Best places to raise a family in Wisconsin
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April 20, 2021
Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Wisconsin
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Wisconsin using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Cross Plains
- Population: 4,187
- Median home value: $276,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $84,861
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Glacier Creek Middle School (A), Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5487 County Road P, Cross Plains ($669,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $276,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $84,861
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Glacier Creek Middle School (A), Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5487 County Road P, Cross Plains ($669,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Glendale
- Population: 12,943
- Median home value: $220,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $77,584
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Parkway Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Torah Academy of Milwaukee (A-), Institute of Technology & Academics (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6420 N Elm Tree Rd, Glendale ($449,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $220,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,075 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $77,584
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Parkway Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Torah Academy of Milwaukee (A-), Institute of Technology & Academics (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6420 N Elm Tree Rd, Glendale ($449,900, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Cottage Grove
- Population: 7,020
- Median home value: $277,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $99,322
- Top public schools: Monona Grove High School (A), Sun Prairie High School (A), Winnequah School (A)
- Top private schools: Windsor Avenue KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 300 Fox Cir, Cottage Grove ($595,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $277,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,232 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $99,322
- Top public schools: Monona Grove High School (A), Sun Prairie High School (A), Winnequah School (A)
- Top private schools: Windsor Avenue KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 300 Fox Cir, Cottage Grove ($595,000, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Hartland
- Population: 9,268
- Median home value: $292,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $90,968
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lake Country Lutheran High School (A-), St. Charles Parish School (unavailable), Zion Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: N82W28295 Vista Dr, Hartland ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $292,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $90,968
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lake Country Lutheran High School (A-), St. Charles Parish School (unavailable), Zion Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: N82W28295 Vista Dr, Hartland ($2.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Verona
- Population: 13,004
- Median home value: $310,700 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,990
- Top public schools: Verona Area High School (A), Verona Area International School (A), New Century School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Verona (unavailable), The Goddard School - Verona (unavailable), Verona KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3296 Timber Ln, Verona ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $310,700 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,990
- Top public schools: Verona Area High School (A), Verona Area International School (A), New Century School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Verona (unavailable), The Goddard School - Verona (unavailable), Verona KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3296 Timber Ln, Verona ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#20. Sussex
- Population: 10,833
- Median home value: $286,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $987 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $91,387
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Marcy Elementary School (A+), Maple Avenue Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Peace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: N65W28136 Hickory Hill Dr, Sussex ($679,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $987 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $91,387
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Marcy Elementary School (A+), Maple Avenue Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Peace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: N65W28136 Hickory Hill Dr, Sussex ($679,900, 3 bedrooms)
#19. Shorewood Hills
- Population: 2,277
- Median home value: $665,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,709 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $123,200
- Top public schools: West High School (A+), Memorial High School (A+), Shorewood Hills Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3506 Sunset Dr, Madison ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $665,300 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,709 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $123,200
- Top public schools: West High School (A+), Memorial High School (A+), Shorewood Hills Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3506 Sunset Dr, Madison ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#18. Pewaukee City
- Population: 14,431
- Median home value: $315,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,645
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Pewaukee High School (A+), Asa Clark Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Academy (A-)
- Pictured: W277N3016 Rocky Point Rd, Pewaukee ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $315,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $104,645
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Pewaukee High School (A+), Asa Clark Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Academy (A-)
- Pictured: W277N3016 Rocky Point Rd, Pewaukee ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Waunakee
- Population: 13,730
- Median home value: $346,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,013 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,845
- Top public schools: Waunakee High School (A+), Waunakee Intermediate School (A+), Arboretum Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Waunakee (unavailable), Waunakee KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5660 Cobblestone Ln, Waunakee ($1.2 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $346,300 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,013 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,845
- Top public schools: Waunakee High School (A+), Waunakee Intermediate School (A+), Arboretum Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John the Baptist Catholic School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Waunakee (unavailable), Waunakee KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5660 Cobblestone Ln, Waunakee ($1.2 million, 8 bedrooms)
#16. Greendale
- Population: 14,176
- Median home value: $216,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $955 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $71,786
- Top public schools: College Park Elementary School (A+), Greendale High School (A+), Canterbury Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Martin Luther High School (A), St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Greendale Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8221 Fairmont Ln, Greendale ($425,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $216,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $955 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $71,786
- Top public schools: College Park Elementary School (A+), Greendale High School (A+), Canterbury Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Martin Luther High School (A), St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Greendale Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8221 Fairmont Ln, Greendale ($425,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Wauwatosa
- Population: 47,971
- Median home value: $242,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,116 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $82,392
- Top public schools: East High School (A), McKinley Elementary School (A), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kradwell School (B), St. Jude the Apostle School (A-), Christ King School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9225 Stickney Ave, Wauwatosa ($624,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $242,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,116 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $82,392
- Top public schools: East High School (A), McKinley Elementary School (A), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kradwell School (B), St. Jude the Apostle School (A-), Christ King School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9225 Stickney Ave, Wauwatosa ($624,900, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Thiensville
- Population: 3,157
- Median home value: $253,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $73,007
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 615 Crescent Ln, Thiensville ($349,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $73,007
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 615 Crescent Ln, Thiensville ($349,900, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Middleton
- Population: 19,487
- Median home value: $336,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,081 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $76,011
