Would we like Pewaukee or would we be better off looking in Milwaukee? (Waukesha: home)

[nrv0us]

Hi,

We're a married couple in our mid-30s with two young kids (6 and 3) and I was just wondering if Pewaukee would be for us, or if there might be a neighbourhood in W Milwaukee that might suit us better.

We're both pretty progressive/liberal (although not stridently so) and we both really like having access to lots of cultural stuff (gigs, cinema, art, libraries, etc.) and being able to walk or take public transit instead of driving everywhere. We also value a strong community where people are friendly and kids can play safely, attend good schools, etc. Some natural beauty nearby (bike trails, hiking) couldn't hurt either.

I guess what I'm saying is that there are some aspects of city living that we crave but also we see the value of other aspects of suburban life. We have previously enjoyed living in a mid-sized college town, and it is clear that Pewaukee doesn't really fall into that category. How is it, though, as a place to live? It seems appealing in many regards, but I have also seen it depicted as an upscale suburb with a little too much attention paid to golf and manicured lawns, etc.

If we opted for Milwaukee instead, what would we be gaining/losing? Which neighbourhoods might we try, that would allow easy commuter access to Pewaukee for work?

[Pete.]

From what you described, Pewaukee doesn't seem like a good fit for you. Unless you're in "downtown" Pewaukee, it's not very walkable. You also wouldn't have access to any public transit or many cultural items. It's also very conservative.

For suburbs I would suggest looking into Waukesha, Greendale, Wauwatosa, Shorewood, or northern Greenfield (Mitchell Highlands neighborhood).

For Milwaukee neighborhoods, I would suggest Bay View, Jackson Park, or Alverno. Some far southside neighborhoods would also be worth looking into, but I'm not as familiar with them.

I guess it all depends on where you will be working, and how long you want your commute to be.

[nidex]

You would be better off in Milwaukee, judging by the description of yourself. Many areas in Milwaukee proper still feel suburban (since you need a little of both). If you need to commute to Pewaukee, you may want to look around the Hwy 100 & Capitol area.

Going east on Capitol from Hwy 100/Lovers Lane/108th St., I -believe- Wauwatosa is on the north side of Capitol, and the city of Milwaukee is on the south. Either one will provide you with a good mix of suburbs and city, and it is a straight shot down Capitol Drive to Pewaukee for work.

[nrv0us]

Thanks -- How does Waukesha stack up against the other two places?

[newto53202]

Waukesha is the most conservative county in the state. I wouldn't suggest moving there if you describe yourselves as lefty, politically. Also it's not very walkable (unless you are downtown) and the public transit is iffy in comparison to Milwaukee. Not to mention it's more pricey to live in Wauk. County than Milwaukee!

[Concrete]

@Newto53202,
If Waukesha is the most conservative, tbey would be politically Right-Wing, not left.

[HagbardCeline]

Waukesha county is pretty much a cultural wasteland. Strip malls and bored teenagers. Like I always say to you breeder types (heh), look into Wauwatosa. It's a nicer suburb, but still feels like a part of the city. It isn't a white-flight suburb with nothing but subdivisions and Applebees. There's a bit of stuff to do in the village and along North Avenue, and the parks are great, but more importantly, it's close enough to the city that it isn't a hassle. Most of the better parts of the city are a bit of a hike from Pewaukee, but being in Tosa saves most of the traffic.

[slamont61]

I would not rule out Pewaukee. It may be a better choice for your Kids sake. There are good schools and it's a very nice area. There isn't much oportunity for Public Transportation into Pewaukee but there is limited service into Milwaukee via CoachUSA. It sounds as if work will be in Pewaukee so it may be sane just to stay at that end.

[Murderwaukee]

Sounds like a Milwaukee home is the right choice for you Liberals. (Plenty of diversity.)