Retiring in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton: home, organic, live)

[bkhchmyers]

My husband and I are planning to retire in Southwest or South Central Wisconsin. We are looking for an area that is rural but not too far from a larger city to shop in.( But not by Madison or Milwaukee.) About 20 miles. Also away from any flood zones. Any suggestion would be great. Thank you.

[guidoLaMoto]

What do you mean by "rural?"---out among the farms & bush on 40ac plus, or in small town? What are your interests (besides shopping)?-- hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, or sitting by the TV and playing solitaire?


If you're outdoorsy, you may enjoy the Driftless Area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driftless_Area It has hills, valleys and a unique ecology; home to many organic farms (hilly landscape doesn't lend itself well to large farms) & many arty-craftsy types.


We had record precipitation this year, and many of the small towns (built along the rivers) had problems with flooding (who'd uv thunk it?) Just go for locations on higher elevations outside of town.


Check out this PBS series on various WI towns https://www.pbs.org/show/around-corner-john-mcgivern/

[Nicci6Squirrels]

Eden, St. Peter, and The Holyland near Fond du Lac is rural and lovely. But you'd be close to Fond du Lac for shopping, medical care, etc.

Mineral Point in the Driftless region is one of my favorites. It's mostly art studios and small restaurants. But you're not far from "civilization."

There are many rural areas with properties available near Wisconsin Dells, Mauston, Portage, and Baraboo. (My husband and I just spent the last year looking in that area for acreage.)

Also, Waupaca and the little town of Rural might be of interest to you. Maybe it's further north than you were thinking, but I am throwing it in the mix, just in case. If you're looking for very small, Poygan near Winneconne is a place to check out. Also, Omro and Rushford. You'd be close to Oshkosh and Appleton (and Neenah- Menasha.)

Good luck to you. I hope you find the perfect place.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by Nicci6Squirrels

Eden, St. Peter, and The Holyland near Fond du Lac is rural and lovely. But you'd be close to Fond du Lac for shopping, medical care, etc.

Mineral Point in the Driftless region is one of my favorites. It's mostly art studios and small restaurants. But you're not far from "civilization."

There are many rural areas with properties available near Wisconsin Dells, Mauston, Portage, and Baraboo. (My husband and I just spent the last year looking in that area for acreage.)

Also, Waupaca and the little town of Rural might be of interest to you. Maybe it's further north than you were thinking, but I am throwing it in the mix, just in case. If you're looking for very small, Poygan near Winneconne is a place to check out. Also, Omro and Rushford. You'd be close to Oshkosh and Appleton (and Neenah- Menasha.)

Good luck to you. I hope you find the perfect place.

All good suggestions. Mineral Point is very nice, indeed.

[Nicci6Squirrels]

Originally Posted by timberline742

All good suggestions. Mineral Point is very nice, indeed.

I love Mineral Point. We went for Cornish-fest a couple of years ago and I was expecting crowds. I think there were 12 people there, total.

You really can't beat the scenery around that area, either. It's just gorgeous, isn't it?

[timberline742]

It is, I prefer closer to Spring Green (the dry prairies), and the bluffs along the Wisc and Miss Rivers, but its all great.

[bkhchmyers]

We have 2 pet goats and would like 2 acres or more for hobby farm and gardening. Shopping once a week or so. Internet access a plus. We are from the Upper Peninsula Michigan so weather will be a plus. The counties we are thinking about are: LaCrosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Iowa, Columbia. I understand Vernon and Crawford Counties were flooded this year, so we want to avoid those. Would like to stay away from the Wisconsin Dells. We hope to go to craft fairs and farmers markets too. Thank you.

[guidoLaMoto]

All excellent suggestions above. You can't go wrong with anything in the SW quadrant of the state.


We're only about 10 miles from the Dells and hardly know it's there (It's kinds like NYC- everybody should go there once, but no need to ever go back again Their tourism doesn't drift very far from the Dells proper (Is that why they call it The Driftless Area?)


Don't exclude the general area of the Dells from your enquiries. Besides the natural beauty of the terrain, that end of Sauk Co. has very easy access to Madison along I94 or Rt 12.

[Stone1]

Since you mentioned LaCrosse County as a possible place, I would encourage you to check the area out. It is big enough to offer most any shopping you would need, downtown LaCrosse seems to have made nice changes the past few years with more food and entertainment options, there are farmers markets and many festivals in the area and if you do want a visit to a bigger city, you have Rochester, Minneapolis or Madison only 1 to 2 hours away. It also looks like you are a little flexible on where you live so there should be some options on the land you want.

[Bellacatahoula]

There are many exceptional areas in Wisconsin to retire in,
but my advice/.02 cents would be to visit and explore Green County. It has everything you mentioned and then some.
It's Swiss influence is seen immediately with tradition, architecture, food, drink, and a love of cheese!