West Allis in 1962 (Milwaukee, Dallas: middle-class, apartment complex, transfer)

[kt2le]

I grew up and live in Dallas, Texas but lived in West Allis for about a year back in 1962. I was barely a toddler and don't remember living there at all but my dad had been transferred to Milwaukee so we moved up there from Dallas. My parents were in their early 20's and my sister and I were a toddler and infant. We lived in an apartment complex since dad knew our stay there would be temporary and my parents said it was full of other young families like ours. My parents don't remember what street we lived on (since it was so long ago and we weren't there that long) but they said the apartment complex was pretty new at the time and was across the street from a huge park, which they remember as being nice. Mom didn't work and she said she and some of the other moms would take all the kids over there to play while the dads were at work.

My parents were just starting out and didn't have anything at the time but have fond memories of their "adventure" up north. They said everyone was friendly and as nice as they could be. The neighbors sort of took us "foreigners" (Texans!) under their wings to show them how to live in such a strange and foreign land! The winter we lived there, my parents had never been so cold nor seen so much snow! They laugh about how they thought winter would never end but, once it did, spring was the prettiest they'd ever seen. They also said they'd never seen mosquitos that big...

I'm sure this area was strictly middle-class back then and I'm wondering if it has suffered any decline or changing demographics over the years. I'm curious to know what it's like now. Thanks!

[Empidonax]

Do you have an address, intersection, park name or name of other landmark? That would be useful for a specific reply.... In general, West Allis is middle class and working class; many first-time homwowners start out in West Allis, and many people stay around for decades, too. The population has been declining as families age, children leave home, and singles and young couples move in. It doesn't have a very flattering reputation in the Milwaukee area--many people see it as declasse and full of "pink flamingo" residents--but the reality is that it is mostly a safe and affordable place to live.