Cedarburg vs Oconomowoc (Milwaukee, Madison, Oak Creek: place to live, restaurants, shops)

[ostieber]

If you had a choice between moving to one of these communities which one would you choose ?

[Empidonax]

Cedarburg for me. It's closer to Lake Michigan and closer to the amenities of the city of Milwaukee, but it's also a stone's throw from Mequon, Germantown, Grafton, and other communities with good shopping and abundant green space. Cedarburg's downtown is more interesting (to me) than Oconomowoc's center, though Cedarburg (and Washington/Ozaukee in general) is lacking in quality restaurants.

[Master Jay]

Good morning,

As usual, I have to agree with Empidonax's assessment.

Cedarburg is beautiful, charming, and has great yearly fests.

My question to Empidonax: Please share what are the quality restaurants that stick out for you, that are just NOT found in Washington or Ozaukee Counties?

Are you suggesting that Oconomowoc is better? Or are they in the same category as Washington and Ozaukee Counties, regarding restaurants??

And on an unrelated-note question? Does Groppi's Deli have good wine???

[InnovativeAmerican]

In my opinion, neither. I prefer Milwaukee County suburbs. Oak Creek is pretty nice.

[Empidonax]

Hi Jay,

It seems to me that the Cedarburg area has a somewhat better restaurant scene than the Oconomowoc area does, but overall neither is particularly compelling. I'm very fond of international cuisine, and I enjoy an engaging and experimental upscale place once in a while, but most of the restaurants in Oz/Wash and in Lake Country are standard steaks and chops, fish fry places, pizzerias, watered-down Mexican food, chains, etc. Delafield (near Oconomowoc) has a few decent places, and there are a few bright spots in the Cedarburg/Mequon area, but it's mostly run-of-the-mill stuff, most of which I can make at home.

If these areas had a Groppi's, that would kick everything up a notch or two!

[Master Jay]

Empidonax, do I sense the necessity for a Chicago trip?!?

[Empidonax]

Jay, we were planning a November/December trip to Chicago, but work happened, and then the cold weather. Nowadays, I'm lucky to be able to get out of Bay View!

[MortonR]

Cedarburg, for sure. I lived in Port Washington for a number of years and spent a lot of time around and in Cedarburg. Definitely a nicer place to I've than Oconomowoc, I think.

RM

[WINH]

Oconomowoc has a lot going for it as the downtown has evolved over the years to become very active. It is on or near numerous lakes and has many festivals which are well attended by out of towners. If you have not been to Oconomowoc recently they have made it a welcoming place. Many new additions to the whole town and city are in the process of being built and not just downtown. Cedarburg is very nice also but Oconomowoc is right between Madison and Milwaukee and is easy to get to either. It is a quiet but eventful city having just had the German Christmas market which attracts significant people for music and vendors which occurs on the newer Village Green with a very large music and beer tent and other tents and shops for all likes as well as childrens events. They have an award winning Art Festival in August with over 250 juried artists . Check it out sometime and you will agree it is a nice and safe place to live.

[Milwaukee City]

The Burg! and it's not even close.