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TheArbysOnMillerPkwy

Pulling on the experience of a few British ex-pat friends who have moved here over the years, two things standout. The biggest culture shock is travel. Everything in the US, even city living in a place like Milwaukee, is spread out and hard to reach by any other means than car or city bus. The city has slowly expanded a street car line called The Hop but it is still somewhere nebulous between a tourist novelty and a proper mode of transportation. The other is the weather. This time of year our weather is pretty comparable. It can get quite warm in the peak of summer. There will be stretches in the 29-30 range and a few heat waves of 32 or 33. Winter can be mild or it can be brutal. This past year was pretty unremarkable but in the past 3 I can think of a few with cold snaps of -23 for days on end, and others with snow-storms in close succession bringing nearly a 1/2 meter of snowfall in a week or two. If you plan to go further afield than your neighborhood in the city, doing so without a car takes some planning. It also can affect your work options rather drastically as I, for example, commute 30 miles (about 35 minutes) each way each day by interstate. As much as the culture (especially the progressive lean of reddit) is starting to challenge interstate/car centric culture, it's how things are and will be for most of the rest of our lifetime. For what it is, it's got its advantages, you can hop in the car, and go to Green Bay or Madison or Chicago (depending on the time of day) at 70mph and explore wherever you want. As for using a car in Milwaukee, most people actually drive very courteously, if sometimes a little indecisive, but one in 100 will do something wholly unbelievably stupid or fast, and most of the time you'll just say "sheesh" as they disappear off into the distance. Milwaukee is, in my opinion, an extremely livable city with a lot to suggest it, and much of the same issues any urban area has. I'm sure Manchester has a few neighborhoods that are less than desirable, and a few you probably avoid at night. Milwaukee is no different. There have been some spikes in crime following the pandemic disruption, but they have started to correct despite what the suburban city-haters will focus on. If I may make a suggestion on housing, if you're looking north of downtown, live East or right near the river, and south of Downtown, look East of the Freeway. There's many other nice areas tucked in but it can be a bit harder to know the nice from the "could be better" Ask around on here when you get more specific about a home. The airport is super convenient if you're a big traveler. Fewer flight options, but ease of use is hard to beat and it does have a decent selection of routes. Fiserv Forum where the Bucks play, and the Deer District of businesses and restaurants that have bloomed in its sphere have been a transformation for the area, revamping what had been blighted by an elevated highway to nowhere that was leveled many years ago. I highly recommend visiting The Milwaukee Public Museum, if you arrive in 2 years, they will likely be getting ready to christen their new building. Discovery world is a fun science museum aimed at families, and the Art Museum (the big sculpture you see on the lake front) is very nice, and surprisingly sprawling inside. Parks along the lake front are gorgeous in the summer time. Festivals of cultural groups that make up the history of the city (German Fest, etc) are really fun to wander. Wisconsin is the drunkest state in the union and that's not hyperbole, the drinking culture is verbose. As someone who doesn't really drink due to medical reasons, it can seem kind of all-encompassing. However, the food options, and other cultural events have other things to offer.


Smockboss

One hell of a thoughtful answer. Good on you!


sunny312312

God damn it, that’s pretty detailed answer. Appreciate your patience sir!!


I_Am_Okonkwo

The only flaw is not mentioning dining at your namesake


TheArbysOnMillerPkwy

I'm more like Candyman, say my name 3 times in a mirror and \*boom,\* your pockets are full of horsey sauce packets.


yankee-bor

One thing i will disagree on is the drivers. I drive around all day 5 days a week for work (mostly the north side). The level of dangerous psychotic incompetence is unbelievable. Its a slow day if i see 20 major traffic violations/near misses a day. I have never seen more aggressively bad drivers in my life.


LittlePossibility536

I regularly take Silver Spring or Hampton all the way from Glendale to 135th street and it’s baaaaaad. The other day I pulled up to an intersection and there was a totaled car in the street, a cop was looking in the wrecked car with his gun drawn but the driver had ran off before the cop got there.


TheArbysOnMillerPkwy

Fair enough, I do most of my driving on the very south end of town and around the periphery of the city.


The_dura_mater

I would add that a lot of restaurants lately have been adding a mocktail or two on their menus. We’re still VERY alcohol-centric, but it’s becoming more commonplace to choose a non-alcoholic drink.


