12 Best Places To Live In Wisconsin In 2025
Wisconsin’s charming mix of natural beauty, a stable climate, and a delightful cultural heritage compels many tourists to adopt it as their permanent home. From the shores of the Great Lakes to dense forests of the Northwoods and thriving suburbs of Madison, the Dairy State hosts an array of destinations tailored for different lifestyles. Whether a professional, an established family, or a pensioner, opportunities abound to put down roots and enjoy a high quality of life across Wisconsin’s beautiful towns.
The best places to live in Wisconsin in 2025 present the perfect mix of factors to ensure a seamless transition into your new way of life, such as low living costs, multiple career opportunities, access to outdoor adventures, reliable health care, and a strong sense of community. So, when contemplating relocating to the Badger State, the following are suitable options to keep in mind.
Merrill
Merrill is a relaxed municipality in the Wisconsin Northwoods region with dense natural surroundings and a history steeped in logging and woodworking. Its residents enjoy numerous outdoor adventures throughout the 500-acre Council Grounds State Park, including fishing, camping, and sightseeing. Those who want to stretch their legs can follow the 2.2-mile River Bend Trail, which straddles the picturesque bank of the Wisconsin River in a peaceful setting.
The Merrill Historical Society tells a fascinating story of the town's evolution through the years. Newcomers can browse artifacts and archives documenting significant events in Merrill's history. Career opportunities abound thanks to companies like Church Mutual Insurance Company and Lincoln Wood Products, which make it easy for residents to afford the median home listing price of $169,900 (as of February 2025, according to realtor.com). The Merrill-Go-Round is in charge of public transportation, while the Merrill Area School District consists of many schools with students from pre-K to 12th grade.
Shawano
This relaxed rural enclave in Shawano County promises potential residents quintessential waterfront living surrounded by soothing nature. Shawano lies on the shores of Shawano Lake, which supports a range of aquatic recreation, from boating to paddling and swimming. Meanwhile, Kuckuk Park presents a pleasant neighborhood park where families spend quality time outdoors. Spanning about 8 acres, it has amenities like fishing piers, a basketball court, and picnic areas.
The Shawano Recreation Center is a remarkable social hub with an indoor swimming pool that unites the young and the old through recreation and fun. The Shawano School District provides over 2,000 students with quality education across five schools of different learning levels. The property and violent crime rates are lower than the national averages, while the median home listing price of $227,000 is way below the United States average.
Antigo
This adorable farming and lumbering community in Langdale County is the perfect retirement pad for seniors who appreciate natural surroundings. It is a relaxed community bordering the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, ensuring limitless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Residents maintain cordial relationships through constant interactions at the Antigo Farmers Market. This warm gathering of vendors and customers features a display of fresh farm produce, baked goods, flowers, and other merchandise.
New residents interested in Antigo's dynamic past can visit the Langlade County Historical Society to examine valuable resources and archives. Meanwhile, Aspirus Langlade Hospital ensures locals have access to reliable health care. Also, the median home listing price is an affordable $180,900. Antigo residents enjoy a well-developed public transport system run by the Langlade County Public Transit, while five schools, from elementary to high school, make up the Unified School District of Antigo.
Grantsburg
Nicknamed "Gateway to Crex Meadows," Grantsburg is a tiny village in Burnett County teeming with natural beauty. It provides an entry point to the Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, which spans at least 30,000 acres of forested and wetland prairie. Residents can indulge in adventures like hunting, camping, and animal watching. But for a more family-friendly setting, Memory Lake Park is the ideal escape, presenting a serene space with grassy picnic zones and beautiful lake views.
Grantsburg has a quaint and walkable downtown area where diverse local businesses serve as popular hangouts. This includes Country Cafe on the Main, a romantic spot to catch up over coffee. The crime rate is lower than America's average, and the Grantsburg School District ensures excellent education. Residents are guaranteed quality medical attention at Burnett Medical Center, while the median home listing price is $260,000.
Mayville
Relocating to Mayville allows you to enjoy the rich natural ecosystem along the Rock River, a habitat for a thriving wildlife population. It is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, encouraging active living with hikes through the rugged wilderness of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The sanctuary provides a habitat for various bird species that birders love to watch. Mayville also houses Ziegler Park, an alternative for those who don’t want to stray too far from the urban core.
Mayville Medical Center is the primary care provider, and the vibrant economy of Mayville can be credited to the presence of renowned brands like Mayville Die and Tool, Mayville Products Corporation, and Mayville Engineering Company. The Mayville School District is described as "exceeding expectations" by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and features an early learning center, an elementary school, and a high school. The crime rate in Mayville is below the national average, and the median home listing price is around $260,000.
Durand
Durand is a tiny village on the confluence of the Chippewa River and Mississippi River, known for its small-town feel and natural allure. Thanks to the Chippewa River State Trail, residents have exciting opportunities to stay active. The picturesque pathway runs along the beautiful waterway, offering the perfect escape to be one with nature. Those who simply want to relax and take it easy head to Memorial Park, whose quiet grounds feature walkways and picnic areas. The Riverview Community Center helps unite the townspeople through constant gatherings and events involving different societal issues.
