Wauwatosa 87 Exceptional
Wauwatosa Livability #19 ranked city in Wisconsin#254 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wauwatosa

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

    None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.

What's it like Living in Wauwatosa?

Located in the state of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa is a medium-sized city with a population of 49,450 people. In Wauwatosa, there are 3,736 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Wauwatosa residents are White, 6% Black and 4% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Wauwatosa is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Wauwatosa is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Wisconsin, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Wauwatosa, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, health & safety, education, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Wauwatosa has received a livability score of 87/100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Wauwatosa could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Wauwatosa ranks well for crime (B-), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+)

The unemployment rate in Wauwatosa has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.7%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wauwatosa apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Wauwatosa is real estate affordability. The median home price for Wauwatosa homes is $450,093, which is 49.4% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wauwatosa, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 5.4% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wauwatosa

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Wauwatosa?

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Compare Wauwatosa, WI Livability

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      Wauwatosa transportation information

      Statistic Wauwatosa Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute21min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.5%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home7.6%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Wauwatosa, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.