Milwaukee: The Review Is In!

We love Milwaukee, it is probably my favorite city. I really think it is one of the best kept secrets in America. I can't even begin to tell you what all I love about it, but let me try without rambling excessively.

The Vibe: Milwaukee is very eclectic, artsy, locally driven, and active.

The People: hello, the friendliest! After enduring two years of Hampton Road's horrible customer service it is so refreshing to walk in to a store, office, DMV, etc. and be treated kindly. People are overall happier here.

Health Culture: I have seen very few obese people here. Sure Milwaukee folks sure do love their beer and brawts, but people tend to eat more natural local grown foods. The farmer's markets here are awesome! There is a huge biking and walking culture; if your destination is under five miles, why not bike there! Kids in our neighborhood walk to and from school. Brian tells me that the lakefront is packed with runners and boot campers before the sun even rises (I can not attest to this since I don't believe in waking up before the sun).

Style: people are so unique in the way they dress and how they decorate their homes. If you are into vintage, Milwaukee is where its at.

The Lake: its beautiful! (But as a coast guard wife I have to insert a side note here: respect the lake. Over a hundred people have died on the lake within the last two years. It can see waves in the upwards of 15 feet. Crazy, ay?)

Food: holy moly, what amazing restaurants Milwaukee boasts, many of which pride themselves in organic and locally grown foods and beers. We try to limit ourselves to eating out once a week...this is opposed to our once a month mediocre dining experience back in Virginia. Almost everything that I have eaten has been such an outstanding culinary creation . You won't see many chain restaurants here. Wonderful local coffee shops dominate the coffee turf, so long overrated Starbucks.

Architecture: I love the design of all these houses and buildings. We live in an old money neighborhood with huge beautiful homes. Every home is so unique, and everyday I find myself in aww of a home that I am just now spotting. It took me some time to get used to our old upper flat, but now I am in love with it. The fine details and design in every nook and cranny are so delightful. I might sound like a grandma here but they just don't make things like they used to!

Neighborhoods: There are so many unique areas to Milwaukee, each which provide a close knit community. I love the villages here, all with their own specialty stores, restaurants, and style.

Parks and Recreation: so many awesome parks with beautiful trails and scenery. It really makes running and biking fun again.

Okay, so maybe I did end up rambling a bit much! This really is such a great city and I am incredibly glad we unexpectedly landed here. It has become home to us, and at this point in our life we have a tough time seeing ourselves living elsewhere. Who knows where life will take us, but we are so glad to get to experience life Milwaukee style.