County the better.

Yes, stay away! 100/100 professors agree that exposure to culture can seriously damage ignorance!

[sub]

Political self-segregation.
I can understand not wanting to be utterly outnumbered, but we do no one any favors by avoiding opposite opinions, shouting them down, and slamming doors.
Most places, at least the sane ones, are mixed and moderate.
If it were me, I wouldn't consider politics much in either town. If I wanted to be near a big city, Janesville is closer to Chicago and Milwaukee.
Madison would never play a role in where I chose to live unless I got a job there or had family there. It's just too small and uninteresting for the big city thing, but I'll acknowledge it's quaintness to some degree.
Green Bay is nice for the water and proximity to the woods, but big enough to not feel isolated.
Being far removed from giant, busy Chicago also has it's advantages.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by sub

Political self-segregation.
I can understand not wanting to be utterly outnumbered, but we do no one any favors by avoiding opposite opinions, shouting them down, and slamming doors.
Most places, at least the sane ones, are mixed and moderate.
If it were me, I wouldn't consider politics much in either town. If I wanted to be near a big city, Janesville is closer to Chicago and Milwaukee.
Madison would never play a role in where I chose to live unless I got a job there or had family there. It's just too small and uninteresting for the big city thing, but I'll acknowledge it's quaintness to some degree.
Green Bay is nice for the water and proximity to the woods, but big enough to not feel isolated.
Being far removed from giant, busy Chicago also has it's advantages.

I can't see what advantage there is in being further removed from the one major city of the region.


Madison has grown so much it isn't funny. It's not even really just a college town anymore. It's a major cultural center now. The concerts, just for one, they get there are ridiculous for the size of the city.


And no one does gain by shutting other opinions out, but politics of a region have huge impacts on the feel of a culture and quality of life.