When most people think of Wisconsin, they think of cheese. And it’s true, the cheese is great here—but Wisconsin independent living has a lot more to offer. With the highest concentration of lakes of any state nationwide, Wisconsin is set along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan—so it’s not hard to find lakeside views. Over 5 million people live in Wisconsin, many of whom have German-American ancestry. You can find bustling cities such as Milwaukee, sophisticated college towns such as Madison, and relaxed small towns and lakeside communities offering high standards of living throughout the state.
Wisconsin has four distinct seasons, with warm but fairly mild summers and cold winters. Wisconsin offers plenty of outdoor activities, particularly centered around its many lakes; the opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, and other water sports are endless.
Cost of living and home prices in Wisconsin are about the same as the national average, although wealthy suburbs surrounding towns like Milwaukee and Madison will cost more than homes in more rural areas. Wisconsin taxes are approximately average compared to other states throughout the country, with a 6.75% income tax on the highest bracket. However, there are no estate or inheritance taxes in Wisconsin.
If you’re interested in exploring Wisconsin senior communities, the following towns and cities are a great place to start.
Madison
With consistent rankings at the top of nationwide lists for best retirement destinations, Madison is situated between Lake Mendota and Lake Monoma, on a narrow isthmus—so lakeside views aren’t hard to come by here. It’s a bustling college town with plenty of quirky bookstores, upscale boutiques, fine dining and sidewalk cafés, and cultural and artistic events and attractions. In addition, its surrounding natural beauty is unparalleled. Its 30-mile network of paved trails for joggers and bikers are lit, snowplowed, and well-maintained throughout all times of year.
Stevens Point
A great place for active seniors who love the outdoors, Stevens Point offers the Green Circle Trail, stretching for over 30 miles and offering great skiing and biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in wintertime. The town is near Standing Rocks County Park and Iverson Park, offering plenty of winter recreation in the form of cross country trails, downhill ski slopes, tobogganing and tubing trails. The nearby Wisconsin River offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water in the summertime, and residents can also work on their golf game at one of two public golf courses.
Appleton
Located on the Fox River about a hundred miles north of Milwaukee, Appleton is a mid-sized town with a population of approximately 78,000. The city has a beautiful historic downtown, offering such attractions as the Hearthstone House, an 1881 mansion that was the first in the world powered by hydroelectricity. There’s a historical museum, art galleries, and the Fox River Mall—the third largest in the country. Retirees in Appleton appreciate that are also several excellent medical facilities in the area, including St. Elizabeth Hospital, Thedeacare Hospital, and the Appleton Medical Center.
Wisconsin senior housing has plenty to attract retirees—including access to the best Wisconsin small villages, big cities, and university towns have to offer. Those living in Wisconsin assisted living facilities enjoy the outdoors, including the state’s many lakes and opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, golf, hiking, biking, and more. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant and artistic college town, a relaxed small town, or an exciting big city, you’ll find it with Wisconsin senior communities. Check out our website’s free listing of independent living communities in Wisconsin, and get started finding your ideal retirement community in Wisconsin.
