Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Wauwatosa sits at 117.4 per 100K. With a population of 47,718, Wauwatosa is a smaller city. Rent is about $1,373/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Worth the trade-offs?
14 upvotes
24 Replies
Aaron T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
sacramento_lucy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Dylan Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Leonardo
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Connor M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Allison Parker
yep
31 upvotes
Hailey W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Leo Miller
I work in manufacturing here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is average. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Kennedy F.
+1
28 upvotes
Luke Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
Emma Long
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The dating scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Greyson G.
big facts right here
24 upvotes
dc_mateo
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
21 upvotes
Ruby N.
lol so true
20 upvotes
Kai W.
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Camila Allen
following this thread
18 upvotes
Sebastian Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 52, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Melanie Alvarez
Totally agree!
18 upvotes
Nicholas Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Natalie Bailey
bump
17 upvotes
Axel Gomez
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The nightlife is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Grayson Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
William N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Westside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
0 upvotes
Emma R.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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