Thinking Wisconsin!!! (Milwaukee, Appleton, Waukesha: low crime, high school, college)

[ALMOST2L8]

My wife and I are looking to move out of state. I wanted to go to Colorado but, my wife wanted to stay closer to home. So I started looking at surrounding states (we currently reside in crapville Illinois), and before I could look any further, I started falling in love with Wisconsin!! The only problem is, I'm not sure where to go. I have been looking at La Crosse. I really love nature (especially fishing), and I was wanting to live in a SMALL metro area. Looking for a place with lots of family activities, and somewhere to catch a few small-time hometown type college football games. But I do NOT want to live in a big city!! I'm originally from Chicago and dont want the big city life anymore. I just really love football as does my son. If anyone could PLEASE help with any recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I have heard alot of awsome things about La Crosse, but was also hoping someone might be able to steer me in the right direction. Thank You & GOD BLESS!!

[geekduo]

La Crosse is certainly located in a beautiful area of the state. Finding a job is going to be your biggest challenge.

[jjacobeclark]

There's lots of medium-sized metros all over the state, that's actually a very appealing aspect of Wisconsin. Some states like Minnesota and Colorado literally have one metro area for the whole state. Wisconsin has lots of medium-sized cities like Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau, Appleton, Port Washington, and Sheboygan, which are all very clean, safe, family friendly cities. Eau Claire is nice because of its proximity to Minneapolis. Wausau is nice because it is centrally located and short distance from most anywhere in the state as well as athe gateway to the Northwoods. Appleton is pretty self-sufficient, in that you don't have to drive to a bigger city to go shopping or see a play or concert. Port Washington is very close to Milwaukee, but not a part of the metro area.

The suburban areas in Waukesha and Walworth Counties might be another place to consider. Towns like Whitewater, Oconomowoc, and East Troy are all very beautiful and close to both Milwaukee and Chicago.

[ALMOST2L8]

Thank you, geekduo, jjacobeclark!! How about a College football team? Does Wausau have a team?? How about their outdoor activities???

[hankejp]

Originally Posted by ALMOST2L8

Thank you, geekduo, jjacobeclark!! How about a College football team? Does Wausau have a team?? How about their outdoor activities???

Wausau does not have a college football team. UW-Stevens Point would be the closest, about 1/2 hr away. There is a "semi" pro team that plays in the summer and High School football is big in the D.C. Everest area. There are a ton of outdoor activities, depending on your liking. Wausau has Rib Mountain, which is one of the bigger hills in Wisconsin. Popular place for skiing/snowboarding. There are bike trails, snowmobile trails, hiking, fishing, etc.

[jjacobeclark]

Originally Posted by ALMOST2L8

Thank you, geekduo, jjacobeclark!! How about a College football team? Does Wausau have a team?? How about their outdoor activities???

What specific outdoor activities are you interested in?

Other cities to consider:
Chippewa Falls
Stevens Point
River Falls

[ALMOST2L8]

Anything outdoors, you name it: fishing, rafting, hiking, camping, swimming. I Just love nature in general. I like to sight see, bird watch, and lay back and check out the stars. Where would someone recommend?? I would prefer a quiet place if possible. Maybe a place with some wildlife as well. THANKS!!!

[Bullitt007]

Onalaska may be the perfect place for you...6 miles north of La Crosse. Has everything you're looking for.

[ALMOST2L8]

Thanks Bullitt007, the La Crosse area was one of the top places on my list!! I was also wondering if anyone could tell me about Portage, Manitowoc, or Chippewa Falls??? I also looked into Merrill, and Marshfield. But I don't have much info on those places. Thanks again & GOD BLESS!!!

[JDCATONSVILLE]

My family and I moved to Merrill from Catonsville, MD. just about two years ago and we love it. I have a son and a daughter and they had no problem making friends and there is plenty of outdoor activities and sports to keep them active. I work just south of Merrill in Wausau and it only takes me about 20 minutes each way, which believe you me is a lot nicer then the 45 minute minimum drive that I had back in Maryland. Merrill is quite with low crime and congestion and has a really good school system. I hope eveything works out for you and your family and you find what your looking for.