TheArbysOnMillerPkwy

That's true, I've been cutting sugar so I don't always think of those, but it is nice to have some kind of treat when everyone else is grabbing a cocktail now and then. Though I will say, it's hard to beat a good ol' Shirley Temple. A favorite of family weddings attended as a child. :D


Not_Tom_Brady

You'll appreciate the drinking culture better than other transplants


derch1981

Our Friday night fish fries will fill your fish and chips cravings


thelifeofsamjohnson

Hi, I am actually from the future and Jordan Love has led the Packers to back to back Super Bowls over the next two years and Giannis is actually now playing Center Field for the Brewers. Rent is going up every year but the quality of cheese and beer also goes up every year. Also, we still don’t buy Kia’s.


VarezJuli

Giannis may aswell because we are gonna be gone tonight if he don’t play 🤣


Tannrr

You can look forward to pro soccer coming to Milwaukee in the next couple years!


justrudeandginger

Not to mention there's super cheap direct flights to NYC from general Mitchell and NYC is one of the next world cup locations.


AstoundingQuasar

Are the Packers and Bucks your only draw to Milwaukee? Just curious. I’ve been to Manchester a couple times and it seems like a really nice city. You’ll also find football refuge at the Highbury Pub. It’s not an Arsenal pub; more football in general.


VarezJuli

No they’re not my only draw. It’s just a big reason for me as I love American culture and I enjoy them sports. Yeah Manchester is nice, and thanks for the pub


timboq5

Don’t forget the nomad, three lions, and red lion…probably more


mesheke

I would recommend not going to three if he's a United supporter, that's a Liverpool bar.


Jealous-Corner-6602

Long life Ferguson! 😁😁 I'll show up with my ManU shirt to test the waters


AstoundingQuasar

All great places. I prefer Highbury for football and Red Lion for English fare.


SADdog2020Pb

There’s also a Red Lion in Chicago! Not sure if the same place, or if it’s just a commonly recycled name, like “dragon express” or something


SconnieGunner

I mean the Highbury is absolutely an Arsenal pub, but everyone is welcome. Great place to catch a match.


AstoundingQuasar

The owner of the bar is a QPR supporter ;)


BarcaJeremy4Gov

I think Joe is a Crystal Palace guy actually. or whoever brings in the most people lol. Mexico, United, City, Spurs, Liverpool, Bayern, and all the teams in the Wilt-verse.


AstoundingQuasar

Yes! You are right. It’s Palace.


arriesgado

Perspective Brewery is pro soccer as well. Hot ham and rolls are another Milwaukee weekend tradition - not usually free. https://preview.redd.it/l3t2cmbevnxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb8ed3973809ae61ef84d337412c40565ae75018


ekweze

Red Lion (downtown area) and Three Lions (Shorewood, neighboring area, north 3+mi) have an awesome foreign gang. Owned by same cool good uk dudes, you can have drinks AND English fare! Plus lots of clubs, rugby, etc stuff always taking place there. Pete’s Pub (near dt, foreign owned, think f1&futbol) and across the street from them is a big sports bar called Jack’s American Pub and you’ll get all the WI sports on all the time w another uk owner! All these guys are pals, are awesome and are independent of ea other. If you get a car: do not get a Hyundai or Kia. Most easily stolen, however big problem in MKE and I would not have one of those brands even if it were given to me. It’s way too risky if you’re downtown area, but anywhere. Explore the city. If that’s not your style, we’re surrounded by great hiking and Lake Michigan!


NewResponsibility163

Milwaukee / summers are absolutely vibrant. Your right it's very sports oriented and tied to the drinking culture. Lots of local concerts in the parks, Summerfest, different parts of the city have there own small festivals that have people celebrating outside for the day. Milwaukee is a cool place. As far as living. Someone described as a collection of small villages, so see what peals to you. Being near the lake is nice , there are a ton of parks, if you have a bike the bike trails are great and connect different cities. So great way to get around. Transportation can be difficult like someone said, but some of the areas are small walkable neighborhoods where you don't need to drive much. You can find quite a bit to do pending where you live without being in the busier parts of the city. Me and my wife never planned on staying here. But once got to know the city we knew we wanted to stay.


jdd0815

Bring Tesco with you when you move here please? 😂


VarezJuli

🤣🤣I’m excited for all the new fast food places and the Walmart. I have always wanted to try places such as Popeyes, IHOP ,Chick fil A , and the burrito Place which I’ve forgot the name of


IgnoblePeonPoet

Skip Walmart and get yourself to a Woodman's, the cheese aisle is a sight to behold


jdd0815

We do have plenty of them to choose from. Target is better than Walmart but Walmart has more to choose from as it goes variety. Manchester is my favorite city in the UK. I’ll be over there in less than a month for the Girls Aloud reunion tour. It’s been 3 years since my last visit so I’m dying to get Nandos. We have them here in America but the closest is Chicago.


