Normally, when we review a state that has such bad weather conditions, it doesn’t rank that highly. However, Wisconsin ranks 36th best state to retire to. That might feel a bit low but when you consider the weather conditions, it’s amazing it ranked that high. Wisconsin offers retirees a combination of low crime, above average affordability, and a strong healthcare system. The state has a high state income tax, but offers an exemption on social security, which can be beneficial for retirees. Wisconsin also has above average affordability in real estate and the cost of goods, making it an attractive option for those looking to retire on a budget. However, the state is known for its harsh winters, so those considering retiring to Wisconsin should be prepared for cold weather. Despite this, Wisconsin offers a number of retirement communities and is worth considering for those looking to retire in a state with historically low crime and affordable living. In this article, we will explore some of the best cities in Wisconsin to retire to highlighting their amenities, healthcare, and cost of living.
Madison
MadisonOne city that stands out as a great option for retirees is Madison. Located in the south-central part of the state, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and offers a vibrant and active community. The city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which provides a variety of cultural and educational opportunities.
One of the landmarks of Madison is the State Capitol building, which sits on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. The building, which was completed in 1917, is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture and features a distinctive dome. The Capitol building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Another popular landmark in Madison is the Henry Vilas Zoo. The zoo, which is owned by the city and operated by the Madison Area Zoological Society, is home to over 1,000 animals and features a variety of exhibits, including a primate house, an aquarium, and a children’s zoo. The zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family, and admission is free.
In terms of healthcare, Madison has a number of top-rated hospitals, including the UW Health University Hospital, Meriter Hospital, and St. Mary’s Hospital. It’s one reason why Wisconsin ranks in the top 10 for healthcare. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation.
The cost of living in Madison is slightly higher than the national average, but it is still relatively affordable compared to other cities in the region. The median home price in Madison is around $300,000, and the city has a relatively low unemployment rate. Despite efforts to defund the police in this city, the crime rate still remains low.
Milwaukee
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the southeastern part of the state, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and offers a diverse and vibrant community. Retirees like this “big city” because although it’s larger than many small towns it’s got a certain small town appeal and being near the water doesn’t hurt either. In addition, Milwaukee has a number of amenities that have some surprising history. The Milwaukee Art Museum, which is home to over 30,000 works of art, for example. The museum, which was founded in 1888, features a variety of collections, including American, European, and contemporary art. The museum also has a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to the famous “wings” of the Quadracci Pavilion, which open and close daily.
The Milwaukee zoo, which is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, is home to over 2,000 animals and features a variety of exhibits, including a primate house, a petting zoo, and a children’s zoo. The zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family, and admission is free for Milwaukee County residents.
In terms of healthcare, Milwaukee has a number of top-rated hospitals, including the Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Froedtert Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. Surprisingly, the median home price in Milwaukee is around $200,000, which is lower than Madison, and the city has a relatively low unemployment rate.
Green Bay
From the fields of the frozen Tundra. If you’ve ever watched a NFL Films show and Green Bay was playing you heard these lines. Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers, one of the most iconic and successful teams in the National Football League. The stadium, which was built in 1957, has a seating capacity of over 81,000 and is known for its raucous fans and frozen field. Lambeau Field is a must-see for any football fan and is a great place to experience the excitement of a Packers game. In addition, many of the fans are fractional owners of the team! Located in the northeastern part of the state, Green Bay is the third-largest city in Wisconsin and offers a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
Another historic attraction is the Neville Public Museum. The museum, which was founded in 1916, is a Smithsonian Affiliate and features a variety of exhibits, including natural history, art, and science. The museum also has a planetarium and a hands-on science center, making it a great place for families to explore and learn.
The Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Bellin Health, and St. Vincent Hospital all help make Wisconsin a leader in heal care. Green Bay is amazingly affordable with a median home price in Green Bay is around $150,000.
La Crosse
Located in the southwestern part of the state, La Crosse is a small city with a population of around 51,000. The city is known for its beautiful location on the Mississippi River and its friendly, welcoming community. La Crosse might be our favorite city if you’re retiring to Wisconsin.
If you’re looking for a place with some heritage on the Mississippi, La Crosse is for you. The Hixon House, a historic mansion that was built in 1856, features a variety of exhibits, including antique furniture and artwork. The Hixon House is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and is a great place to learn about the history of La Crosse. In addition, you’ll find more Mississippi lore on the La Crosse Queen, a riverboat that offers scenic cruises on the Mississippi River. The boat, which is modeled after the steamboats of the 19th century, offers a variety of cruises, including dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and sightseeing cruises. The La Crosse Queen is a great way to experience the beauty of the Mississippi River and learn about the history of the area.
Unintentionally, the biggest landmark, 2nd to only Lambeau field might be the world famous Mayo Clinic Health System, located right in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
In general, La Crosse has great affordability with costs similar to Green Bay.
Eau Claire
No, it’s not time for an famous ice cream, it’s Eau Claire is a small city with a population of around 70,000. The city is known for its beautiful parks and trails and its lively arts and music scene.
One of the places to experience this scene is the Phoenix Park, a beautiful park located on the banks of the Eau Claire River. The park, which was established in 1872, features a variety of recreational facilities, including a playground, a band shell, and a skate park. The park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, and it is also the site of many of Eau Claire’s popular festivals and events.
Like La Crosse, Eau Claire has a number of top-rated hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic Health System, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, and Marshfield Medical Center.
Wisconsin offers a variety of cities that can be great options for retirees. Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, La Crosse and Eau Claire are all great choices, each offering their own unique landmarks, and cost of living.
