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Yes, Wisconsin can be a good place to retire. Many people are drawn to its lakes, forests, and slower pace of life. The state offers reliable healthcare, a lower cost of living than many parts of the country, and communities that welcome newcomers. You’ll also find lively food scenes, festivals, and easy access to nature.
Still, Wisconsin comes with trade-offs. Long winters, high property taxes, and limited urban amenities in smaller towns can be challenging. Some areas also see heavy snow or flooding that can make travel difficult.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of retiring in Wisconsin. It helps you understand why, despite the challenges, the Badger State remains one of the best states for retirees to retire in.
What You’ll Learn
The benefits of retiring in Wisconsin
The challenges of being a retiree in the Badger State
The frequently asked questions people ask about retiring in Wisconsin
Summary
Pros of Retiring in Wisconsin
Serene Environment & Outdoor Activities
The Badger State offers calm, natural spaces and choices for easy outdoor activity. Many spots include the scenic waterfalls in Wisconsin, such as the 165-foot drop at Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park.
You can visit other natural attractions in the state, such as:
Devil’s Lake State Park: This large park features a spring-fed lake, cliffs rising about 500 feet, and 30 miles of trails. You can stroll easy paths, enjoy a lakeside picnic, or take gentle dips in the water.
Peninsula State Park: Set along Green Bay’s shoreline, you can stroll level forest paths, watch birds, or sit at a lakeside bench and just enjoy the quiet.
Comfortable Climate
The seasons in Wisconsin offer opportunities for different activities. For example, summers often mean highs around the mid-70s °F. This is ideal for walking, gardening, or relaxing outside.
Other seasons bring their own activities:
Spring: You can visit botanical gardens, attend maple syrup events, enjoy farmers’ markets, and take light walks near lakes or nature preserves.
Fall: You can take scenic drives, attend local harvest events, pick apples at nearby orchards, and enjoy calm walks through colorful forest trails.
Vibrant Cultural Scene
You find many options in the Badger State for art, music, and live shows. Galleries and museums dot both towns and cities across the state. In fact, in many of the largest cities in Wisconsin, such as Madison, you can attend theatre performances, explore modern art collections, or join workshops.
You’ll find more cultural opportunities in cities like:
Milwaukee: Hosts events such as the Milwaukee Irish Fest, the world’s largest Irish music festival.
Wausau: Hosts events such as the Badger State Games. It is open to amateur athletes of all ages.
Great Healthcare
Wisconsin ranked 17th in the nation for healthcare in 2024, according to MoneyGeek. The ranking reflects strong access to doctors, reasonable costs, and good overall health.
One reason for this strength is steady job growth in the medical field. From 2019 to 2023, the number of healthcare workers, such as nursing assistants, dietitians, and pharmacy technicians, rose by 8 percent.
These professionals work at top-rated hospitals throughout the state. Many of these facilities feature strong senior-care offerings, like:
UW Health University Hospital: Ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin for overall quality. It is rated among the best in the country for specialties like diabetes and gastroenterology.
Froedtert Hospital: Part of a health network that runs eastern Wisconsin’s only adult Level I trauma center. It is also the home to the Senior Health and Geriatric Services specialty clinic.
Lower Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wisconsin is around 3 percent lower than the rest of the country. And there are many reasons for this.
Wisconsinites pay less for certain cost factors than the rest of the country. For example, housing. The typical median home price in the Badger State is 10 percent lower compared to the national average. Groceries, electricity, and healthcare costs are also lower across the board in Wisconsin.
Nevertheless, other cost factors in the state are higher than the rest of the country:
Rent: Wisconsinites pay 15 percent more than those living in other states.
Goods and services: Wisconsinites pay around 11 percent more than the rest of the country.
The table below shows how retiring in Wisconsin costs compared to the national average:
Craft Brew and Food Scene
The state has more than 200 craft breweries, many offering taprooms and local-flavor experiences. Restaurants and supper clubs serve hearty meals like fried fish, prime rib, cheese curds, and bratwurst. These are some examples of dishes that reflect Wisconsin’s heritage.
Some iconic restaurants in the Badger State include:
The Harvey House: Located in Madison, the restaurant blends classic, Midwestern dishes with fresh, contemporary flair.
Red Circle Inn: Located in Nashotah, the restaurant was established in 1848. It offers steak and seafood options.
Cons of Retiring in Wisconsin
Harsh Winters
One challenge of retiring in Wisconsin is the winter weather. Temperatures can fall to -10°F in major cities and -30°F in the Northern Highland. Snowfall is also frequent. Cities like Ashland average about 90 inches each year.
