Milwaukee
Known as the Brew City, Milwaukee is home to some of the nation’s best breweries, a trend that’s spreading nationwide. Along with an abundance of craft beer, you’ll find picturesque views of Lake Michigan, a thriving local economy, and a world-class collection of museums and galleries. Throughout the summer months, the community celebrates its diverse heritage through a series of festivals connected to the city’s differing cultures. These fun-filled festivals include the African World Fest, German Fest, Irish Fest, Indian Summer Festival, and Feta Italiana. The annual Summerfest is the largest music festival in the world, and has been since 1999, featuring more than 800 acts over the course of 11 days. With a low cost of living and a wide range of affordable apartments, condos, and houses for rent, living in Milwaukee is within reach for any anyone.
Kenosha
Living in Kenosha combines lakefront beauty with city amenities. Located along Lake Michigan's southwestern shore, this Wisconsin city offers housing options from downtown apartments in historic buildings to newer communities in established neighborhoods. The waterfront area features HarborPark, where residents enjoy walking paths, museums, and the heritage streetcar system. The city maintains 74 public parks, including Petrifying Springs Park with its hiking trails and seasonal Biergarten. History and culture enthusiasts can explore four museums with Smithsonian affiliations. The rental market remains steady with average one-bedroom apartments at $1,210, showing a 0.6% increase over the past year, while two-bedroom units average $1,426. Kenosha's location offers easy access to both Milwaukee and Chicago via the Metra commuter rail line, making it an excellent choice for commuters. Downtown Kenosha continues to grow, anchored by local establishments like Frank's Diner, a historic restaurant featured on national television. The community comes together at events like the weekly HarborMarket, which offers local produce and artisanal goods, and numerous lakefront festivals during summer months. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Carthage College, and Gateway Technical College.
Pleasant Prairie
Located between Kenosha and the Illinois state line, Pleasant Prairie is a peaceful suburban village nestled alongside Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Pleasant Prairie’s tranquil atmosphere is complemented by its many opportunities for exciting outdoor recreation. Pleasant Prairie is home to the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex, the largest municipal recreation facility in the country, containing a broad range of parks, fields, and facilities. The RecPlex also hosts a variety of camps, outdoor events, and triathlons for the community to enjoy. Residents also have access to Big Oaks Golf Course, Kenosha Sand Dunes, and nearby Anderson Park. Shopping options abound at the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, which is home to more than 90 major retailers offering exceptional discounts every day. Pleasant Prairie also contains Jelly Belly Center, featuring interactive exhibits and games celebrating the most famous jelly beans. Pleasant Prairie sits within easy driving distance of Milwaukee and Chicago, placing residents within close reach of countless metropolitan amenities.
