Best places to live in Wisconsin
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Wisconsin
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Wisconsin using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Waunakee
- Population: 13,730
- Median home value: $346,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,013 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,845
- Top public schools: Waunakee High School (A+), Waunakee Intermediate School (A+), Arboretum Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Waunakee (unavailable), Waunakee KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4830 Morris Ct, Waunakee ($3.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $346,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,013 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,845
- Top public schools: Waunakee High School (A+), Waunakee Intermediate School (A+), Arboretum Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Waunakee (unavailable), Waunakee KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4830 Morris Ct, Waunakee ($3.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. Sussex
- Population: 10,833
- Median home value: $286,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $987 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $91,387
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Marcy Elementary School (A+), Maple Avenue Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Peace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: N69W27313 Hickory Chasm Dr Lot 22, Sussex ($779,352, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $987 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $91,387
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Marcy Elementary School (A+), Maple Avenue Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Peace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: N69W27313 Hickory Chasm Dr Lot 22, Sussex ($779,352, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Maple Bluff
- Population: 1,405
- Median home value: $542,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,417 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $152,750
- Top public schools: East High School (B+), Emerson Elementary School (B+), Shabazz City High School (B)
- Pictured: 1077 Farwell Dr, Madison ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $542,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,417 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $152,750
- Top public schools: East High School (B+), Emerson Elementary School (B+), Shabazz City High School (B)
- Pictured: 1077 Farwell Dr, Madison ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Verona
- Population: 13,004
- Median home value: $310,700 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,990
- Top public schools: Verona Area High School (A), Verona Area International School (A), New Century School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Verona (unavailable), The Goddard School - Verona (unavailable), Verona KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 30 Turnwood Cir, Verona ($2.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $310,700 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,990
- Top public schools: Verona Area High School (A), Verona Area International School (A), New Century School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Verona (unavailable), The Goddard School - Verona (unavailable), Verona KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 30 Turnwood Cir, Verona ($2.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#21. Wind Point
- Population: 1,776
- Median home value: $250,700 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $112,656
- Top public schools: Walden III High School (A), Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School (B+), The Real School (B)
- Top private schools: The Prairie School (A+)
- Pictured: 4343 N Main St, Wind Point ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $250,700 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,386 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $112,656
- Top public schools: Walden III High School (A), Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School (B+), The Real School (B)
- Top private schools: The Prairie School (A+)
- Pictured: 4343 N Main St, Wind Point ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Merton
- Population: 3,672
- Median home value: $448,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $983 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $154,464
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+), Richmond Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W292N6934 Dorn Rd, Merton ($749,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $448,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $983 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $154,464
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+), Richmond Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W292N6934 Dorn Rd, Merton ($749,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#19. Pewaukee City
- Population: 14,431
- Median home value: $315,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,645
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Pewaukee High School (A+), Asa Clark Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Academy (A-)
- Pictured: W278N2771 Rocky Point Rd, Pewaukee ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $315,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,645
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Pewaukee High School (A+), Asa Clark Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Academy (A-)
- Pictured: W278N2771 Rocky Point Rd, Pewaukee ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#18. Greendale
- Population: 14,176
- Median home value: $216,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $955 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $71,786
- Top public schools: College Park Elementary School (A+), Greendale High School (A+), Canterbury Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Martin Luther High School (A), St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Greendale Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8330 Gateway Ct, Greendale ($974,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $216,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $955 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $71,786
- Top public schools: College Park Elementary School (A+), Greendale High School (A+), Canterbury Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Martin Luther High School (A), St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Greendale Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8330 Gateway Ct, Greendale ($974,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Nashotah
- Population: 1,219
- Median home value: $367,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,193 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $100,625
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Cushing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W330N6209 Hasslinger Dr, Nashotah ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $367,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,193 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $100,625
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Cushing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W330N6209 Hasslinger Dr, Nashotah ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#16. Madison
- Population: 254,977
- Median home value: $246,300 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,118 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $65,332
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), West High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart (A+), St. Ambrose Academy (A-), Abundant Life Christian School (B+)
- Pictured: 813 Woodward Dr, Madison ($3.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $246,300 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,118 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $65,332
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), West High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart (A+), St. Ambrose Academy (A-), Abundant Life Christian School (B+)
- Pictured: 813 Woodward Dr, Madison ($3.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Glendale
- Population: 12,943
- Median home value: $220,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $77,584
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Parkway Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Torah Academy of Milwaukee (A-), Institute of Technology & Academics (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1845 W Greenwood Rd, Glendale ($549,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $220,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $77,584
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Parkway Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Torah Academy of Milwaukee (A-), Institute of Technology & Academics (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1845 W Greenwood Rd, Glendale ($549,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Shorewood Hills
- Population: 2,277
- Median home value: $665,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,709 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $123,200
- Top public schools: West High School (A+), Memorial High School (A+), Shorewood Hills Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3506 Lake Mendota Dr, Madison ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $665,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,709 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $123,200
- Top public schools: West High School (A+), Memorial High School (A+), Shorewood Hills Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3506 Lake Mendota Dr, Madison ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Thiensville
