Commute Times in Milwaukee: How Long Will You Spend in Traffic (and is it even worth it?)
okay, so look. it's currently that weird Milwaukee weather where it feels like November even though it's technically still October. like, grey, damp, and you're pretty sure you saw a snowflake. it's the kind of day that makes you question all your life choices, especially if those choices involve driving.
i'm a vintage clothes picker, right? so i'm always on the hunt. and let me tell you, Milwaukee has some killer thrift stores, but they're scattered. like, you've got the stuff in Bay View, then you gotta hit up Waukesha for the real hidden gems, and don't even get me started on the drive to Cedarburg. it's a whole thing. and that 'thing' is largely dictated by traffic.
people always ask me, "is Milwaukee affordable?" and i'm like, "it can be." rent's…okay. a one-bedroom downtown will run you around $1400, maybe more. but you can find stuff further out for less. i've seen places in Riverwest for around $900, but then you're dealing with…Riverwest. which has its own vibe. let's just say you'll need a good lock. seriously. Check out this subreddit for local opinions.
according to some data i stumbled upon (because i'm a responsible adult sometimes), the average commute time in Milwaukee is around 26 minutes. but that's a lie. a beautiful, comforting lie. it's more like 35-45 during rush hour, especially if you're trying to get across town. i-94 is a parking lot. a beautiful, concrete parking lot with a view of the *lake, but still. and don't even think about trying to use the Hoan Bridge during a Brewers game. you'll be there until next Tuesday.
my friend, who's a barista (and therefore a highly reliable source of information), told me this story the other day:
> "this guy came in, totally stressed, said he spent two hours getting from Greenfield to downtown. two hours! he missed his meeting and lost a client. he was ranting about the construction on 894. it was…intense."
see? intense.
and it's not just the highways. surface streets are no joke either. especially around the breweries. everyone wants to go to Lakefront, MobCraft, and Enlightened Brewery, which means traffic on Canal Street is perpetually awful. i swear, i've aged five years just sitting in that backup. Here's a list of breweries if you're brave enough.
job market? it's…okay. a lot of healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. but the pay isn't amazing, especially for creative types like myself. you gotta hustle. and that hustle often involves a lot of driving. i heard someone at a flea market say:
> "don't bother moving here for the 'scene.' it's small. really small. and everyone knows everyone. you'll be stuck seeing the same five people at every show and vintage market."
which, honestly, is kinda true. but the cheese curds are good. really good. Yelp has some solid recommendations.
so, how long will you spend in traffic? honestly, it depends. if you live and work downtown, you're probably golden. but if you're like me, bouncing around the city in search of forgotten treasures, prepare to lose a significant chunk of your life to the interstate*. and maybe invest in a good podcast. or a really comfortable car seat. or just accept your fate and start practicing your road rage. i'm not judging. i've definitely yelled at a few drivers in my day. and if you're thinking about moving here, just…be prepared. it's a good city, but it's not without its quirks. and those quirks often involve traffic. oh, and don't forget your winter tires. seriously. Here's a local weather site.
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- https://topiclo.com/post/bafoussams-future-infrastructure-dreams-vs-reality-check
- https://topiclo.com/post/khartoum-north-nightlife-bars-safe-spots-and-the-kind-of-chaos-you-cant-unsee
- https://topiclo.com/post/living-in-kh-the-broke-students-survival-guide-with-a-side-of-street-food