Brown Deer? (Milwaukee, Madison, Mequon: middle-class, appointed, crime)

[pandagal]

My husband's company is moving us to Brown Deer, WI. We live in southern IL now. Not too concerned with weather & such, but have 2 small children so I am concerned about best place to live in relation to Brown Deer, short commute for hubby, safe, affordable, schools, access to grocery-shopping-parks--you know the deal. Any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

[springfield]

Brown Deer is a very nice little community You need not look any farther.

[pandagal]

Thanks for your note. Can you be more specific? Do you live there or know anyone that does?

[Milwaukee Transplant]

Hi - I grew up in the Milwaukee area (and still go home 1-2x/month) and wouldn't recommend moving to Brown Deer. Even years ago, my impression was that the schools were on the decline and crime was on the way up. If I were you, I would try to live in Fox Point - just a few miles east down Brown Deer Road (on the east side of I-43) or Mequon (just north of Brown Deer). Both have great neighborhoods, shopping, schools...

Not sure if there's info out there, but a site we used when looking at houses in the Madison area was greatschools.net to find out more information on the school systems....

Good luck!

[pandagal]

Thanks so much for the info! I have been having a hard time finding much out about Brown Deer. Doesn't seem to be alot available. I appreciate the school info too...I will check it out. Thanks again, I really appreciate your help!

[Mohawk41]

I would avoid the Brown Deer area, still too close to Milwaukee's north side. An area you might want to check out is the Cedarburg/Grafton areas about ten miles north. I lived there for six years and LOVED it. Cedarburg has the most charming downtown I've ever seen, a great place to walk or just hang out. Very historic and lots of nice festivals, good schools too. A great place to raise kids and only 30 minutes or less to Brown Deer. It is a bit pricey though as is Fox Point and Bayside to the east of Brown Deer. What ever you choose I would stay north or east of Brown Deer, not south. Good luck.

[Jerry2037]

We moved to Cedarburg 4 years ago. After 40 years of transfers and job changes this is absoultely the best place we've ever lived. Historic downtown, beautiful walkable neighborhoods, lots of parks, great schools, affordable housing, several festivals every year, county fairgrounds is right in town and fair is free, mostly undergound utilities, very easy commute to Brown Deer, most shopping is in town or in Grafton. Taxes are a bit high but services are very good. People who live here are great also. People pick up after themselves. The only downside is that if you have to move again it's going to be hard.

[pandagal]

I will check into Cedarburg and Grafton. That's not a very long commute and it sounds like a really nice area. Unfortunately, we will have to move again, but not for another year or so. I really appreciate the advice...it's hard to move somewhere that you are so unfamiliar with and your help is greatly appreciated!

[MovingMom1]

I'm very disappointed to see the negative remarks about
Brown Deer. It's a nice community. I'm looking for a home and we may choose Brown Deer. I like it because there are ranch homes with great space and big back yards. Yes, I feel safe in the community. Lots of stores and family friendly restaurants are nearby (i.e.: Pick n Save, Target, Wal-Mart, Olive Garden, I-Hop not to mention Bayshore Mall).

In my opinion, here's the bottom line. How much are you looking to spend on your house. If money is no object, by all means move to Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay. If you are middle-class like most of America, a home in Brown Deer may make a lot of sense and don't let the naysayers prevent you from making an educated decision.

I'll wrap up my post with a short list of pros and cons.

PROS:
1. Homes have more space, yards are big and private.
2. North Shore location is close to downtown. Easy access to Bayshore Mall plus Whitefish Bay, Fox Point and Mequon stores.
3. Diverse Community


CONS:
1. Older Housing Stock

2. Perception of Crime in Community (please see Business Journal Article at http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/mil...ditorial1.html)

3. Undesirable "pockets" - but they don't have to ruin your living experience. Crime is everywhere--even Whitefish Bay.

4.Schools... don't hear a lot about them...nothing good/nothing bad.

Hope this helps.

[ANUTY14HD]

Grew up near Browndeer, area has declined greatly,Cedarburg, Port Washington, Saukville,Grafton, all have great schools and shopping, I43 leads you right to brown deer rd