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2018 Best Suburbs to Live in the Milwaukee AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 79
Best Places to Live
79 results

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  1. Whitefish Bay

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 20
    1 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: I loved growing up in Whitefish Bay! I went to Holy Family (a Catholic school in WFB) for grades K-8, and then attended Whitefish Bay High School. I had amazing experiences at both. The sense of community here is fantastic, and I also love the many beaches and parks that this suburb offers. WFB has beautiful homes and is overall a great place for families to live!
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 14,099 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Elm Grove

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 18
    2 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Elm Grove is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 5,934 at the 2010 census. Elm Grove was named as America's best suburb by Business Insider in October 2014.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 6,127 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Fox Point

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 8
    3 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: I love how family friendly Fox Point is! So many kids on every block and endless amount of neighborhood friends.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 6,706 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Shorewood

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 35
    4 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Shorewood is a safe, walkable, bike-friendly community a block from UWM. There is a bike trail that can take you almost anywhere in the city and by the beautiful Lake Michigan. The schools are some of the best in the state. Shorewood has beautiful old homes. Property taxes in Wisconsin are expensive, but you get wonderful benefits. I have lived here for 13 years and my husband and I plan on retiring here. I will be able to walk to the library and stores as long as my body can stay active.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,367 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Bayside

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 16
    5 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Niche User: The police are always around. They're always patrolling, always hanging out on corners, always making sure the neighborhood is safe. So few crimes happen here it's almost comical looking at the crimes that are reported in the area newspaper where there are counts of stolen chicken or of someone driving a little too fast.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 4,450 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Cedarburg

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 14
    6 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: This city is wonderful! The downtown is amazing with cute little shops, wonderful festivals, and nice people. There is always something to do, places to go, people to see. Parks are clean and nice. The river runs through the town which makes it a beautiful place to visit, take pictures, gather.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 11,499 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Mequon

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 27
    7 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Former Resident: I was born in Israel and moved to Mequon WI Between the ages 2-6. Overall, I remember my experience living there as amazing. I made friends that I am still in touch with today, and I started my golf career there at the age of 3. If I haven’t have lived in WI I would probably not be playing golf today because in Israel, there is only one golf course in the whole country. The weather in Mequon is very different from Israel’s weather. I enjoyed skiing in the winter, and the beautiful colors of the fall. I conclusion, I am very happy that I had the opportunity to live six years of my life in Mequon.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,787 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Brookfield

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 74
    8 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Brookfield has been my home for almost 19 years now. There are numerous reasons on why I have loved living here my whole life. First, everything is close by, such as grocery stores, malls, different gas stations, movie theaters, restaurants, parks, gyms, schools, anything you name and Brookfield has it. Second, I've had the best time growing up and going to the different schools that this city has to offer. Also, the people in Brookfield are never shy to support their local high school team in football or basketball; therefore, they come to support the name of their city too. Lastly, due to the fact that I'm going to a college only 20 minutes away from my house, I must like Brookfield a lot since I'm staying close to home. Once a Brookfieldian, always a Brookfieldian!
    Read 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 37,943 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. River Hills

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 1
    9 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 1,558 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Thiensville

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 14
    10 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Thiensville is an adorable community right outside of Milwaukee. It may only be one square mile, but it is full of history and completed by a friendly and safe community. Although it is family friendly, there is not that much to do besides go to the park and walk to the local coffee shop.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 3,182 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Wauwatosa

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 99
    11 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: I have lived in Wauwatosa for 3.5 weeks now. The neighbors in my small area are very friendly. I love how this part of Milwaukee has kept up their curb appeal. The old houses are beautiful and make for a beautiful walk of 'sightseeing' around the town. For runners, dog walker and all alike, I simply would like to see sidewalks on the roads that do not have them. Wauwatosa seems to be a very safe, family friendly place. It is clean and has plenty of recreational areas to enjoy. I love the parks, kids playing, dog friendly streets with grass and trees. The area is beautiful, and I can only imagine the beauty that comes this fall!
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 47,687 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Glendale

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 18
    12 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Glendale was overall, a wonderful city to grow up in. There's plenty to do without travelling too far, but not so big that it's overwhelming. There are parks within a short walk and an extensive bike path many people use to exercise. The schools also have very good educational programs. Bayshore mall is a great place to meet up with friends, get a bite to eat, and do some shopping. There are a couple libraries which I would use frequently to study at, since I could find any reference book I needed. Public transport is not the easiest to arrange in some areas, however. Winters in Glendale are very cold, and summers are pretty hot.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 12,868 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Nashotah

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 2
    13 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: I have lived in Nashotah since I was two years old. I consider this community my home and I wouldn't trade it for the world! Nashotah runs deep in my veins and will forever hold a place in my heart.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 1,305 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Merton

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 3
    14 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 3,574 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Delafield

