Timmerman West - Milwaukee, WI

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Milwaukee area was visited by French missionaries and fur traders. A trading post was established in 1785 by Alexis Laframboise, who is considered the first European settler in the Milwaukee region. The original name of the settlement was "Milwaukie" -- it was quietly changed by a newspaper in the 1830s to "Milwaukee" and the name change stuck. Milwaukie, Oregon was named for Milwaukee in 1847, before the new spelling was fully accepted. Visit the Old Falls Village in Menomonee Falls to learn more about the history of Milwaukee. This historic village and museum provides a step back into the 19th century through its historic houses, a school, a barn, and more. The centerpiece of this 17-acre park is the Miller-Davidson House, built in 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The village hosts celebration days in May and an Artist Ride in September.

Food and entertainment can be found within two blocks of the West Silver Spring Drive and North Lovers Lane Road intersection. Diners on Lovers Lane can depend on the Athens Family Restaurant. Regulars know to come in for the extensive breakfast menu. Make sure to drop in on a Sunday for all you can eat buffet from 9AM to 4PM. For a memorable dining experience, visit Pho Lovers Vietnamese restaurant. Patrons are welcomed and remembered by the amiable owners. Have a smoothie or cup of tea with an order of pho. Roufus Pettis Showtime Sports Bar is open until at least 2 am daily. UFC fights are broadcast on HD projectors and plasma screens. Get your party started with buffalo wings, and fill up on a black and bleu burger. Revelers with big appetites can knock out a rib eye steak under mushrooms and caramelized onions.

Timmerman West is served by U.S. Route 45 and U.S. Route 41. Other major streets include North Lovers Lane and West Silver Spring Drive. Timmerman West residents have the advantage of living next to the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport, which serves the Milwaukee chapter of Youth and Aviation, two civil air patrol squadrons and several public and private entities. Milwaukee County Transit System, known as MCTS, runs bus service on North Lovers Lane Road, West Silver Spring Drive, North 91st Street, Hampton Road, and North 107th Street. Residents can ride a bus and find a stop no more than three blocks away from their destination. Bicyclists can get around easily, as well. Major city streets are paved with wide shoulders, and minor roads are lined by sidewalks. Walking is also an option in Timmerman West, especially when combined with MCTS. AAA Airport Express & Taxi is headquartered just southwest of Timmerman West, so residents needing services to Mitchell International airport should have no trouble getting a ride. Shopping centers in Timmerman West provide free parking lots for their customers, and the neighborhood streets are wide enough to accommodate free parking for visiting relatives and friends.

The Menomonee River Parkway stretches across the western edge of the neighborhood. River Parkway follows the Menomonee River from West Capitol Drive north to West Bradley Road. Children come for the playgrounds and open running spaces, while adults like to walk, bike, and jog Oak Leaf Trail. The parkway has been a perennial favorite for more than 30 years and continues to provide fun memories for local residents and visitors. The nearest annual festival is the highly-celebrated TosaFest of Wauwatosa. All are welcome to attend, taste unique foods, hear live music, and immerse themselves in the fun family atmosphere every September.

Living in Timmerman West offers the best of urban and suburban life. The cost of living is one percent lower than that of Milwaukee, and the median rent in Timmerman West is $688. Public commuters can travel to downtown Milwaukee in 90 minutes by connecting three bus routes for a total of $6 -- or $4 with a one-day pass. Gas prices are four percent lower than the national average. Beer can be found for as low as $2 at area bars.

Shopping in Timmerman West happens at the Lovers Lane Road and Silver Spring Drive intersection, Applecrest Plaza shopping center, and U.S. Route 41. Schlossmann Motorcycles of Milwaukee, just west of Timmerman, sells high-powered motorcycles that are as stunning as they are fast. Find roadsters, rally bikes, and new and preowned bikes from all major manufacturers. The Facial Boutique just east of Timmerman on West Hampton Avenue and Wisconsin highway 181 specializes in pampering and relaxation. Try the vitamin C facial for healthy glowing skin or a stress-relief facial designed for the hard-working professional. Pick'n Save in the Applecrest Plaza shopping center supplies Timmerman West residents with complete grocery services. Customers can purchase fresh meats from the deli, order a specialty cake from the bakery, and pick up fresh produce from area farmers. Taj Grocery specializes in Indian and Asian grocery needs. Stock up on Asian spices and ingredients needed to make classic Indian cuisine, find Asian sweets, and pick out Bollywood favorites for rent or purchase. Taj Grocery is located on North Lovers Lane Road across the street from Milwaukee Harley-Davidson. Nearby Butler, Wisconsin, hosts the Butler Farmers Market between June and October annually. Find produce fresh from local farmers, ready-to-serve foods, locally-harvested apples, jams, and popcorn among other treats.