Milwaukee Area, WI 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Milwaukee, WI area offers an ideal setting for retirees looking for a fun and active lifestyle. With its stunning lakefront views and diverse cultural offerings, Milwaukee is a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Retirees can enjoy taking leisurely strolls along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, exploring the city's numerous parks and greenspace, or discovering its world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and other entertainment. 

Milwaukee Area Affordability and Cost of Living

Milwaukee is a relatively affordable city with a cost of living that is lower than the national average, according to Best Places. The cost of housing in the area is also below the U.S. average, with a median home price currently in the mid to high $100s. Groceries in Milwaukee are more affordable, and healthcare costs are typically lower than in many other areas of the country. Transportation costs are fairly reasonable, with gas prices below the national average and the city's public transportation system being affordable and accessible.

Milwaukee has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 5.5 percent, which is lower than the national average of 6.0 percent, according to Kiplinger's State-by-State Guide to Taxes. While property taxes are relatively high, Wisconsin does not tax Social Security benefits or most retirement income, making the Badger State tax-friendly for retirees looking to remain in or move to the area. Wisconsin does not have an estate tax, but it does have an inheritance tax that applies to estates valued over $2 million.

Milwaukee Area Climate and Geography

Milwaukee has a humid continental climate, allowing retirees choosing the area to enjoy four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid 80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold and snowy with average low temperatures in the teens. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit. Milwaukee is known for its "lake effect" snow, which occurs when cold air passes over the warmer waters of Lake Michigan, resulting in heavy snowfall and sometimes even thundersnow.

Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, which provides residents with a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is home to several beaches and parks along the lakefront, including Bradford Beach, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and popular volleyball courts. The nearby Milwaukee River offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic riverfront walks. The area is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, which provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment Near Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee  offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, world-class museums, or live music performances, Milwaukee is sure to please any 55+ homebuyer choosing to live in the area.

Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Near Milwaukee Area

• Valley Green Golf Course
• Brookfield Hills Golf Course
• Shoop Park Golf Course
• Muskego Lakes Country Club
• River Tennis Club
• Elm Grove Tennis Club
• Riverwalk Commons Pickleball Courts
• Cooper Park Pickleball Court

Outdoor Recreation Near Milwaukee Area

The city has a network of trails and parks for walking, hiking, and biking.  The popular Oak Leaf Trail stretches for more than 135 miles and connects many of the parks and greenspace throughout the area.

Gardens Near Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee is home to several gardens, aquariums, and zoos. One popular destination is the Milwaukee County Zoo, which features more than 1,800 animals from around the world and is open year-round. Another must-see attraction is the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as "The Domes," which features three distinct ecosystems and hosts various seasonal events.

Museums and Historic Sites Near Milwaukee Area

For history buffs and art lovers, Milwaukee has a variety of museums and historic locations to explore. The Milwaukee Art Museum houses more than 25,000 works of art from ancient to contemporary times. Another interesting destination is the Harley-Davidson Museum, which showcases the history and culture of this iconic American brand. Milwaukee has several historic landmarks and districts, including the Pabst Mansion, a stunning 19th-century mansion that is now a museum, and the Historic Third Ward, a trendy neighborhood filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Annual Events Near Milwaukee Area

• Wisconsin State Fair
• Summerfest
• Milwaukee Blues Festival
• Great Midwest Book Fest
• Art in Bloom
• PrideFest Milwaukee
• Tosa Greek Fest

Music Near Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee has a thriving music scene, with venues like the Riverside Theater and the Pabst Theater hosting performances by world-renowned artists. Other popular music venues in the Milwaukee area include Miller High Life Theatre, Northern Lights Theater, and Turner Hall.

Shopping Near Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee offers a variety of shopping options, from unique boutiques to large shopping centers. One popular shopping destination is the Historic Third Ward, which is filled with trendy shops and galleries. Another option is Mayfair Mall, which features more than 160 stores and restaurants.

Spectator Sports Near Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee is home to several college and professional sports teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball team and the Milwaukee Bucks National Basketball Association team. Both teams have state-of-the-art stadiums and arenas that attract fans from around the region.

Milwaukee Area Health and Wellness

Milwaukee has an impressive health care system with multiple medical centers and hospitals, making it an ideal location for active adults seeking quality health care. The top-rated hospitals in the Milwaukee area include the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, which is nationally ranked in multiple specialties, including cardiology and cancer care. Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, and Aurora West Allis Medical Center are also highly rated. 

Milwaukee has many health and wellness resources, including fitness centers, yoga studios, and senior-focused programs such as SilverSneakers. The Milwaukee Recreation Department offers various fitness programs, including senior fitness classes, yoga, and dance, to help individuals maintain their physical health. Milwaukee has a variety of health food stores, making it easy to access fresh, nutritious food. The area has numerous spas and wellness centers that offer massages, meditation classes, and other relaxing treatments. With the wide range of healthcare and wellness resources available in Milwaukee, active adults can feel confident in their ability to maintain their health and well-being.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Milwaukee Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day off with a cup of coffee at Colectivo Coffee. This local coffee chain offers delicious coffee and pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
• After coffee, head over to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The museum is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and boasts a world-class art collection. Spend a couple of hours browsing the galleries and admiring the architecture.
• For lunch, visit the Milwaukee Public Market. This indoor market offers a variety of food options, from sandwiches to sushi. Enjoy your lunch at one of the communal tables or take it to go and have a picnic in one of Milwaukee's beautiful parks.

Afternoon:

• Spend the afternoon exploring local parks. Start with a visit to the Boerner Botanical Gardens. This 12-acre garden offers beautiful flowers and plants in a serene setting.
• Next, head over to Lake Park. This park offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and a variety of activities, including hiking trails and a disc golf course.
• For dinner, visit Harbor House. This seafood restaurant offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and a variety of fresh seafood options.

Evening:

• End the day by enjoying the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. This world-class orchestra performs in the stunning Bradley Symphony Center.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day off with breakfast at Blue's Egg. This popular breakfast spot offers delicious omelets, pancakes, and other breakfast dishes.
• After breakfast, meet with your local 55places expert in the late morning or early afternoon to tour some 55+ communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• After your tour, head over to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as “The Domes.” This indoor botanical garden offers three domes filled with a variety of plant life from around the world.
• For dinner, we recommend Sanford Restaurant. This upscale restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu in an elegant atmosphere.

Evening:

• End the day with a show at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. This award-winning theater company offers a variety of productions throughout the year.

Getting to Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee is easily accessible from anywhere in the country. For those traveling by car, major highways such as I-94, I-43, and I-794 provide easy access to the city. Those arriving by air can fly into the General Mitchell International Airport, which is located about 8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, United, and Southwest, with non-stop flights to many major cities in the US. Amtrak also provides train service to Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Intermodal Station located in the downtown area.

Retiring to Milwaukee can be a great choice for many reasons. The city offers a diverse range of cultural activities, museums, and recreational opportunities. It has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major US cities, making it an affordable place to retire. Milwaukee is known for its friendly Midwestern hospitality, which can make it an easy place to meet new friends and feel at home.