Neighborhood Beacon
Compare
  1. Home
  2. States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Top 100 neighborhoods in Wisconsin

Top 100 Neighborhoods in Wisconsin: Your Guide

Explore Wisconsin's top neighborhoods ranked by safety, schools, amenities, affordability, and walkability. Find your ideal community.

View Free Sample ReportCompare PlansSearch an address

The sample and plans are public. Address search requires a free account; sign in or create one to continue directly to search.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

Discover the leading neighborhoods across Wisconsin, meticulously ranked using a comprehensive methodology. We evaluate each community based on key factors: safety, the quality of local schools, availability of amenities, housing affordability, and walkability scores. This approach helps identify areas that consistently offer a desirable living environment.

Our ranking considers data from various sources, reflecting a holistic view of each neighborhood. We've analyzed the state's diverse regions, from the urban centers to the serene lakeside communities, to present a list that showcases Wisconsin's best places to call home. This guide provides an objective look at what makes these neighborhoods stand out.

Overall, Wisconsin's top neighborhoods generally score well across multiple metrics. On average, our ranked neighborhoods show a Safety score of 66, indicating above-average security. The collective Beacon Score, which averages all criteria, stands at 57. While Lifestyle scores average 55, Investment scores are 58, and Future scores are 47, suggesting areas with potential for growth and evolving amenities. This data helps contextualize the value offered by these highly-rated areas.

Within this ranking, you'll find standout communities near major metropolitan areas like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, and La Crosse. Each entry provides insights into the neighborhood's unique characteristics, helping you compare options based on your specific priorities and lifestyle preferences.

Top 2 cities in Wisconsin

  1. 1.Milwaukeepop. 590,157
  2. 2.Madisonpop. 259,680

Compare two Wisconsin neighborhoods

Pick any two cities to see them side by side.

Open the comparator →

FAQs

How are neighborhoods in Wisconsin ranked?

Neighborhoods are ranked using a methodology that assesses five core categories: safety, school quality, local amenities, housing affordability, and walkability. Data is compiled from various public sources to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

Which Wisconsin cities typically have highly-rated neighborhoods?

Highly-rated neighborhoods are often found in and around major metropolitan areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, though excellent communities exist throughout the state.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

What does the 'Safety' score mean?

The Safety score, which averages 66 for the ranked neighborhoods, reflects an assessment of crime rates and public safety metrics. Higher scores indicate areas with generally lower reported crime incidents, based on publicly available data like FBI UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) statistics.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

What kind of amenities are considered in the ranking?

Amenities considered include access to parks, public libraries, healthcare facilities, retail options, grocery stores, and cultural or recreational opportunities within or very close to the neighborhood. The proximity and variety of these resources contribute to a neighborhood's amenity score.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

Where can I find more detailed information on specific neighborhoods?

For detailed information on specific neighborhoods, including granular data on crime, school performance, and local demographics, readers should consult primary sources such as the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), U.S. Census Bureau ACS (American Community Survey), and relevant county assessor websites.

Source verification required

Unverified AI reply: supporting sources and reporting dates were not recorded for these claims. The official links below are places to verify them, not citations proving this reply is accurate.

Confirm school attendance boundaries, enrollment eligibility, programs and transport policies directly with the local school district. NCES listings do not establish attendance boundaries. Data unavailable where reliable evidence has not been supplied.

  • NCES public school directoryLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • U.S. Census — American Community SurveyLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FBI Crime Data ExplorerLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • National Weather ServiceLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded
  • FEMA flood mapsLink checked 2026-10-18 · Source publication/reporting date not recorded

Link-check dates confirm availability only, not factual verification or data freshness. Beacon scores are model estimates, not school ratings or measured crime statistics.

View Free Sample ReportCompare PlansSearch an address

The sample and plans are public. Address search requires a free account; sign in or create one to continue directly to search.

More about Wisconsin

  • Best neighborhoods in Wisconsin
  • Safest neighborhoods in Wisconsin
  • Best places to retire in Wisconsin
  • Most affordable places in Wisconsin
  • Best places for families in Wisconsin
  • Best for young professionals in Wisconsin
© 2026 Neighborhood BeaconAll statesAll citiesCompare