Waukesha--What's it like? (Wauwatosa, Brookfield, New Berlin: to live in, restaurants, law)

[lavenderP]

My husband just got a job in Brookfield. While I like what I'm seeing in the Brookfield area, the town that seems most what I'm looking for is Waukesha. I want a larger, more diverse community with a real downtown that has lots of shops (as opposed to big box stores). I'm hoping to find a place that we like within walking distance of downtown.

We haven't had a chance to visit yet (that's coming up) but I was wondering if anybody could give me a feel for what kind of town it is, politically, socially, and otherwise. Is it friendly and open to new people or more clannish? And how does it compare to other nearby towns such as Brookfield, Delafield, New Berlin and Pewaukee?

Thanks
L

[brrabbit]

All of them are good places to be. Full of friendly, conservative, gun-carrying, law-abiding citizens. You'll fit right in if you are of a similar breed.

[lavenderP]

Ha! That's what I was worried about. I figured the "looking for diversity" would be a key that I'm far from the conservative, gun-toting type. I am, however of the friendly law-abiding type ��

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by lavenderP

Ha! That's what I was worried about. I figured the "looking for diversity" would be a key that I'm far from the conservative, gun-toting type. I am, however of the friendly law-abiding type ��

Waukesha Co is the place I probably would least recommend any body to live in the state, TBH.

[gymdawg]

Actually, the City of Waukesha (versus the county) is politically mixed. It's less conservative than Brookfield, New Berlin, Pewaukee, et al. Waukesha has a growing Hispanic population. It has a distinct downtown area that is walkable (but not driveable; I get lost almost every time I drive there).

[lavenderP]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Waukesha Co is the place I probably would least recommend any body to live in the state, TBH.

Can you explain why that is?

[lavenderP]

Based on election results, it seemed a little more middle-of-the-road politically than the others we were looking at. I've lived in conservative areas before, as well as areas with a fairly significant Hispanic population so I have an idea of what to expect. An actual downtown would be a definite plus.

[Merkin]

Wauwatosa is better

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by lavenderP

Can you explain why that is?

Very conservative. Crooked law enforcement, that are more concerned about money grabbing than anything else and a very clear two tier enforcement system depending on the amount of melanin in your skin. I had friends that often volunteered there as advocates for POC when dealing with the powers that be and the racism is palpable.


Also, really incredibly bland culturally.


Little to no redeeming values. It's a place to drive through, as quickly as possible, while observing the speed limit.

[thefragile]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Very conservative. Crooked law enforcement, that are more concerned about money grabbing than anything else and a very clear two tier enforcement system depending on the amount of melanin in your skin. I had friends that often volunteered there as advocates for POC when dealing with the powers that be and the racism is palpable.


Also, really incredibly bland culturally.


Little to no redeeming values. It's a place to drive through, as quickly as possible, while observing the speed limit.

That's about right. I grew up in the burbs of Waukesha County, you literally couldn't pay me to move back. I visit my parents & that's it. There's no other reason to go there. OP, I really don't recommend. Like this poster mentioned, it's incredibly bland, boring, strip malls, chain restaurants, conservative, just nothing to do.