Milwaukee Communities

Surrounding Communities

What makes Milwaukee such a great place to live? The communities of the metropolitan area, each of which offers a quality of life that can't be beat. Looking for an urban setting that's close to downtown or a rural outpost where you can enjoy nature? There is something here for everyone. Each of the five counties in the metropolitan area has its own distinct character. Milwaukee County seethes with energy. Waukesha is one of the fasted-growing counties in the state, yet it still boasts thousands of acres of natural habitat. The rolling hills of Washington County offer beautiful scenery, while historic Ozaukee County recalls life in the 19th Century with its miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan beachfront. Racine County has a thriving, modern marina and is an urban center of its own. 

Given the many wonderful options, choosing where to live may be one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make. One of your primary considerations will likely be finding a home near where you or your partner will work. Fortunately, Milwaukee's average commute time is among the lowest in the country, which means it's possible to live anywhere in the metropolitan area and still be close to the urban amenities of downtown Milwaukee.

Included on our website are descriptions of the five diverse counties in metropolitan Milwaukee: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Ozaukee and Washington. Communities in Wisconsin are either cities, villages or towns, designations that are based on the municipality's legal and political structure and is not related to the community's population. Beginning on page 73 of the current edition of Discover Milwaukee, you will find a detailed narrative about life in each county is followed by brief descriptions and statistical data on every municipality. Click on the "Order Copy Now" button to receive your free copy.

Where Sales Are “Hot”

While home sales have been strong throughout the greater metropolitan area, certain communities are experiencing an extremely active market, both in terms of the number of listings and the speed with which homes are sold.
In addition to Downtown Milwaukee, the Third Ward and the Fifth Ward, the communities with the most active home sales markets are Bay View, Mequon, Shorewood, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Delafield, Cedarburg, Grafton, Sussex, Brookfield, Muskego and Mukwonago.

    Suburban Living & Lake Country Waukesha County, located just west of Milwaukee County, offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living. On its eastern edge are the populous - and prosperous - suburbs of Brookfield, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls 
    Historic Villages & Suburban Energy Located just to the north of Milwaukee County, Ozaukee is the second-smallest county in the state and the least-populated county in the metropolitan area; however, it is a virtual treasure chest of historical sites
    A New Engine of Economic Growth Racine County has something to offer everyone - from luxury condominiums overlooking a modern marina, to a quiet lake lot reminiscent of Scandinavia.
    Gateway to the Kettle Moraine Steeped in history and anchored in nature, Washington County has a distinctively rural feel. The county's population totals nearly 137,000 and is growing rapidly.