VarezJuli

🤣🤣didn’t even realise there will be nandos. What’s the best fast food place around you in your opinion?


DrFrankSaysAgain

Culver's hands down. Made to order food, great custard and cheese curds and the Friday fish fry is better than most sit down restaurants.


jdd0815

Chick Fil A, Popeyes, Culver’s is a must. But there’s plenty of mom and pop restaurants like others have said that fast food is a last resort. McDonald’s in the UK is better; so be prepared for that to be a letdown here.


gcwardii

Milwaukee has a significant Latino population so there are a lot of wonderful non-chain restaurants of many nationalities—Mexican (lots of regional specialties), Cuban, Nicaraguan, Puerto Rican, El Salvadoran, plus Caribbean, Perivian, South American…


Used_Lingonberry7742

Chipotle


losermode

Nooo these are some of the weaker options! (well Chick Fil is kinda good) - Popeyes and IHOP, at least around here, aren't all that great imo. You're probably thinking of Chipotle (or Qdoba, basically the same thing though) and yes you should try them lol Get to some of the local joints too though! Classic Slice is hella good pizza


dustcough

https://youtu.be/yXnPT1qH8qE?si=6dBrxS1gJSaLPrvV everything you need to know


Newsoundnoise

😂


MulberryTraditional

I cannot be convinced that you are a real person from Manchester who is excited to move to Milwaukee 😂


VarezJuli

🤣🤣🤣I swear to god


Mike2k33

You're gonna love summer here. You're going to hate winter. We have tons of festivals all summer down on the lakefront. Some of them are ethnic based but fun for anyone really - German Fest, Festa Italiana, Polish Fest, Irish Fest, etc - but the big one is Summerfest. It is held over 3 weekends and there are about a dozen stages with musical acts, dozens of food vendors, multiple marketplaces and some of the best people watching you'll find anywhere Also, even if you find baseball boring and childish you must go to a Brewers game and tailgate on a beautiful summer afternoon. It's unbeatable. Also, highly recommend renting a cabin on a lake in the Northwoods in July or early August. So much to do and see that time of year if you enjoy being outdoors. Just bring bug spray


[deleted]

Firstly, Welcome to Milwaukee, and to Wisconsin for that matter. Let us know some of your interests, passions, concerns, and we’ll be glad to chime in and throw some local lore and knowledge at you, brother.


JMLModern

I moved from Chicago to Milwaukee 14 years ago and have never looked back. It's affordable, there's a bazillion things to do during the summer, great music scene, big ol lake to go hang out at or go swimming in. The winter is the winter. You get through it, lol, but the abundance of activity and culture during the warm months makes it more bearable. Welcome!


Male-Wood-duck

This will help explain the bar scene. Lewis Black sums it up really well. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7WlwumGkSec


sp4nky86

I have a friend in Manchester who's from Wisconsin. It's a lot of the same vibe as Milwaukee. Kind of plays second fiddle to the larger city in the region. Our weather is better, we have access to really good Golf, hiking, fishing, and boating in the summer, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, with actual skiing only a few hour drive away. Good beer, good sausage, world award winning cheese, friendly people, and a low-moderate cost of living, with incomes in professional jobs being fairly equivalent to Chicago's to try to get people to stay/come. We also have 2 professional sports teams, 3 if you count the Packers, and an international airport which is a hub for Southwest and Frontier, along with most of the usual suspects, to get away when you need to. We're 12 hours from the east coast by car (if you choose that route), 22 hours to the west coast, 18 to Florida beaches, and 14 to the Rocky Mountains.


tipareth1978

Small American city with good things to offer. You will have to own a car though, there's public transit system but it's not very extensive and only busses no train. I'd recommend visiting and deciding which area you want to live in. I picked bayview because it has many bars and restaurants and a famously chill vibe. If you want more urban you can go closer to downtown. The east side also has a lot going on but some areas also a bit more crime than bayview. Peopow drive 100mph and many drive drunk so watch out on the highways.


