Wisconsin questions

[seawitch]

We're considering a move to WI in the near future. We have some friends in the area and they all love it. We're not quite in their income group, however, and would probably have to live outside of their cities (outside Madison, and Sauk City). Would any of you be able to tell us some info on which areas of the state we should look into?

We are looking for a house in the around 150K range. Our last house was 215K but with real estate and moving costs, we're not going to have as much to work with this time around - especially if we have to factor in fixing up the house, so we might actually have to swing a bit lower, like 140's range. But we want to make a good purchase because once we settle in we're not going to be likely to move, like, ever. Unless something drastic happens.

We're on a fixed income and self-employed as well, so we don't have to worry about a commute.

We are mostly homebodies - we don't need to be near a city because, honestly, we don't really get out and about much. Maybe we'll go out to eat every once in a while or take some nice hikes or drives. But we're not going to be going to art shows and farmer's markets every weekend.

It would be helpful to be near a VA hospital.

Small town or countryside would be best. It doesn't have to be totally isolated, but quiet and simple is great.

Thanks.

[Love_My_Babies]

Hey I can pm you a link to our home that is for sale.  It is in the small town of Randolph, about 35 miles from the east side of Madison.  Randolph is a great small town with excellent schools (public and private), library, parks, pool, shopping, etc.  The house is a 3 bedroom two story brick victorian on a fully fenced double lot priced at $139,900.  The house in in move-in condition with no improvement projects to be done.  Just some touch-up paint, which the realtor told us not to do since a buyer would probably just repaint anyway.  Anyway....good luck with your decisions.  We are originally from California and Iowa, and we love it here in WI. 

[seawitch]

Oh, that's a lovely house! I showed the pics to my husband too and he said it was very nice. We are still waiting for our house to sell, and in this market, who knows how long that'll be... But once it does sell I will so look you up to see if that house is still for sale! With the money left over we could probably put in a greenhouse, too - I hear from several people that that's a must for any gardener in WI!

Thanks for sharing the link.

[birdhappy85]

I live in Waukesha County. It is around an hour to an hour and a half east of Madison, a short distance from Milwaukee and a nice drive down to Chicago when we want to go. I know that Milwaukee has a great VA medical center on its western side, so that's nice it would be within easy driving distance for you. My husband and I love Waukesha County. We're in Brookfield, which is a pretty pricey area, but when you go out further west towards Madison you hit Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, and other towns in the county that have great countryside areas and very reasonably priced houses within your budget. I always say to my husband that it's my 5-year plan to move out towards the country more in that direction. I want to have goats and chickens someday and garden all the time. lol. We know a few other couples who want to move out there from Milwaukee, as well.

Good luck with your search!