Thinking about moving to Hudson, WI (Milwaukee, Madison: insurance, home, theater)

[JJV]

I am thinking about relocating my family to Hudson ,WI . I currently live about twenty Min north of Milwaukee. I have done some research online about Hudson ,but I was hoping to get some personal input from people that know the area . The reason I am moving is a new job that would be in the MN area . I like WI and the taxes are less here. Hudson is one of the closest bigger towns in the area to MN about 15 miles . Any input would be welcome and thank you in advance for your time.

[HKB]

I live in Hudson (just moved here recently). I have about a 30 minute commute to my job in the east metro, which is pretty reasonable by Twin Cities standards. Home prices are lower in Hudson and western Wisconsin than they are on the Minnesota side of the river. Be careful though, because property taxes in WI are about 2x more than in MN. I like to think I'll stay here for many years, but if I ever end up moving, it will be because of the ridiculous property taxes here.

Because of its proximity to the Twin Cities, St. Croix County (where Hudson is located) has become the fastest growing county in WI. The schools are good, though somewhat overcrowded due to the rapid growth of the area. A month ago voters passed a $12 million referendum to build a new elementary school, which will help ease the overcrowding, but also will mean that already high property taxes will go even higher next year.

The town and area are very scenic, with a historic riverfront downtown and hilly areas surrounding it. There is a good mix of old and new. Downtown has unique restaurants and shops, while the new areas on the south side of I-94 have just about every kind of chain store there is.

Feel free to e-mail me if you need more information. Good luck.

[JJV]

Thank you for the informatiom it helps. We were also looking in the Fall River area but the housing market seems to be more expensive .
If you think of anything else please post it . I just want to make the right decision ..Thanks again

[BadgerGirl]

I moved from the Madison area to Hudson almost 20 years ago, and I have never regretted it. For me, it's perfect. Hudson is a beautiful, clean, safe, friendly small town. As HKB stated, the downtown has wonderful, unique shops and restaurants, and the south east side has every chain store and restaurant that you want. If you're looking for entertainment, the Twin Cities with their pro sports teams, theater district, zoo, museums, and excellent music venues are no more than a half hour away. The housing market is probably a little stronger here than in many other places because it is in the fastest growing county of Wisconsin, but I don't think that housing costs are really out of line. Don't let the proprety taxes scare you, if you can afford a decent house, then you can afford the taxes. I consider it worth the price to live in a such a great town.

[JJV]

Thank you for the reply .

[HKB]

Originally Posted by BadgerGirl

I moved from the Madison area to Hudson almost 20 years ago, and I have never regretted it. For me, it's perfect. Hudson is a beautiful, clean, safe, friendly small town. As HKB stated, the downtown has wonderful, unique shops and restaurants, and the south east side has every chain store and restaurant that you want. If you're looking for entertainment, the Twin Cities with their pro sports teams, theater district, zoo, museums, and excellent music venues are no more than a half hour away. The housing market is probably a little stronger here than in many other places because it is in the fastest growing county of Wisconsin, but I don't think that housing costs are really out of line. Don't let the proprety taxes scare you, if you can afford a decent house, then you can afford the taxes. I consider it worth the price to live in a such a great town.

If JJV is already living in Wisconsin, then I'm guessing that property taxes aren't a big issue for him/her. I'm just saying that if you're looking to save $$, you may want to cross the river into MN. Property taxes on a $250k home in Hudson will be around $3200/year. They would be around $2400 across the river in Stillwater.

[JJV]

No, the taxes are not a big deal but they do come into play a bit . I work to hard for the money I make and I do not want to just give it away,LOL ..I like WI and I would like to stay here . Born and raised here it is my home . Thank you again .

[Ivan77]

I went to highschool in Hudson. When my family first moved there (12 years ago or so) youd barely notice it if you drove by on the freeway. Now, its like Woodbury's twin sister.

Hudson is a nice place though. I enjoyed it.

[mel55880]

I lived and grew up in Hudson.. spent 20 years of my life there!

It's a beautiful smaller town with a lot to offer! The schools are decent and I have to say I had a wonderful childhood. I could ride all over town on my bike without out my parent's having to worry about me getting kidnapped, shot or otherwise hurt. The biggest worry in my life was how I was going to get to the river in the summer time to swim with my friends.

It's near the Twin Cities area (about 30 minutes drive) yet it's quiet, generally friendly, and peaceful.

The worst thing I have to say about the town is a lack of cultural diversity. People tend to be on the redneck side and not accepting of minorities.. hunting/guns, fishing, boating, and motorcycling are the general hobbies of the folks in Hudson.

This is kind of a general statement and it's changing a little all the time as it becomes more developed, but it's still that small, redneck town.

[golfgal]

Several years ago we priced out Hudson vs towns in MN and the overall cost of living in Hudson vs the closer suburbs in MN was about $12/year. Property taxes in WI are higher, income taxes in MN are higher, insurance is WAY less in WI, etc. It goes back and forth. Basically the only difference you will see is if your commute from Hudson isn't close, the cost of gas could put a serious dent in your budget. If you are commuting to St. Paul or an eastern suburb, Hudson will be fine. If you are commuting to the other side of 35 either 35E or 35W, your commute will be an hour+ each way.