Big city life in Milwaukee is always fun, but it’s not for everyone. Sometimes you just need to slow down and go somewhere where everyone knows your name (if everyone in Smallwaukee doesn’t already!). These friendly towns in Wisconsin each bring a charm of their own that’s unique and full of character. Whether you’re visiting for a day or looking to settle down right outside of city limits, these are seven small towns you won’t want to pass up!

1. Whitefish Bay
Whitefish Bay, WI, USA
Village of Whitefish Bay/Facebook
If you spend a little time in Whitefish Bay, everyone will truly know your name. This is a great place to plant down roots, with some cool history tied to it. In 1889, Captain Frederick Pabst, one of Milwaukee's beer barons, spent $30,000 to take advantage of Whitefish Bay's unique location near the lake and opened a resort called the Century Resort. As many as 10,000 people would visit the resort on a summer day, traveling by horse and buggy, railroad, trolley, or excursion steamer to experience all the fun. It closed in 1914, and the land was turned into residential lots. Now, this little town is a great place to be, especially for families, with an emphasis on their education system. Walking down Silver Spring will always make you feel right at home!
2. Shorewood
Shorewood, WI, USA
Michael Newman/Flickr
The village of Shorewood is a unique and wholesome place to reside. Located along the lake, it’s a very scenic little spot. The urban village has nearly 13,000 residents, making it one of the densest communities in the state, but for good reason! With a great school system and real estate, while still being so close to the city, it’s a special place to settle down in a tight-knit community.
3. Cedarburg
Cedarburg, WI, USA
Daniel X. O'Neil/Flickr
Cedarburg is arguably the most popular small town in Wisconsin; we can't get enough of it! Sitting just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, "The 'Burg" makes for the perfect day trip in Wisconsin, filled with art, shops, restaurants, and a location that sits right upon Cedar Creek. This historic small town is filled with things to do and is quaint as can be.

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4. Glendale
Glendale, WI, USA
City of Glendale Wisconsin/Facebook
Glendale is a small city with a population just over 12,000. Despite being just four miles from Milwaukee, Glendale has kept a small town identity of its own. Glendale is home to some of our favorite attractions like the Sprecher Brewery and Bayshore Mall. It might be easy to get it mixed up with surrounding towns, but Glendale is a truly great place of its own.
5. St. Francis
Saint Francis, St Francis, WI, USA
City of Saint Francis/Facebook
St. Francis is a residential area just south of Milwaukee, right on Lake Michigan. It's a very safe and quiet town in a beautiful area and it also has some interesting history and architecture. The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi established their headquarters there in the mid-19th century. Being right on the lake, yet out of the bustle of big city, life makes St. Francis an asset to many.
6. Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa, WI, USA
Dave Reid/Flickr
Tosa is growing rapidly but hasn't lost its charm. Though it can be easy to mesh Wauwatosa with Milwaukee, it is still very much a village full of friendly faces. State Street is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll where you'll truly see this town shine (despite how hard it is for newcomers to pronounce!)
7. Cudahy
Cudahy, WI 53110, USA
Mark Sheppard/Flickr
Cudahy has grown into a popular South Milwaukee city, but it was originally known for something much different. The town was originally called Buckhorn Settlement but was renamed in the late 1800s when Patrick Cudahy purchased the land with a vision to grow his meatpacking business. It worked, and Cudahy has thrived ever since. Now, this residential area just south of Milwaukee is a gorgeous, clean, and safe place to settle down.

Have you visited any of these charming towns near Milwaukee? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns Near Milwaukee

Tori Jane | September 18, 2022

What are some of the best small towns near Milwaukee for families?  

Life in Wisconsin is peaceful and quiet, and choosing to live in or near Milwaukee is always a treat. There are lots of excellent places near Milwaukee for families, including some of the cutest small towns in Wisconsin. Among our favorite family-friendly destinations near Milwaukee are places like Whitefish Bay, which is home to the best schools in the entire state, and Elm Grove, which isn’t far behind Whitefish Bay in terms of high-quality education and wonderful neighborhoods. Fox Point is another excellent town near Milwaukee, and you can’t miss a trip (or a move) to River Hills!  

What are some cute towns near Milwaukee for a day trip?  

Of course, there are more small towns in Wisconsin that just happen to be near Milwaukee that are adorable no matter what time of year it is. Cedarburg is positively delightful and only about 30 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. There are plenty of adorable shops and wonderful mom-and-pop eateries, and it’s perfect for a day trip. Port Washington is a gorgeous little suburb of Milwaukee that’s right on Lake Michigan, making it one of the most beautiful small towns in Wisconsin!  

What small towns near Milwaukee are the best?  

Naturally, best is subjective – you're sure to find small towns near Milwaukee that are perfect for whatever it is that you’re looking for thanks to the high livability of the area. Our list of the best small towns near Milwaukee continues from the above paragraphs with little jewels like Pleasant Prairie, Madison, Kohler, and Lake Geneva. Milwaukee is an amazing place for nature lovers, as it’s surrounded by exceptional beauty and every suburb is simply stunning. If you’re looking for some of the best small towns in the United States, you’ll definitely never want to overlook Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs.  

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