SW WI, Lafayette County, City of Benton

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by everwinter

Darlington, the county seat is experiencing a large number of Mexicans moving into town. The Mexicans started a Mexican cheese factory, and now there's even a restaurant, grocery, and there own church. A large number of Amish have moved in recently from Pennsylvania buying out farms. You'll see Amish buggies and large farm equipment driving very slowly on the roads, holding up traffic.

My family and I used to make regular visits to Darlington to shop at the Lands End Bargain Nook store there. It's a nice little community, but as a place to live would be too rural and far from the city for my taste. Darlington, being the county seat, is the most developed area of Lafayette County AFAIK.

Check into Iowa county & definitely Mineral Point. Mineral Point could be just what you're looking for.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/wisco...i-suspect.html

I agree. Mineral Point is very nice and would be my first choice of SW Wisconsin villages. It's much hillier than the aforementioned Richland Center and like Darlington, it has a Bargain Nook store. Spring Green would be a close second choice.

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by Bowie

My family and I used to make regular visits to Darlington to shop at the Lands End Bargain Nook store there. It's a nice little community, but as a place to live would be too rural and far from the city for my taste. Darlington, being the county seat, is the most developed area of Lafayette County AFAIK.



I agree. Mineral Point is very nice and would be my first choice of SW Wisconsin villages. It's much hillier than the aforementioned Richland Center and like Darlington, it has a Bargain Nook store. Spring Green would be a close second choice.

Hi, Bowie,

Thanks for the information. I've looked around and have done some research on these areas and they look like nice communities in which to live. Rural is fine with me as I'm looking to live in a more rural area. I was in Madison and Richland Center last summer, and Richland Center was beautiful and very hilly.

Since I've started this post, I've also been looking into some northwestern areas of Illinois, which might be more practical for me at this time. However, I'm always open to learning more about southwestern communities in Wisconsin, which I think are beautiful.

[GreenWI]

Hi, Steven,

You should visit New Glarus, a little swiss town in northern green county. It has about 2100 people, and it's only 30 minutes away from Madison.

[Smlltwnlivin]

Hello StevenKrzak. I thought it was time for me to shed some light on the subject of living in Southwest WI. I currently live in Benton and LOVE it. It is a typical small town that fights the same stereotypes as others, but I believe that the community is genuine and caring towards each other. I lived and worked in the Milwaukee area shortly after graduating college and was amazed at the attitudes that people had towards each other. Everyone was perfectly content to keep to themselves, holding the door was something that was unheard of and often not met with good graces.

Holding the door for someone is expected in small towns, the local grocery store still has a bagger that puts your groceries in your car for you and an attendant at the local gas station that pumps your gas for no charge!!! I have two small children that will soon be entering the school system and am glad to say that this attitude is carried out in the youth of the community. I have seen children with learning disabilities embraced by their classmates and treated as equals. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is one that is very fitting to this community.

I also feel that Benton has a lot to offer because of the close proximaty to Dubuque, IA, Galena, IL and Platteville, WI. Dubuque is an economic hub for employees, that also provides for great entertainment and shopping, as well as, Platteville and Galena.

But like others have said, research is your best tool. You'll never know where to call home until you visit and get the feel of the town for yourself.

[StevenKrzak]

Originally Posted by Smlltwnlivin

Hello StevenKrzak. I thought it was time for me to shed some light on the subject of living in Southwest WI. I currently live in Benton and LOVE it. It is a typical small town that fights the same stereotypes as others, but I believe that the community is genuine and caring towards each other. I lived and worked in the Milwaukee area shortly after graduating college and was amazed at the attitudes that people had towards each other. Everyone was perfectly content to keep to themselves, holding the door was something that was unheard of and often not met with good graces.

Holding the door for someone is expected in small towns, the local grocery store still has a bagger that puts your groceries in your car for you and an attendant at the local gas station that pumps your gas for no charge!!! I have two small children that will soon be entering the school system and am glad to say that this attitude is carried out in the youth of the community. I have seen children with learning disabilities embraced by their classmates and treated as equals. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is one that is very fitting to this community.

I also feel that Benton has a lot to offer because of the close proximaty to Dubuque, IA, Galena, IL and Platteville, WI. Dubuque is an economic hub for employees, that also provides for great entertainment and shopping, as well as, Platteville and Galena.

But like others have said, research is your best tool. You'll never know where to call home until you visit and get the feel of the town for yourself.

Hi, Smlltwnlivin,

Thanks so much for your reply and for sharing your experience living in Benton, WI. I appreciate the information. All of the things that you mentioned are what I am looking for in a small town. It sounds like this town has great values and that you're really proud to be a part of it.

Although I have not been to Benton yet, I would like to see for myself what it has to offer. I am leaning toward northwestern IL, but who knows? Thanks again!

Sincerely,
Steve