All 25 years of my life have been spent living in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. And, while I’ve ventured out for vacations and traveled to several places not only in the United States, but internationally, I always look forward to going home. Now, I’m entirely biased. But i believe Wisconsin is the best state to live in (or come for a visit) and I’ve complied a list of my 10 favorite reasons why!
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1. The Midwest Hospitality
Like I said I’ve traveled to so many different places. I can truly say Wisconsin has some of the nicest, most accommodating people I’ve ever met. We’re always looking to help each other out. Whether it’s holding a door open, or raising money for a struggling friend, we’re a community of people that like to make life easier for those around us.
The more I see other creators talk about midwest hospitality I can truly say we’re all very proud of it. Being able to say you’re from a place that is known for the personality of its population in such a positive way has me bragging about my home state wherever I travel!
2. Wisconsin Has All 4 Seasons
One thing I truly love about the state of Wisconsin is that we experience all four seasons exactly when you’d expect them to be! Though the winters can be quite frigid, having a white Christmas is appealing to many people! And, the winters never last forever. Soon the greenery of Spring comes up through the melting snow. It’s during this time where many of the birds return and it’s reasonable to start planting gardens.
Summer is warm but not too hot! The eighty degree July days are perfect for days at the lake or comfortably partaking in your other favorite summer activities. Fall is my favorite as it gives way to beautiful changing leaves and apple picking! The steady transition into each season means you’ll be able to take part in all the activities each season has to offer!
3. It’s A Safe State
According to CrimeGrade.org Wisconsin is in the 69th percentile for safety! As someone who has lived here my entire life, I can truly say I have never felt that I lived in an unsafe area or was unable to travel to any part of the state for fear that it wouldn’t be safe.
The city I live in has a population of about 40,000 people. I currently live right in the heart of that city and haven’t had any issues with crime surrounding my home. We seem to have a strong police presence and it makes me feel so safe! As a 25-year-old female I feel safe to walk my dog wherever I please without fear of putting myself in an unsafe situation. Most of the state is pretty rural which also provides a sense of privacy if that’s what you’re looking for!
Not to mention the state is also known for having a low number of natural disasters compared to other states!
4. Plenty of Recreation
No matter what the season or weather, you’ll be able to find something to do in the beautiful state of Wisconsin! There’s truly something for everyone whether you’re sporty or you prefer more laid back activities. Let’s break down our most popular outdoor activities by season!
Spring: hiking scenic trails, rummage sales, planting gardens, bird watching
Summer: kayaking/canoeing, fishing, swimming at the lake, visit a waterpark (Wisconsin Dells!), berry picking, baseball games, visit a fair, go to an outdoor concert
Fall: apple picking, visit a pumpkin patch, corn maze, visit a haunted house, enjoy the beautiful fall colors, football games
Winter: ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow shoeing
5. It’s Affordable!
As a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin, I feel I’m able to support my family plus have money for doing fun things like going on vacations! I was able to purchase a home as a 22-year-old in this state! There are a variety of homes and apartments in pretty much any price range you may be looking for.
Not to mention there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do. Many outdoor activities are free or low-cost to start. Even visiting attractions like waterparks and museums are pretty affordable. Wisconsin Dells is a must for me at least once every summer.
According to a variety of websites I looked at, Wisconsin has a lower cost of living than many other states! This was in many categories, all necessary for living. If you’re seriously considering moving to Wisconsin, I encourage you to do your own research first, based on the type of job you have and where you’d like to live.
6. The Green Bay Packers… and tailgating!
Ah yes, the Super Bowl XLV champions! As a Wisconsinite myself, I can truly say we’re proud of our football team. Every fall season we look forward to wearing green and gold while rooting for our favorite football team! Whether watching at home and having a football Sunday or tailgating outside of Lambeau Field, it’s sure to be a fantastic time.
If you’ve never heard of tailgating, you’re missing out! It typically occurs outside of a sports event (like a football game) and it’s basically where the party starts! Sports fans will park their vehicles and grill food and have a few drinks before heading in to watch the game. It’s a great place to meet other sports fans or simply just have a great time with your family.
7. An Interesting History
Wisconsin is known as being one of the states with a heavy native presence. There are a few tribes throughout the state that are still very functional today! Not to mention the Ice Age trail which follows the path of a glacier which ultimately formed Wisconsin’s landscape thousands of years ago! The whole trail is over a thousand miles long but it’s possible to hike a small segment of the large trail running through the state.
Laura Ingalls Wilder was also born right here in Pepin County. There is now a museum in Pepin, Wisconsin where you’ll be able to explore some of what Laura’s life was like back in the Wisconsin woods of the 1800’s. Another historical figure born in Wisconsin was Frank Lloyd Wright!
There are also several museums throughout the state where you can see displays of Wisconsin’s vast culture and history. My personal favorite of these museums is the Milwaukee Public Museum! It’s simply massive. I could spend days just reading and viewing the exhibits. This is a must-visit if you’re in the area!
I could go on and on about all the unique historical things about Wisconsin. I encourage you to visit and see for yourself!
8. Wisconsin is the Dairy State
We call ourselves cheeseheads for a reason, and it’s not just because we love the Green Bay Packers. We have been known for having a booming dairy industry and we’re proud of it! My own grandparents were dairy farmers when my dad was growing up. They even still have a farm, just on a smaller scale.
Wisconsindairy.org explains that about 25% of the dairy farms in the United States are right here in Wisconsin! It really warmed my heart to also read that 95% of those farms are owned by families. We truly love our dairy products, from milk to cheese it’s no surprise they’re involved in the meals of pretty much every family gathering. It should be no surprise that I’m a cheese lover myself, so I could never leave this cheese-loving state!
9. Plenty of Fairs and Festivals
During the summer months, there’s always something fun to do at a fair or festival. The state fair lasts a total of 11 days! Not to mention Summerfest, the major music festival occuring every June/July.
Beyond these major events, there are small events in pretty much every town at some point during the year. And with many towns in Wisconsin accessible only a few hours away from where I live, I’ve been able to experience many different amazing events through the years.
10. The Natural Beauty and State Parks
Wisconsin is home to so many state parks, 66 of them to be exact! A total list of these can be found in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. A few of my favorite notable parks are Devils Lake State Park, Willow River State Park, and Copper Falls State Park. But there are obviously so many more to explore for various reasons, depending on what you’re looking to do!
These state parks are perfect if you like camping, fishing, hiking, or even viewing some of the scenic points and outlooks! I personally love going to some of Wisconsin’s viewpoints like the one at Devil’s Lake State Park in the fall because the changing leaves are simply beautiful. There are many days in the fall where it’s still warm enough to go out and enjoy the scenery before the coldness of winter sets in.
I can truly say Wisconsin is the BEST state to live in (though I may be a little biased)! This list was only 10 of the many reasons I think Wisconsin is a great state to live in, or even just come for a visit.
Want to learn more about me? Read my ‘About Me’ page HERE.
