Milwaukee: "The Midwest's Best Kept Secret" ?? (Washington, Highland: low crime, neighborhoods)

[bennydabull77]

Several articles lately in national media and business journals listing Milwaukee as one of the hidden gem cities of the old rust belt that is quickly redefining itself..and though it has a way to go in terms of its economy, business is trickling in! Milwaukee already has shown major improvements in dining, nightlife, incredible art scene, and quality of life. So what do the see as Milwaukee's strengths, besides the obvious proximity yo Chicago, lakefront, etc. Weaknesses?

[bennydabull77]

I think its a stretch to think we are in competition with Chicago at this point. Chicago is an alpha city. We attract some of their business being so close, which is a win win for both.But this thread was about Milwaukee the hidden gem. I am talking about the upper east side. The Washington Highlands. Oak Leaf trail. Bay View. Riverwest. Free transit for college kids. Awesome neighbors. Easy ride to the country in less than 10 minutes. The great art vibe of the city. The great college stations. Ueckers crack ups. Bluffs overlooking the Lake, in our city! Wooded trails..in the city! Huge city Parks. The exploding diversity of ethnic foods. The rural feel that keeps "insular urbanites" away!

[northbound74]

"Best kept secret" is a vague term that's bound to stir up debate.
Truth is, most larger midwestern cities are pretty low-key even though a lot of them have more going on than people out of the loop realize.
When I told people I was moving to Milwaukee, they automatically tried to lump it in with Detroit: an industrial, has-been, rust-belt town that's on the brink of extinction. Of course, Detroit is a proud city that deserves better than it's been getting lately.
I like Milwaukee for a lot of reasons, some of which bennydabull77 covered. I even like the weather. Seriously, highs in the 60's and 70's around the summer solstice? That's just the coolest thing to me. Where I'm from, by this point in the year I wouldn't know if I were sweating or if that was flesh melting off my bones.

[linicx]

Every state has two things in common with the other states. An Alpha City and a flagship university. And other than ribbons of concrete there is little to compare.

The Alpha city light shines brightly, has name recognition, culture, history and ammeniites just as do the giant Goliath cities. To continue to compare Mllwaukee to a Goliath city is a waste of time and it serves no purpose except give that city FREE Advertising and credibility..

I cannot imagine why anyone would want to come to Milwaukee when all they read in these threads is the goodness of every other Alpha City in America and an irrational fear of Goliath.

Goliath is not in Wisconsin and neither is its politics. There are enough Alpha cities in the Midwest to form a syndicate to promote the Alpha cities and their respective regions.

Why hasn't someone done it? .

Originally Posted by northbound74

"Best kept secret" is a vague term that's bound to stir up debate.

Truth is, most larger midwestern cities are pretty low-key even though a lot of them have more going on than people out of the loop realize.

[Angorlee]

I always compare cities to the way they were before WW2. Safe, clean towns with real ethnic neighborhoods. People did't lock their doors day or night out of fear. Very low crime. Trust between people, etc. But I realize that there was a downside to those times also. But our cities are garbage dumps compared to what they used to be before WW2. But then: Will Rogers--"things ain't what they used to be. and probably never was".

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Angorlee

I always compare cities to the way they were before WW2. Safe, clean towns with real ethnic neighborhoods. People did't lock their doors day or night out of fear. Very low crime. Trust between people, etc. But I realize that there was a downside to those times also. But our cities are garbage dumps compared to what they used to be before WW2. But then: Will Rogers--"things ain't what they used to be. and probably never was".

Well, it was only good for a certain segment of the population back before WW2. As for me, I have no reason to want to live back in the days before WW2. Give me one reason why I should.