Wisconsin road conditions during the winter months can often lead to accidents. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, winter-weather conditions contributed to more than 11,000 crashes between October 2023 and May 2024.
To minimize risk, you may need to:
Stay connected with local services: Register with your county’s Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to learn more about transportation services tailored for seniors.
Winterize your vehicle: Before cold weather hits, have your car checked for proper tire tread, functioning battery, and winter-grade fluids.
Environmental Irritants & Extreme Weather
Winter is not the only weather-related issue in Wisconsin. Flooding becomes more common with heavy rain events and ground saturation, creating standing water after storms. At the same time, forest fire risk rises during drier stretches, increasing smoke and particulates in the air.
Both scenarios boost mosquito and tick activity. Standing water from floods invites mosquitoes, and extended warm seasons let ticks spread farther. Stay alert and take steps to protect your health outdoors.
Dealing with this can involve:
Monitoring flood and wildfire alerts: Find information either through your country or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Wearing insect repellents: Helps avoid ticks and mosquitoes.
High Property Taxes
Before you move to Wisconsin, it’s wise to account for higher property taxes. The Tax Foundation reports an effective rate of about 1.25 percent of home value in 2023, ranking the state 10th highest nationally.
Some counties in Wisconsin have higher effective rates, though:
Milwaukee: 1.81 percent
Dane: 1.57 percent
Limited Urban Amenities
In Wisconsin, you may find fewer large-city comforts outside major metros. This is especially true if you live in a smaller town and travel into the city. For example, if you’re traveling on either the I-94 or I-43, you might face traffic to Milwaukee, especially during peak commute hours.
This may affect access to specialty shops, large hospitals, or cultural events. To manage this, you may need to:
Use telehealth services: This helps you make fewer trips to urban centers.
Choose towns near regional hubs: These often have access to larger hospitals, shopping centers, and cultural venues.
Taxation on Retirement Income
While Social Security benefits are tax-free in Wisconsin, know that most of your retirement income is still taxable. Rates run from about 3.5 percent to 7.65 percent, depending on your income bracket. That doesn’t even include the state sales tax of 5 percent in Wisconsin, plus local additions in some counties and cities.
Managing this can involve:
Using certain exemptions: One example is the state retirement income subtraction.
Working with a tax advisor: They can help manage income-bracket bumps and avoid surprise tax bills.
Final Thoughts: Retiring in Wisconsin
Settling in the Badger State means experiencing peaceful scenery, strong healthcare, and an active local culture. You can enjoy lakes, trails, and year-round events that fit a slower pace. Winters can be long and property taxes higher than average, yet the balance of affordability, friendly communities, and outdoor access keeps life rewarding.
For many retirees asking, “Is Wisconsin a good place to live?”, the advantages often outweigh the seasonal and financial challenges, making the answer clear.
Move Your Car to the Badger State with AmeriFreight
Let AmeriFreight Auto Transport handle your vehicle shipment before you settle into Wisconsin’s open roads and lake country. Our agents work with licensed carriers nationwide to keep your move smooth, dependable, and ready for arrival.
With more than twenty years of experience, AmeriFreight Auto Transport makes sure your vehicle reaches your Wisconsin home safely and on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Wisconsin towns are considered the most walkable and have good public transit options for non-drivers?
Consider cities like Madison and Milwaukee. Madison offers walker-friendly neighborhoods around its State Street and Capitol Square areas. Meanwhile, Milwaukee boasts strong transit options through its Milwaukee County Transit System, making it easier to get around without always driving.
What are the best Wisconsin towns for retirees who want year-round outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing and summer boating?
Two standout towns for retirees who enjoy year-round outdoor activity are Hayward and Eagle River.
In Hayward, you’ll find more than 124 km of groomed trails at the renowned American Birkebeiner and plenty of boating, canoeing, and fishing nearby.
In Eagle River, you can enjoy lakeside boating from marinas offering pontoons and ski boats, and winter trails that support snow sports and cross-country skiing.
These spots make the list of best places to retire in Wisconsin for those who want to stay active in all seasons.
What are the main risks associated with severe winter weather, like ice storms, for older residents in rural parts of Wisconsin?
They face major risks from ice storms: icy roads increase fall and vehicle-crash danger, power outages hamper heating and medical devices, and isolation weakens access to healthcare.
What major hospital systems in Wisconsin (e.g., Froedtert, UW Health) are most frequently recommended for specialized geriatric care?
Two major Wisconsin systems recommended for geriatric care include UW Health, known for its nationally ranked Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology with home-based and acute-care services.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, meanwhile, offers a dedicated Senior Health and Geriatrics program, with inpatient consults and specialized memory-disorder clinics.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice.
Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