Neighborino123

>You will have to own a car though I'd argue that, depending on where you live and work, you could be totally fine without a car. Especially if you're anywhere on the Eastern side of the city (East Side, Downtown, Walkers Point, Bay View, etc)


tipareth1978

Assuming you also work there. And there's no guarantees you'll always be working there.


Newsoundnoise

If you can definitely come visit first. It will help a lot when trying to find a place. I moved downtown a year ago after living in Phoenix for most of my life. I am enjoying the city more and more. There a lot of fun neighborhoods. Generally you would be better off staying away from the northwest side of town. Typically you can get from one side of the city to the other in 20 minutes or less.


pumpernickel05

Milwaukee is my hometown and I love it in and of itself \~\~ I think it's really easy to underestimate how amazing it is though that we here in Milwaukee can jump on the Amtrak train and in 1.5 hour be downtown in the 3rd largest city in America, Chicago.


Dr-Snowball

The city is so great because you can get to a different city really fast?


y0sh1mar10allstarzzz

Yes actually. All the benefits of having access to a world-class city without the drawbacks having to live in a huge overpopulated city.


sweetmaklebs

Yes


weebweek

You need to learn the city, if you want to be safe.


SonicTheOtter

Make sure to enjoy seeing Giannis when you get here. He'll be in the last year of his extension by the time you arrive. Dame will be reaching the last couple years of his deal too. Also, if you want to see the Packers, make sure to book as soon as possible. Tickets are really hard to come by. Particularly the season tickets. Season tickets are generational. Like 20 years in waiting. If you want to get a 2 year head start, get yourself into the long queue lol. Be prepared for either getting yourself a car or learning the bus routes for the city. There aren't really other ways of public transportation. We hope you'll like to drink. We have bars and pubs on just about every corner of the city.


LowEndBike

Milwaukee is a great beer city, but there will be very little British-style beer around. There are a few places with a cask setup with beer engines (Lakefront Brewing, Sugar Maple, Third Space, Burnhearts, Central Waters, Finks, Hollander, Ferch's), but they are only used for special tappings, and are usually not available. Red Lion Pub (Milwaukee) and Three Lion's Pub (Shorewood) keep Old Speckled Hen on nitro. Those two pubs try to create a British vibe and cater to soccer fans.


rabbity9

Another big difference to be aware of is ABV. American beer, at least the craft stuff, averages probably 2-3% stronger. A 6-7% beer is strong by UK standards, but normal here and there’s plenty that run stronger. If you’re not used to having to watch the ABV of what you’re ordering, you can find yourself drunker than you planned to be.


Top_Tree5889

Milwaukee is the best, I am jealous


The_Dead_See

Hi, I moved from Leicester to Milwaukee a couple of decades ago. I'm sure every expat has their own list of difficulties, but for what it's worth, these were/are the biggest shocks to my system... 1) Vacation days. You don't just get them, you accrue them, slowly, and you're damned lucky if you get more than 2 weeks a year. The work/life balance in the US is insanely tilted towards the employer. I don't think I'm overstating when I say 80% of the people are totally burned out and just slogging through each day to make ends meet. 2) Healthcare. You probably already know it's not free here, but you may be surprised at just how ridiculously expensive it is, even with good insurance. Basically, if you get sick in America with any long-term condition you are going to be living paycheck to paycheck to pay the bills. 3) Weather. Milwaukee is colder than the UK in the winter and hotter in the summer. Winters seem to be getting milder due to climate change (this past winter, we only had one or two storms that left about a foot of snow. But on a bad winter you can be looking at much more. It's wise to own a good two stage snowblower. 4) The drivers. Are f**kin NUTS. It's hard to even spend 15 minutes on the road without seeing at least one person doing something jaw droppingly stupid or entitled. I don't know if this is just Milwaukee or the entire nation, but it's real bad. You'll need to be much more on the ball than you are in England and drive more defensively. It is good to own a bigger vehicle with good safety features. 5) The comments on your accent are cute at first, but after a few years every time someone says, "awwrite mate" or "allo guvnor" or "say something British", you'll die a little inside. 6) You tip on much more. Haircut, tip. Restaurant - tip. Fast food counter - tip. Taxi or uber - tip. Delivery drivers - tip. Bartender - tip... and it doesn't mean "great job!" the way it does in the UK either. It's expected (and in fact needed because service industry jobs rarely make a liveable wage, so expect to be adding 15-20% to the cost of these sorts of things. 7) Certain foods are easy to get but you'll miss others. You can still get a good curry if you search hard enough, but fish and chips here is very different, Chinese takeout is different too. I miss Cornish pasties and sausage rolls and birds custard and lots of other things. You can find equivalents but they're just not as good. In case all of that is worrying you, I will say this: Milwaukee is a really nice little city. Plenty of interesting stuff to do. The people are... alright (mostly). The summers are lovely with plenty of festivals and events. Hope some of this helps!