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+), Northside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of Middleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6713 Shamrock Glen Cir, Middleton ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $336,900 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,081 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $76,011
- Top public schools: Middleton High School (A+), Sunset Ridge Elementary School (A+), Northside Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of Middleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6713 Shamrock Glen Cir, Middleton ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#12. Mequon
- Population: 24,144
- Median home value: $407,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,486
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Lumen Christi Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable), Calvary Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11266 N Lakeview Pl, Mequon ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $407,000 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,561 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,486
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Steffen Middle School (A), Oriole Lane Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Lumen Christi Catholic School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable), Calvary Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11266 N Lakeview Pl, Mequon ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Nashotah
- Population: 1,219
- Median home value: $367,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,193 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $100,625
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Cushing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W330N6264 Hasslinger Dr, Nashotah ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $367,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,193 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $100,625
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Lake Country School District (A+), Cushing Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: W330N6264 Hasslinger Dr, Nashotah ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. River Hills
- Population: 1,449
- Median home value: $642,900 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $161,719
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Indian Hill Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: University School of Milwaukee (A+)
- Pictured: 8415 N Pelican Ln, River Hills ($1.1 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,900 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,333 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $161,719
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A-), Indian Hill Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: University School of Milwaukee (A+)
- Pictured: 8415 N Pelican Ln, River Hills ($1.1 million, 8 bedrooms)
#9. Bayside
- Population: 4,558
- Median home value: $341,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $101,231
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 306 W Ravine Baye Rd, Bayside ($639,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $341,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,331 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $101,231
- Top public schools: Homestead High School (A+), Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 306 W Ravine Baye Rd, Bayside ($639,000, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Brookfield
- Population: 38,358
- Median home value: $318,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,526 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $108,198
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brookfield Academy (A+), St. Dominic Elementary School (unavailable), St. John Vianney School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19585 Dorchester Dr, Brookfield ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,526 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $108,198
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brookfield Academy (A+), St. Dominic Elementary School (unavailable), St. John Vianney School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19585 Dorchester Dr, Brookfield ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Fox Point
- Population: 6,650
- Median home value: $325,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,252 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $117,903
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A), Stormonth Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Eugene School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1204 E Dean Rd, Fox Point ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $325,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,252 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $117,903
- Top public schools: Nicolet High School (A+), Bayside Middle School (A), Stormonth Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Eugene School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1204 E Dean Rd, Fox Point ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Shorewood
- Population: 13,290
- Median home value: $338,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,004 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $74,745
- Top public schools: Shorewood High School (A+), Lake Bluff Elementary School (A+), Atwater Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Robert Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4460 N Farwell Ave, Shorewood ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,004 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $74,745
- Top public schools: Shorewood High School (A+), Lake Bluff Elementary School (A+), Atwater Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Robert Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4460 N Farwell Ave, Shorewood ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Merton
- Population: 3,672
- Median home value: $448,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $983 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $154,464
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+), Richmond Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: N65W28136 Hickory Hill Dr, Sussex ($679,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $448,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $983 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $154,464
- Top public schools: Arrowhead High School (A+), Swallow Elementary School (A+), Richmond Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: N65W28136 Hickory Hill Dr, Sussex ($679,900, 3 bedrooms)
#4. Cedarburg
- Population: 11,527
- Median home value: $303,500 (70% own)
- Median rent: $860 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $88,487
- Top public schools: Cedarburg High School (A+), Parkview Elementary School (A), Webster Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: First Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Francis Borgia School (unavailable), Cedarburg KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: N37W8112 Prairie View Ct, Cedarburg ($809,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $303,500 (70% own)
- Median rent: $860 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $88,487
- Top public schools: Cedarburg High School (A+), Parkview Elementary School (A), Webster Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: First Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Francis Borgia School (unavailable), Cedarburg KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: N37W8112 Prairie View Ct, Cedarburg ($809,900, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Elm Grove
- Population: 6,153
- Median home value: $370,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $950 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $106,058
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Visitation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14270 Hillside Rd, Elm Grove ($849,500, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $370,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $950 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $106,058
- Top public schools: Brookfield East High School (A+), Pilgrim Park Middle School (A+), Swanson Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's Visitation School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14270 Hillside Rd, Elm Grove ($849,500, 6 bedrooms)
#2. Kohler
- Population: 2,146
- Median home value: $252,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $958 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,455
- Top public schools: Kohler High School (A+), Kohler Elementary School (A), Kohler Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 700 Treehouse Pkwy, Kohler ($619,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $252,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $958 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $87,455
- Top public schools: Kohler High School (A+), Kohler Elementary School (A), Kohler Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 700 Treehouse Pkwy, Kohler ($619,900, 3 bedrooms)
#1. Whitefish Bay
- Population: 13,972
- Median home value: $387,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $124,397
- Top public schools: Whitefish Bay High School (A+), Whitefish Bay Middle School (A+), Cumberland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dominican High School (A), St. Monica School (unavailable), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5067 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay ($998,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $387,000 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,243 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $124,397
- Top public schools: Whitefish Bay High School (A+), Whitefish Bay Middle School (A+), Cumberland Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dominican High School (A), St. Monica School (unavailable), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5067 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay ($998,900, 4 bedrooms)