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 32
    15 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Delafield is a fantastic area filled with incredible people. During the summertime, there are local beaches with tons of fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Downtown there are several small shops that are great to stop in to buy something and support the local economy. During the holidays, there are always community events to help everyone celebrate together. No matter what time of year, Delafield is a wonderful place to explore!
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 7,298 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Hartland

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 20
    16 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: The school districts in the area are phenomenal, which is one of my biggest concerns as a single mother of 2. Being in the "lake country" area where the majority of residents are in the middle to high income class can be intimidating at times, but overall we enjoy living here. The one thing I would love to see a change in is the snooty attitude of residents in Hartland!
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 9,218 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Greendale

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 38
    17 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Nearby Resident: Enjoy the Greendale Village, many nice shops including pizza, ice cream, salons, clothing, etc. Southridge Mall is located in Greendale and an awesome mall to shop and hang out. Small friendly community. The Greendale school system is very good. Nice place to shop and visit.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 14,293 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Grafton

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 18
    18 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: There is a strong resemblance between Grafton 2017 and Mequon 2000. Grafton still has that rural charm while supplying all the amenities with a mix of big box stores and boutiques. There is so much growth and expansion happening, it's amazing to watch it develop. With a hospital in the middle of the community it's hard not to see the appeal of living there. Best of all, the city just approved a nearly 40 million dollar referendum for the school district. Historically, when cities starts investing money into schools you know that will drive property values up. Young people who are buying now will see a nice return on investment. Investing in Grafton is smart choice right now because if it's anything like Mequon circa 2000 (and it's the spitting image) property values will continue to climb as the city invest more into building a strong, well developed community. While Grafton is up-and-coming, it'll win you over with the high standard of living, great schools, and tasteful curb appeal!
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 11,576 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Menomonee Falls

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 34
    19 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Works Here: Menomonee Falls is a great area! There are plenty of stores and restaurants. There are parks near water to walk along. The city are is often quite busy but nothing a person can't handle. It might slow you down a few minutes. There is enough private land on the outskirts that a person could choose to live on. Menomonee Falls is a convenient area to live as well. It is a short distance from the scenic Kettle Moraine area. It is near Germantown, Mequon and Milwaukee.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 36,411 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Wales

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 10
    20 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Former Resident: I enjoyed growing up in wales because it was a nice safe community, but it is in dire need of more diversity.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 2,558 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Pewaukee City

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 29
    21 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Pewaukee is an amazing city. When I first moved to Pewaukee, I was nervous. I knew absolutely no one. But within a month of being at the Pewaukee School District, I knew everyone in my grade. Everyone was kind, but the fact that pencils would randomly go missing was annoying. The teachers are so focused on helping the students who need extra help, enriching the community. Pewaukee lake is the gathering space for both Pewaukee City and the Village of Pewaukee. We are also home to one of the best restaurants ever, Asiana. The police are very active and kind, and as a result there is very little crime.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 14,112 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Sussex

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 14
    22 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Former Resident: A growing suburban community featuring beautiful scenery and a caring, close knit demographic. The Village is currently expanding and modernizing it's features to support the influx of citizens. Recently, they built a new Civic Center and town hall, and are also adding in more housing and strip malls right off of main street. In my personal experience working on main street, I've meet many wonderful people who care about the well-being of the community and it's members. There isn't much in the town in regards to night life; however, if you are looking to raise your family in a safe and supportive town, Sussex is right for you.
    Read 14 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 10,763 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your Area

  32. Franklin

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 92
    23 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Overall peaceful suburb, not too far from downtown Milwaukee. Other than not having many places to go in the evening, Franklin is a very calm suburb. Close to the town, there is a large shopping mall and multiple grocery stores. Since it is such a small town, many families get together at Franklin High School to watch Franklin Saber football games. The atmosphere and ambient makes everyone feel as if they were a part of one big family.
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 36,295 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Port Washington

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 16
    24 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: I'm in love with all of the parks and places to view Lake Michigan. They're well-kept, and it's a great way to get out and enjoy the day. I run to the beach from my house during the summertime every now and then, and it's so refreshing.

    As far as safety goes, I'd say that Port is very safe. We have our moments, but every place does.

    Schooling is not fantastic, but it isn't horrible. I have not attended here, but have in Grafton.

    Overall, Port is beautiful in many places, and I'm so thankful to live in such a place!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 11,589 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Germantown

    • Suburb of Milwaukee, WI
    • 30
    25 Best Suburbs to Live in Milwaukee Area

    Current Resident: Overall, Germantown is a nice area to live in. Our children attend the schools and are doing very well. It is considered a safe suburban area to raise children and the police do a great job in being proactive and keeping the community informed about trends in incidents and how to avoid them. There are a number of community events, plus Germantown is close to Milwaukee and other areas, so there is access to whatever activities you are interested in. Germantown itself is fairly quiet. It does not have a night life. I am not a night owl, so this does not bother me at all.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 19,956 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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