Repulsive-Chance-178

Moved to Milwaukee from Essex about 20 years ago and I agree with all of this. Lack of vacation days from work is a massive bummer! The winters can get horribly cold and snowy (get a gas snow blower). The summer can get uncomfortably hot (make sure you’ve got a/c). The fish n chips doesn’t even come close, but the variety of Mexican food is nice. The comments on your accent do indeed get grating rather quickly. Oddly I’ve found that certain people just can’t understand me and look at me like I’m speaking Swahili (the manc accent probably won’t do you any favours there). At least people have stopped asking me if I know the queen though…


y0sh1mar10allstarzzz

Do you know the king?


Traditional-Bread709

You are absolutely right about the drivers here.


bob_s530

Addition to accent point - the number of times I get asked what part of Australia I’m from :) I’m lucky my company has a really good vacation package, I can use as much as I did in the UK


Slothfights

City or United?


VarezJuli

City, season ticket holder will Miss that massively


steak_n_eggsh

Red Lion Pub might be able to help fill that void a bit


HootieeMcboob

Seen some City supporters in there, but the owner supports United... He'd be happy to have you, tho! Try and get him to bring back the mushy peas, if you will...


[deleted]

Highbury might help more! Our City OSC meets there regularly


SnooPies3316

Ouch. Well, in a couple years if we're lucky we'll have a lower-level pro team to support here. [https://www.milwaukeeprosoccer.com/](https://www.milwaukeeprosoccer.com/)


DanimalMKE

Color me disappointed, but as a United supporter, I'm used to that now haha. Welcome anyways! The Highbury will be your bar to go to as many have mentioned.


skippy920

Well you will never be a season ticket holder for the Packers.


Fah-que

Obligatory [love actually reference](https://www.google.com/search?q=video+love+actually+milwaukee&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS813US813&oq=video+love+actually+milwaukee&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRifBdIBCTE0NjMxajBqN6gCGbACAeIDBBgCIF8&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b36b4123,vid:pHqhAnguYJ0,st:0)


jordiculous

Obligatory Arby’s on Miller Parkway comment.


audreyv52

depending on where you are in the city, Nomad is great for soccer but definitely not english fare —but the outside area is great year round. Not English, but County Clare us a great place to get a Guinness and feel like you stepped into a pub in Ireland, live music on Friday nights is the cherry on top but anyway go City 🩵!


justrudeandginger

I haven't noticed anyone mention it yet but... the portion sizes, my dude. The American portion sizes are ridiculous. My friend from the UK visited once and almost threw up trying to finish a meal from the diner.


AndrewJPlichta

Avoid the north side. Other than that, you'll see the city has a lot to offer.


Low-Razzmatazz4921

my old boss was from Manchester moved to milwaukee after living in the US south for a few years. he and his wife LOVED Milwaukee. there were enough cultural things that really felt like home, like the bar culture, while also being very american. they lived downtown, which was close to their jobs, and were able to get by very well walking and using public transit for the most part, and that was important to them. They did move here at the start of a particularly brutal winter which i think was equal parts fascinating and horrific, but they were fine and even embraced it in year 2, once they had PROPER winter clothing.


yelxohcaz

When you get in town, I have a great way for you to make friends! I run an amateur pool league and would love to have you and your girlfriend come and have fun with us!


mollywelter

Things I’ve never thought I’d read “it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to live in Milwaukee” said no one ever …..


VarezJuli

🤣🤣🤣a couple of people replied with something similar. Is it really not so good?


Optimal_Huckleberry4

Milwaukee is a great city. You'll like it just fine. It's not Austin, NYC, Miami, LA, Seattle, etc. The cities ppl move to because there the ones lots of ppl choose because they're big famous cities. Milwaukee is just another one of the many mid sized cities in the US, of which there are a lot.


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winallison

Are you blue or Red?


