Washington - Kenosha, WI Area Guide

Though Native Americans first settled the Washington area tens of thousands of years ago, the neighborhood wouldn't be officially named until sometime after Europeans settled the area in the early 19th century. Due to its close proximity to the lake shore, Kenosha's reputation as a major Great Lakes shipping center grew through most of the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, the area's role in the production of automobiles throughout the 20th century acted as a boon to the city.

While the Washington neighborhood is almost completely residential, a number of restaurant options exist just on the edge of the neighborhood, frequented both by residents and visitors of downtown Kenosha. Captain Mike's reigns as one of the neighborhood's strongest eateries. This burger joint flavors its patties with a variety of interesting ingredients, such as macaroni and cheese. Patrons also enjoy the hand-cut fries and large selection of local and craft beers on tap. Soon's Sushi Cafe provides an injection of ethnic flavor into the Washington neighborhood culinary scene as home to some of the most authentic sushi in Wisconsin. The squid salad has particularly taken off amongst residents of Washington and Kenosha, and patrons also praise the freshness of the ingredients used to craft their sushi dishes. Because of its downtown environment, nightlife in Washington depends largely on bigger bars, such as the Rendezvous Tiki Lounge. This pub's reputation comes from its large crowds, cheap drinks, tropical decor and bowl specials, which come with flaming liquor in the center. For a more relaxed nightlife experience, locals recommend neighborhood pub Scotty's. Though it doesn't have any crazy gimmicks, the bar prides itself on its warm environment, cleanliness, and friendless. It's a quality corner bar by any standard.

Due to the neighborhood's urban location, locals take to their cars as the easiest way to move in and out of Washington. Although public parking can be found in paid city lots and street-side, some streets remain reserved for residents. Call ahead if you need a cab. Major roads in the neighborhood include Washington Road and 52nd Street, also known as Highway 158, both of which intersect with Highway 32, or Sheridan Road, the major north-south road in downtown Kenosha. Interstate 94 lies just 15 minutes west of Washington as well. Washington's downtown location means several public bus routes travel here. Lines 1, 3, and 6 all stop at various points throughout the neighborhood, and many Washington residents use the public bus systems daily. Walking and biking through Washington is quite possible. A trail connects two of the major parks in Washington, allowing walkers to cross through most of the neighborhood without ever having to walk on the street. Unfortunately, most of the roads in Washington do not contain dedicated biking lanes, but the area typically lacks the heavy traffic that makes biking on the road unsafe.

Two major parks dominate the landscape of Washington: Nedweski Park and Washington Park, which are connected by a walking trail. Washington Park holds the United States' oldest operating velodrome, which hosts several cycling events throughout the year and has become a point of pride amongst Washington residents. The park also hosts a public pool, complete with diving boards and water slide. In the winter, people flock to Washington park for the sledding, while the summer attracts golfing crowds to the Washington Park Municipal Course. Better than the average city course, Washington Park's golf course once earned the title of "Wisconsin's Best Sporty Course" and locals flock to it when weather permits.

The cost of living in Washington differs very little from the city average. If you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment, expect to find rent prices of approximately $700 per month, though this price can vary wildly depending on the specific apartment complex. The neighborhood's downtown location makes it quite cheap to get to the city center, with both taxis and public transportation costing roughly $5. Gasoline prices typically are about 5 percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer at a local corner pub runs customers only $2 or $3.

Much like the restaurants, the businesses and stores in Washington largely surround the neighborhood, rather than being located directly inside the mostly residential neighborhood. Head to the New Earth Store for the kinds of children's products, photo books, and interesting knickknacks you might treasure in a museum gift shop. Shoppers searching for great deals need to look no further than Washington's own Encore Consignment Boutique. Offering regular specials, Encore carries a wide range of clothing and accessories you can get for a fraction of regular retail price. Locals love the friendly, helpful sales staff and the rotating selection of items for sale. The neighborhood also hosts several grocery stores, including Harbor View Groceries and San Luis Mexican Grocery. Though not located directly in Washington, the Kenosha Harbor Market's nearby location makes it another popular source of food for residents and visitors of Washington.