2023 Best Suburbs to Live in the Milwaukee Area

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  122 reviews

Current Resident: Brookfield is a pleasant, comfortable place to live. The majority of the population enjoys spacious homes with yards, and some also have swimming pools. The area is clean and there are many sidewalks, which is convenient as walking and biking are effective methods of getting around when the weather is nice.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 41,020

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: Shorewood will always be home to me. In general, all residents are extremely warm and caring. I’ve never had an issue with strangers before. The community is pretty tight knit and really care for each other. There’s a big emphasis on education, specifically the music and arts program, which is amazing to see- something that’s not always done in public schools systems. Shorewood is one square mile so everything is within walking distance which is great! It encourages people to get outside more and leave the car at home. However, it’s not super bike-friendly, something that could be improved (such as more bike lanes).... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,734

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Great community, positive environment, kind people. I transferred to Whitefish Bay high school during my freshman year, and felt incredibly welcomed and appreciated.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 14,818

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  45 reviews

Current Resident: Mequon is a very cute city. It is closely connected to Thiensville, which is a smaller town bordering Mequon. All of our schools are in the Mequon-Thiensville School District, so it is easily accessible, with bus access to every school. We have multiple coffee shops and small restaurants in the area, as well as grocery stores. It is an extremely safe area, but in case of an unsafe circumstance, our police and fire departments are close-by and extremely responsive. Overall, there are many opportunities to meet new people and feel at home. There really isn't much I would change other than the housing options are very pretty, but very expensive. If the cost was lowered a bit, I think we would be able to spread more diversity in our area, which would be beneficial.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 24,814

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Elm Grove is a beautiful village tucked inside a pocket of larger suburbs of Milwaukee. It is walkable and has that quaint "small town" feel that is hard to come by these days while being super close to great schools, shopping, freeway, etc.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 6,456

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: One of Wisconsin's best kept secrets! Thiensville has or is close to all the big city bells and whistles while still maintaining that special small town feeling. My wife and I like to call it "Mayberry" because everyone is so friendly. Police get to know everyone in the village and everyone's car, which is great when it comes to spotting people who don't live in the area late at night. The fire department runs a truck through the community on Halloween handing out candy to the kids, and that truck is often seen at neighborhood block parties! Close to hospitals, major shopping and freeways but no close enough to freeways to hear the noise! Our fireworks on the 4th (actually the weekend before the 4th of July) are perhaps the best in Ozaukee County! Festivals...farmers market... fishing...I could go on and on, but you get the idea! Homes here tend to run 15-20 per cent less than Mequon and while most are older, they are just as nice, many with large yards.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,284

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Medium sized community of upperclass families. Few families with children , mostly older retired couples.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,496

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Fox Point is a great community. There are amazing parks and paths to hike. The schools are a wonderful place for kids to learn in and all the teachers are spectacular. One thing that would be nice to change are the roads. A lot of the roads are really bumpy but other then that Fox Point is a great place to live.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 6,886

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.77 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Our neighborhood in Bayside is absolutely ideal! There are large homes with large yards (so much more outdoor space than you’ll find in Shorewood or Whitefish Bay at the same price), so much nature and wildlife, a very friendly police presence, and incredibly friendly and helpful neighbors. We love that we are in such close proximity to the beautiful nature and hiking trails at the Schlitz Audubon, but yet are also remarkably close to freeway access (it’s a quick 12-15 minutes to downtown Milwaukee!).... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 4,579

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived here for almost 10 yrs and I fall in love with it more here every year. The parks and trails are amazing. The local businesses are top notch. The local politicians go the extra mile to innovate and develop the city for the next generation and community involvement in local initiatives is high. Our police officers do an outstanding job of serving and conducting community outreach programs. The racial, ethnic, and religious diversity is high. Politics here are moderate and we really listen to all sides of issues over a fire and a beer. Schools are top notch. Housing prices have a wide range, from $170K-$600K to suit many budgets. 12 minute commute to downtown. The sense of community is unlike anything I’ve experienced & I can’t imagine living anywhere else!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,313

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Nashotah is near I94 making it an easy commute to Milwaukee and Madison. Located in Waukesha County Lake Country outdoor recreation options are abundant and nearby, with several lakes in the area and a large County park with hiking, X-country skiing, picnic areas and two dog parks. The public school system is outstanding. Home values are fairly high, with a few upscale subdivisions. There is not a lot of affordable housing. The is no public transportation. The area is generally politically conservative. The oldest restaurant in the state is located here, The Red Circle Inn, established as the midway point between Milwaukee and Madison in the days of travel by horse and buggy. Crime is not a problem. It is a quiet area, with many shopping and dining options nearby.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,133

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  137 reviews

Current Resident: The best thing about living in Wauwatosa for me is the community. From my experience, the majority of the people who live here are extremely welcoming and kind. There's also tons of local businesses and the school system is great.... Read 137 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 48,072

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.49 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Moved here last year. Best decision! It's like living in Mayberry and a Hallmark Movie rolled into one. My children love the schools. I love the shopping. Quiet and safe. No political signs everywhere. People mind their own business and say, 'Hi!" Very dog-friendly. I lived on the Northshore for 20 years. No comparison to the charm Cedarburg has.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 12,109