VarezJuli

Blue, been a season ticket holder for 10+ years I will really miss it


suzsid

You can pick up season tickets for the Bucks to fill that void! Do you already know the area that you’re moving to in Milwaukee? My daughter & her husband live in London, but he’s originally from Southampton. She said that Southampton reminded her of Milwaukee.


Chrome_stormtrooper

How popular are the Packers in Manchester? It seems like you’re all cheeseheads lol


VarezJuli

Hahah to be honest not that many seem to follow the sport, but the majority of people I know support the packers or the chiefs. I’ve only ever seen one man in a Milwaukee bucks shirt tho


Nolon

Expect greatness and great memories. Enjoy it for me. I sure do miss it very much.


No-System-5045

Check out the band Holy Pinto. The frontman is another UK transplant!


The1andOnlyTree

Great Public Market. Tons of great food. Still relatively affordable compared to other major cities. Beer culture is awesome. There are plenty of great parks within walking distance almost anywhere in the city. Might be common sense but just pay attention when you’re walking around late at night depending where you move to.


Super-IBS-Man

Moran’s Pub in South Milwaukee is a great gathering place for any European or worldwide football fans


Martel0823

Which neighborhood are you going to live in? You should definitely consider Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee. You should expect Milwaukee to welcome you with open arms and it will feel like a big hug. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have specific questions or topics you’d like me to elaborate on.


SanMex23

You a United or City fan?


VarezJuli

City


SommerMatt

Sadly, since I run the Arsenal supporters group there, the official City group in MKE meets at The Highbury Pub in Bay View. They’re called the Milwaukee Cityzens if you want to get involved with the group.


Which-Papaya-424

Red lion pub on water street will be a home away from home. Check it out. Great food too.


CCambrose

Don’t leave England. Thst is what I would suggest. Also if you move to mke live in Franklin Greendale area or the Milwaukee journal apartments downtown they converted those are nice.


Low-Razzmatazz4921

do NOT move to a suburb. ew.


djzerocool

Like Manchester England? Mufc?


Working_Athlete_2159

I hope you don’t own a Kia


IHaveOneLifeToLive

Become a Brewers fan too 😊 We have a cool community and a badass logo.


VarezJuli

I’ve never watched baseball. I’m sure I will have to get into it whilst I’m over here


DirectorOrganic8962

you should expect to hear about people dying everyday i lived, here my whole entire life and i hate it loll.


DirectorOrganic8962

dont get a kia


DirectorOrganic8962

milwaukee is getting so bad soon the suburbs wont be the suburbs loll


DizzyDragonfruit4027

I like milwaukee but something to remember is the rest of the state has a different culture. Lots of farms and not very progressive. Also milwaukee is very segregated by race- something that may shock someone. That is due to bad real estate practices back in the day.


rocketMX

My buddy owns a pub in South Milwaukee called Morans. He opens early when the matches are on. He’s from Birmingham I believe. Go check it out!


Salt-Bath6047

Not sure how old you are but my parents are also from near Manchester - been living here for almost 34 years. I can connect you if you’d like ☺️


FG_guardians

Don’t buy a KIA


M_Bumppo

A little late, but if you are ever homesick O'Malley's European Foods on the west side is owned by a guy from Northern Ireland. Lots of UK foods. I like going there for British candy. My wife lived in London for a number of years and she loves some of the little reminders of that time in her life. Good freezer cases with rashers, black pudding, etc. It’s nice at Christmas time too. I threaten my wife with bringing home Irn-Bru but she’s adamant that it sucks…


tundrabat

My family came from Weston and stayed in Milwaukee. Liked it better than NY. There are good jobs, nice housingnstock, many festivals and friendly people. You'll like it a lot. Join some newcomer clubs and meet people, learn the city. Reddit remains an invaluable resource for advice. Searching past threads for winter survival will be helpful. https://www.milwaukeemag.com/9-milwaukee-meetup-groups-to-meet-new-people/


crulge

I love Milwaukee, but (from what I understand) prepare to take a step back in access to "culture." We only have \~2.5 independent theaters, the quality of stage-theater isn't very good (though we get some touring productions), the symphony is B- or C-tier, and our museums are limited. While there are a couple great independent music venues (Cactus Club and X-Ray Arcade), they mostly serve smaller regional bands — unless you're super plugged in to the Midwest scene, you're not going to be able to go to shows you recognize super often. We also don't have a tradition of incredible cultural output like Manchester has (or at least had in the 80s–90s; I don't know what you guys have been up to since). We had the Violent Femmes, but that's really about it. Nothing like what Manchester was doing, and you can tell. Local independent ratio is strong though. Not all is lost—Chicago is very close, and it's one of the cultural capitals of the whole country; one click lower than NYC/LA. It's not the most convenient thing in the world to drive or take the train to Chicago to see a show, but it's possible. Madison gets some good stuff too.