Durand's public school system is managed by the Durand-Arkansaw School District, which is rated above average and comprises three schools, from pre-K to high school. The town is also about an hour and a half from Minneapolis, which you can easily commute to thanks to a reliable public transport system. Durand is a relatively affordable place to live, with a median home listing price of $229,700 for a decent abode.
Montello
Montello is about an hour outside Madison, meaning its residents can access all the creature comforts the state capital offers while living in a relaxed, small-town environment. It has a lovely backstory that incoming residents can learn more about at the Montello Historic Preservation Society. A curious collection of artifacts, archives, testimonials, and documents keeps the area’s history alive. The Montello Granite Quarry provides the ideal outdoor sanctuary, framed by spectacular waterfalls and lush greenery.
Meanwhile, the Montello Care Center ensures senior citizens have someone to turn to when old age impedes comfortable living. Lamers Bus Lines is the primary form of public transportation in Montello, known for its safety and reliability. Finally, buying a decent home in the town will cost around $270,000.
Algoma
Algoma's exciting blend of cozy lakeside scenery, rich arts and culture scene, and low cost of living presents a compelling case for one of the best places to live in Wisconsin in 2025. The pleasant town lies on the Lake Michigan shoreline, an invitation to revel in the relaxing waterfront setting through lazy strolls down the Crescent Beach Boardwalk. The community harbors a vibrant art landscape in the downtown area, where local artists and craftsmen display their works at the Robert Ray Gallery.
Townsfolk often gather at Wienke's Market to shop for fresh groceries and fruits. The market serves as an essential social hub for people to meet and have meaningful conversations. Algoma is also home to the Door County Medical Center, an award-winning critical care institution integrated with a clinic. Algoma is a relatively safe community, enjoying crime rates much lower than most places in the country. Its median home listing price is $231,500, below the Wisconsin average of about $300,000.
Whitehall
Whitehall offers affordability and safety for those seeking to settle in a tiny village with a strong sense of community. Its open spaces allow residents to spend quality time amidst nature, and many head to Melby Park for outdoor recreation. The site houses amenities like basketball courts, picnic areas, and a playground. Alternatively, you can find a similar green setting at Colonel Larson Park, perfect for spending time with family or friends.
The Whitehall Aquatic Center invites the young and old to have fun in the water. This is also a chance to exercise while interacting with other residents. The Whitehall School District manages the local public school system, where a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 results in maximum focus on individual learners by the teacher. Also, the town experiences one of the lowest crime rates in the region, and the median home listing price is about $260,000.
Neillsville
Neillsville’s charm lies in its storybook natural surroundings, ensuring access to delightful green spaces with an easygoing feel. This includes the Levis Mound Trailhead, a secluded 6-mile walkway cutting through a peaceful section of woodlands and open fields. Residents who love golf can practice their swing at the Neillsville Country Club. This modest 9-hole course boasts well-manicured greens and terrific views at every turn.
The Silverdome Ballroom hosts a lineup of social events throughout the year, offering a good reason for townsfolk to come together and enjoy live performances in a rustic yet intimate venue. The Neillsville School District manages the local educational affairs. Although small, a good teacher-to-student ratio enables teachers to treat each learner as an individual for their success. Neillsville's median home listing price of $185,000 makes it cheaper than most towns in the state.
Fond Du Lac
Fond du Lac is a welcoming community on the edge of Lake Winnebago. It has numerous open spaces where citizens can engage in outdoor adventure, including the Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail. This well-maintained recreational trail stretches over 20 miles through prairies, farms, and wetlands. The town houses the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, which connects locals to the arts through intimate concerts, art exhibitions, indoor film screenings, and other artsy events.
Fond du Lac’s primary health institution is SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, where patients can access everything from emergency care and inpatient or outpatient services to same-day surgery. The Fond du Lac School District is rated highly, especially in terms of diversity and athletics programs. Meanwhile, the public transport system focuses on reliability, safety, and convenience to grant residents a comfortable commute. It doesn’t take too much to own a home in Fond du Lac; the median home listing price is $226,400.
Westfield
Westfield is a down-to-earth village in Marquette County with a robust sense of community, where everybody seems to know everybody. It has Pioneer Memorial Park for residents who want to access the outdoors. This beautiful green space harbors an array of kid-friendly amenities, including a horseshoe pit, basketball court, and more. Residents enjoy a casual shopping experience at the Amish House Market, whose selection of cute merchandise includes baked goods, sausage, cheese, furniture, spices, and more.
Westfield also has a delightful community center where people of all ages can converge and enjoy recreation and event opportunities in an accommodating environment. The Westfield School District manages an above-average education system due to a high percentage of licensed teachers, and the Westfield Area High School is ranked high in the region. Also, the crime rate is below the national average, making Westfield one of the safest places to live. Lastly, investing in a home here will cost you approximately $270,000.
Finding Your Fit in Wisconsin
Whether you are picturing your new life on the shores of a lake or in the hidden oases of the Northwoods, there is no shortage of options in these best places to live in Wisconsin in 2025. While each has a different atmosphere, they all ensure a high quality of life by addressing your needs for outdoor recreation, a close-knit community, a peaceful environment, and access to vital health amenities. Wherever you land, you can expect a serene spot to settle.