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve lived in the area for a few months now in the Wind Meadows neighborhood. We’ve felt very welcome with neighbors stopping to introduce themselves and bringing wine :) This quickly has become my favorite area I’ve ever lived in. Quick walk to Lake Michigan and great amenities in the neighborhood. Area is very quite and safe and feels like it’s a 100 miles away from a metro area. Only downside is you have to drive everywhere if you need something. Other than that I would highly recommend the area.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 1,714

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.55 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: I have spent most of my life in this peaceful town, where everyone accepts each other without judgment or violence. The town is full of fun activities like bowling and parks where I love to spend time with my friends and family. I am close to grocery stores and fast-food restaurants like Culvers (my favorite), and it is not hard to make friends since we all live in such close proximity to each other. You feel safe when walking around your neighborhood, as the fire department and elementry school is just down the road.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 11,398

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: I am 22 years old and I have spent all 22 years of my life living in Pewaukee. My parents also were born and raised in the city/village of Pewaukee. Pewaukee itself I believe is the perfect size. It has areas of interest close (such as grocery stores and shopping centers) but it also has many neighborhoods that are not too busy nor too loud. I love the location of Pewaukee as well as Madison (a great place to visit) is just about an hour and Milwaukee (another great place along with an airport) is only about 25 miles away. Altogether, I don't have many complaints about Pewaukee!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 15,589

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: The community is very tight-knit, which makes it very easy to make friends and get involved in the community. There's a kind, small-town atmosphere mixed with a quick and easy (15 or so minute) commute to downtown Milwaukee. I have had a great experience with my education here, especially since most teachers are heavily involved with the success of their students. The community is predominately white, and I wish there was more diversity. This does lead to Greendale being a bubble, which is both good and bad. There's a great sense of community, but there isn't much effort to expand outside of the bubble.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 14,735

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to grow up. I was blessed to be from such an area full of hard working people and a focus on community. Not only is Merton safe but the school district is one of the best. Highly recommended.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 3,445

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: Hartland is a community filled with amazing people and a very close community bond. There are many things to do including going to an assortment of restaurants and different activities. Community-wide activities are almost never-ending things like movie nights, breakfasts, and other activities that are almost always going on. It is also a very quiet and safe place to raise and provide for a family. If you are looking to have a vibrant party scene then Hartland is not for you because it comes with slim choices in night clubs and other activities along those lines. If you are looking for a nice, safe, and calm place to have fun or raise a family then Hartland is the community for you!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 9,457

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  47 reviews

Current Resident: Menomonee Falls is probably the best suburb of milwaukee. It is safe, our public schools are some of the best in the state, there is usually something always going on (if there isn't, downtown milwaukee is only a 15 minute drive away), and it is very family friendly. The only issues we have are quite minor. Menomonee falls is diverse, but it could be more so. And the nightlife here revolves around only a few bars, however, we are a suburb of milwaukee and there's no shortage of bars in the city.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 38,219

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I just moved to Lannon after building a new condo in the Overstone development. The town is extremely pleasant as are the neighbors. It's a very strong community in that the people who live here want to promote the beauty and family friendliness. There are beautiful parks, fantastic trails for biking, walking or running on the Bug Line and charismatic small businesses like Mibb's and Viv's. The only reason I gave four stars is because we are lacking a grocery store for quick pick-up's. I do believe that as the town grows, we may become big enough to accommodate a Sendik's or similar grocery vendor. That would make things even sweeter than they already are!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 1,292

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: Lots of outdoor activities. Easy access to a beautifly state park, Kettle Moraine, the Ice Age Trail, Veteran’s Memorial river boardwalk, and Lake Country paved bike trail. If you don’t live on the lake or have a boat, The access is not abundant. But, there are places to rent kayaks, paddle boards, or pontoon boats to gain access. We have an outdoor summer theater, lots of restaurants, and great boutiques. City festivals, farmers markets, art fairs, and other reasons together are frequent. Plus, the people are very nice, it is less expensive than some surrounding towns, and it feels very safe. I love it here!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 7,172

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Germantown, WI, (suburb of Milwaukee, WI) is a typical suburban town. Look on any Disney show that portrays a suburban family and Germantown is most likely like it. A lot of Germantown is farm and fields, but the areas with stores are populated with other stores similar, creating popular hang out spots that are convenient for grocery/food shopping. It also has many parks with a variety of park-like activities, like play sets, walking paths, water splash pads, etc. Would say it is safe with very little to no crime. Good school and education system (as a student). Surrounded by many cool nearby towns that have other cool things.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 20,780

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  138 reviews

Current Resident: Milwaukee is only about 20 minutes away. It’s a safe area, one where you can walk at night and not worry about crime in the streets. There’s nothing to do here, but everything you need is 10-20 away. I’d advise AGAINST moving to Deer Creek in the city center, as the police are there for disturbances 1-2 times a WEEK. The apartments are poorly constructed, you can hear everything above, below, outside. Management does not care at all about noise complaints, nor do they pretend to. Neighbors fighting or playing loud rap music at 12 am? “It’s apartment living.” There are plenty of nicer places nearby.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 40,289

• Suburb of Milwaukee, WI

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Port Washington is a one-of-a-kind city. This small-town atmosphere includes something for everyone, whether that be the little shops downtown, the quality restaurants, the family-friendly scenery, or the lake and beautiful marina we live on. My community is very giving and will do anything to help one another out. If you need something, you can just knock on someone's door and they get you what you need. Overall, my hometown of Port Washington is perfect for anyone looking to get a taste of small-town America!... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 12,273