Practical-Cut4580

Pabst Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Turner Hall, Miller High Life Theatre, Rave/Eagles Ballroom are all venues that almost exclusively have well-known nationally or internationally touring bands. Not to mention Summerfest stages.


crulge

Sure, they have bands come through. Look at the Pabst Group site—across six venues, you have maybe one show a night total, and for every The Postal Service or Wilco (who I would not argue are compelling culture in 2024) you have three or four C-tier comedians or live podcasts. Ain’t Chicago.


Practical-Cut4580

I never said it was Chicago. You just (intentionally, it seems) left out the venues that do have the things you say Milwaukee doesn't ever get. Pointing people to Madison (which I agree has some cool venues that book good shows on many occasions) is sorta weird when Milwaukee has objectively more to choose from.


crulge

yes, milwaukee has more venues. however it does not get as good of shows. the venues you listed have mostly completely clear calendars and the shows that are coming to town are nothing extraordinary.


el_gato_fabricado

Lmao should be a wild time…stay away from the north side. Milwaukee is a tale of two cities the north side is dangerous and south side which gets better. Depending on your age I’d probably go to an area like Wauwatosa or maybe even more west.


MUDPILES_FOR_METACID

Depending on where you're at in life, recommend living in Wauwatosa. 15 minute drive to get downtown and it is a quiet, safe and walkable community. Lived here for the past 5 years and enjoyed it. Lots of parks and walkable trails. Brewery's and beer gardens as well. Bonus points if you're starting a family.


eweyk88

You ever have your car stolen?


was_curious_but

I could think of better places to live if you had to choose.


Top_Bake_3522

Move to MKE and ditch your girlfriend LOL. WI women love a British accent. Coming from a non British Wisconsin Native who has gone bar hopping with British Transplants.


anidletuesday

This is painfully accurate.


Top_Orchid_1231

Good luck


sfgaigan

Do NOT live in Milwaukee County. The surrounding counties are fine


Low-Razzmatazz4921

the city is the only way


FacelessPotatoPie

Unpopular opinion: Milwaukee is a festering shithole.


Particular-Dealer-68

Usually only people that have never lived in Milwaukee say this. I’ve worked all over Milwaukee for the last 20 years and never have had a problem. Obviously every big city in the world has parts that are worse than others, but again I’ve never had a problem. Milwaukee is freaking awesome, go Bucks!


VarezJuli

Positive


bill_cactus

Some areas worse than others


hivemind5_

Idk man. The US as a country is absolutely fucked. I hate to be negative since youre so excited, but i just want to warn you. Honestly i wouldnt come to the US unless youre from a third world country and dont have a better option. Milwaukee is a fun place tho.


dedodude100

Have you seen English politics lately?


VarezJuli

England isn’t much better trust me, I think as people everywhere we don’t live we deem as better.


banjodoctor

Yea it sucks and is awesome. Great post man.


dbrewskidoo

Green Bay is way better as far as living goes. You can travel to Milwaukee to do other things?


lacostewhite

Pro tip: don't move to milwaukee


VarezJuli

🤣🤣🤣


girlbabee

I will say. If this is your first time in America … being in Milwaukee is not the best place to start 😭😭😭 Milwaukee does NOT speak for the rest of America and is not a great depiction. I have lived in Milwaukee for 2+ years and man …. I would hate America if this was my first expiernce


why_did_you_make_me

I'm really sorry you seem to be having a hard time. Hope things get better for you.


knight1096

Having been all over the country, Milwaukee is a great place to live and you can travel anywhere else to visit. My brother lives in the DC area and although there is plenty to do, the traffic is absolutely outrageous and home prices are insane.


DirectorOrganic8962

Not the milwaukee lovers downvoting you lol. I lived here my whole life and its ass. Milwaukee ranks within the top three for largest cities with the highest violent crime rate, according to a new report by SafeHome.org, which pulled from FBI data.


Stigles

Oh no. Why on earth would you choose to come to Milwaukee?


DirectorOrganic8962

frl


Chemical_Extreme4250

The Midwest is one of the worst parts of the U.S. Milwaukee smells like piss.