- Population: 3,157
- Median home value: $253,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $73,007
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 406 Bel Aire Dr, Thiensville ($435,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $73,007
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 406 Bel Aire Dr, Thiensville ($435,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. River Hills
- Population: 1,449
- Median home value: $642,900 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $161,719
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Indian Hill Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: University School of Milwaukee (A+)
- Pictured: 1765 W Bradley Rd, River Hills ($6.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,900 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $161,719
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Indian Hill Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: University School of Milwaukee (A+)
- Pictured: 1765 W Bradley Rd, River Hills ($6.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. Wauwatosa
- Population: 47,971
- Median home value: $242,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,116 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $82,392
- Top public schools: East High School (A), McKinley Elementary School (A), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kradwell School (B), St. Jude the Apostle School (A-), Christ King School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9225 Stickney Ave, Wauwatosa ($624,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $242,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,116 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $82,392
- Top public schools: East High School (A), McKinley Elementary School (A), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kradwell School (B), St. Jude the Apostle School (A-), Christ King School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9225 Stickney Ave, Wauwatosa ($624,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Mequon
- Population: 24,144
- Median home value: $407,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,486
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Lumen Christi Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable), Calvary Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10122 W Farmdale Estates Ct, Mequon ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $407,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,486
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Lumen Christi Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable), Calvary Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10122 W Farmdale Estates Ct, Mequon ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Middleton
- Population: 19,487
- Median home value: $336,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,081 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $76,011
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+), Northside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of Middleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4881 Enchanted Valley Rd, Middleton ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $336,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,081 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $76,011
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+), Northside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of Middleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4881 Enchanted Valley Rd, Middleton ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Bayside
- Population: 4,558
- Median home value: $341,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $101,231
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1260 E Donges Ct, Bayside ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $341,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $101,231
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1260 E Donges Ct, Bayside ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Cedarburg
- Population: 11,527
- Median home value: $303,500 (70% own)
- Median rent: $860 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $88,487
- Top public schools: Cedarburg High School (A+), Parkview Elementary School (A), Webster Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: First Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Francis Borgia School (unavailable), Cedarburg KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10303 Ann Marie Dr, Cedarburg ($859,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $303,500 (70% own)
- Median rent: $860 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $88,487
- Top public schools: Cedarburg High School (A+), Parkview Elementary School (A), Webster Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: First Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Francis Borgia School (unavailable), Cedarburg KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10303 Ann Marie Dr, Cedarburg ($859,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#6. Brookfield
- Population: 38,358
- Median home value: $318,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,526 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $108,198
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brookfield Academy (A+), St. Dominic Elementary School (unavailable), St. John Vianney School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19715 Bradon Trl W, Brookfield ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,526 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $108,198
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brookfield Academy (A+), St. Dominic Elementary School (unavailable), St. John Vianney School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19715 Bradon Trl W, Brookfield ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Fox Point
- Population: 6,650
- Median home value: $325,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,252 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $117,903
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A), Stormonth Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Eugene School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7966 N Beach Dr, Fox Point ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $325,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,252 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $117,903
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A), Stormonth Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Eugene School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7966 N Beach Dr, Fox Point ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Kohler
- Population: 2,146
- Median home value: $252,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $958 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,455
- Top public schools: Kohler High School (A+), Kohler Elementary School (A), Kohler Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 837 Briarwood Ct, Kohler ($929,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $252,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $958 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,455
- Top public schools: Kohler High School (A+), Kohler Elementary School (A), Kohler Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 837 Briarwood Ct, Kohler ($929,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#3. Shorewood
- Population: 13,290
- Median home value: $338,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,004 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $74,745
- Top public schools: Shorewood High School (A+), Lake Bluff Elementary School (A+), Atwater Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Robert Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3725 N Lake Dr, Shorewood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,004 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $74,745
- Top public schools: Shorewood High School (A+), Lake Bluff Elementary School (A+), Atwater Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Robert Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3725 N Lake Dr, Shorewood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Elm Grove
- Population: 6,153
- Median home value: $370,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $950 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $106,058
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Visitation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14225 Juneau Blvd, Elm Grove ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $370,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $950 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $106,058
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Visitation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14225 Juneau Blvd, Elm Grove ($2.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#1. Whitefish Bay
- Population: 13,972
- Median home value: $387,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $124,397
- Top public schools: Whitefish Bay High School (A+), Whitefish Bay Middle School (A+), Cumberland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dominican High School (A), St. Monica School (unavailable), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5270 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay ($7.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $387,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $124,397
- Top public schools: Whitefish Bay High School (A+), Whitefish Bay Middle School (A+), Cumberland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dominican High School (A), St. Monica School (unavailable), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5270 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay ($7.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
