A Great Place to Live and Work

Southeastern Wisconsin has been a great place for a hometown since American Indians arrived hundreds of years ago. Nestled on the western shore of Lake Michigan, this region is the hidden jewel of the Upper Midwest.

American Indians, who lived in Milwaukee for hundreds of years before European settlers arrived, gave the area its name. Realizing the beauty of its location at the mouth of the Kinnickinnic, Menominee and Milwaukee rivers, they called it “Milwaukie,” which means “where the waters meet.” Today, it has one of the largest American Indian populations in Wisconsin, which itself is home to 11 federally recognized tribes.

Milwaukee is a major league city – the business, cultural, sports and technical hub of a four-county metropolitan area of more than 1.4 million people.

The south wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan about 90 miles north of Chicago, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place in which to live, do business and raise a family. Still, it is big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around in easily. It’s safe, according to FBI statistics, and a friendly hometown.

Because of the metropolitan area’s northern location, its residents can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons – whether it be the cherry and apple blossoms of spring, the refreshing lake breezes of summer, the brilliant colors of fall or the beautiful snows of winter.

Milwaukee is a diverse city, and it celebrates that heritage every summer in a series of festivals held at the lakefront, including one that highlights American Indian traditions. Indian Summer Festival, which celebrates community and culture with food, entertainment and American Indian arts, crafts and cultural exhibits, is just one of the American Indian cultural offerings available regularly in Milwaukee. Others include a Winter Pow-Wow held at State Fair Park and the world-renown Milwaukee Public Museum’s “A Tribute to Survival” and “Celebrations of Culture” exhibits, which celebrate American Indian culture and its contributions to this community.

In addition, more than 500,000 people attend Milwaukee’s other famous festivals, which include Summerfest, German Fest, Polish Fest, Asian Moon, Irish Fest, African World Festival, Festa Italiana and Mexican Fiesta.

Milwaukee leads the way for fun and entertainment. The metropolitan area is vibrant with activities, including parades, ethnic celebrations, bicycle races, art fairs, cross-country skiing, indoor and outdoor ice skating, more than 60 public and private golf courses, water slides, toboggan slides, sailing, fishing charters and 240 miles of designated bikeways. It’s home to the Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Pettit National Ice Center, the only indoor Olympic speed skating rink in the nation.

Professional sports teams such as the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, the National League’s Milwaukee Brewers, the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals and others, play year-round. The nearby Green Bay Packers are considered a hometown team as well. Theater, dance, symphony and opera companies keep the local stages filled.

With Lake Michigan as its backdrop and a short drive to cities such as Chicago, Madison, and Green Bay, Milwaukee is an exciting city all its own. It’s a warm, welcoming hometown, and a great place to live and work.