Relocating to South Central WI - need advice on areas to live (Milwaukee: real estate)

[Jmil1989]

I'll be relocating to the south central Wisconsin area next month for a job based in Beloit and am looking for advice on areas to consider to rent an apartment. I am a young professional 27 years old and currently living in Northeast Ohio. Would be looking to rent at least a 2 BR unit - prefer a single family home, condo, or townhouse over a traditional apartment style building.

After visiting the area, I believe I have decided that I do not want to live in Beloit proper and am considering either Janesville or one of the East/Southeast Madison suburbs (McFarland, Monona, Stoughton, etc.) I would prefer not to live in Rockford. I am aware that living closer to Madison would result in a much longer commute, but being single and a young professional I would much rather be closer to the things Madison has to offer as I appreciate good food/cocktails, shopping, and arts & entertainment. I want to be surrounded by similar, young people so I can start building my new social network in Wisconsin. Also considering Janesville as an alternative location so I am at least weighing two solid options.

I'm looking for anyone that can provide advice on specific areas to consider in these two places. Looking for advice on the traffic/commute to Beloit from East Madison (I would be hoping to find a place close to 90/94). Open to hearing the pros/cons of both areas from a locals perspective. As I mentioned I am going to be renting so I do also realize that I can make one decision now and move in a year if need be. I'll be working with a real estate consultant to help locate properties, but if there is a specific area or complex you recommend please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

[ranger17]

I would reconsider having the Madison area on a list of living options if working in Beloit. From Oregon, Stoughton, or Mcfarland could take 40-50 mins to Beloit (depending on actual locations of course) and that transit time is assuming no snow, construction, or backups along the way. As any of those could up to double your time behind the wheel, just need to be aware of what it could require for travel. One location more in the middle is Edgerton as thats maybe 30 mins eiher way. But it is a smaller area so would be more for living and less for fun and recreation.
I may suggest trying the Janesville option (or other spots close to Beloit) the first year as you get settled in the new job; then decide what you want and need for longer term living options.

Just my .02 of course

[ranger17]

Thought I would add that while i rarely make that drive i have had to hit IL a couple times in the past 2 weeks. There is some serious construction along the Madison to IL border stretch that was causing slow downs and delays. I dont know the full scope of that project but would not be surprised if it lasted into '17-18. Something to check into further if that route will be used daily. .

[AminWi]

I commute from East Madison to Chicago once a month. In the past, the Wisconsin portion of the trip was easy-peasy, and the delays only started once you hit the IL border. It normally has taken me under an hour to get from Monona Drive exit on the Beltline to Beloit. Living in Stoughton would cut around 10 minutes off your commute. I-90 is cleared of snow very quickly, but if a snowstorm hits near rush hour, all bets for your commute are off. Ranger17 is absolutely correct, though, that there is a huge construction project starting to expand the interstate between Madison and the IL border. The project is scheduled to last into 2022, and at the rate road projects have been delayed in WI recently, I would not expect it to finish up any sooner than that unless we vote in a new governor. I'd expect this to significantly add to drive times.

If you're OK with a commute that long, another community you might want to consider is Fort Atkinson. It's a cute town with a lot of amenities for a community of its size.

[Chelito23]

I would recommend anywhere on the far east side near the interstate. There are a lot of options just east of the Interstate along Milwaukee St.

You also might want to just pick a place downtown and be in the center of everything you want...since you will be making the commute daily, at least have everything at your doorstep.

How often do you go out? If you do on a nightly basis being in Madison makes sense. If you only go out on weekends, maybe Janesville or a SE suburb like Monona would make more sense.

I don't think the commute will be that bad. Many posters here are fortunate to have quick commutes so they can't relate to your request.

To put it in perspective, I know people who commute from NW Chicago suburbs in a carpool daily. They use the time to prepare for work, save on gas and to unwind on the 2 hour drive. They do it for family purposes though, but yes there are a few times a year the weather is bad and guess what-they usually take a personal day or vacation day or sick day. Not really a big deal.