Meet Milwaukee

Pich' moved to Milwaukee in Aug. 2008, here are some facts on the area!

* The Greater Milwaukee area consists of approx. 1.7 million people making it the 22nd largest city in the U.S.

* Of the 45 biggest areas in the U.S., Milwaukee boasts the 11th lowest crime rate.

* The name derives from Indian "Milwaukie" meaning "where the waters meet." (A number of rivers meet here and empty into Lake Michigan)

* The median rent in the area is $577 a month. Many places include utilities as well.

* The main newspaper is the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

* The General Mitchell International Airport is rated the 3rd best airport by frequent flyers. Pich' deemed it... "Pretty solid."

* Home area of major companies including: Harley-Davidson, Kohl's, Johnson Controls, SC Johnson, and Briggs & Stratton just to name a few.

The Milwaukee River cuts right through downtown as seen here at night

* 11 major stages/ arenas for concerts and shows

* Sports Scene has Major League Baseball (Brewers), National Basketball Association (Bucks), NCAA Division I members Marquette, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Other teams include minor league hockey (Admirals), soccer (Wave), and lacrosse (Bonecrushers). Racing fans can enjoy the Milwaukee Mile race track.

Marquette University

* It's a commonly known fact that Milwaukee is a major part of "Packer Nation." The town does not have many events on Sundays during the football season so that nothing conflicts with the beloved Green Bay Packers!

* The Hyatt Regency is one of the finest hotels in Milwaukee and hosts a rotating restaurant on top of it!

* The U.S. Cellular Arena was the major arena in the city for years until the Bradley Center was completed in 1988. The Arena is still in business for smaller shows and conventions, and is the host to the Milwaukee Wave Indoor Soccer team.

Hyatt on the left and the Bradley Center on the right with U.S. Cellular just up ahead on the right

* The International Clown Hall of Fame calls Milwaukee home... you heard me "Clown"

* Car insurance is not required by law in the state of Wisconsin

Milwaukee Brewers

* Milwaukee was the city featured in "Happy Days" and later a few spin-off shows such as "Laverne & Shirley." In honor of this great television history the city erected a bronze statue of the Fonz, played by Henry Winkler

* The home plate of Helfaer Field, the tiny baseball field in front of Miller Park, is the original home plate of the old Milwaukee County Stadium that was home to the Brewers and Braves previously.

* If you want to park on any city street overnight, you'd better buy a permit or face a $15 ticket.

Observe Milwaukee...goes down smooth

* Home of the Nation's second largest brewer, Miller Brewing Company

* Despite being the world's beer capital for awhile, now less than 1% of the Milwaukee work force is employed brewing.

* Also home to Pabst and Schlitz Breweries.

Miller Park - Home of The Brewers

* Home to Potawatomi Bingo Casino. It features table games, poker, and more than 1,800 slot machines. It is Wisconsin's #1 entertainment destination. It currently holds a 2-1 lead on The Pich'.

* The Milwaukee Art Museum is home to over 25,000 works of art. Major names included are: Rembrandt, Durer, Picasso, and Warhol. It is the dramatic architectural signature on the lake front.

* Milwaukee County Zoo is one of the top Zoological parks in the country.

Milwaukee Art Museum on the shore of Lake Michigan

* Milwaukee is in close proximity to other major cities and areas: Madison, WI (Little over an hour drive) / Green Bay, WI (2 hours) / Chicago, IL (1 1/2 hours) / Indianapolis, IN (Little under 5 hours) / St. Louis, MO (5 Hours) / Minneapolis, MN (6 1/2 hours)

* Milwaukee is known for it's many festivals including Summerfest (music festival), Multiple cultural fests, and the Wisconsin State Fair just to name a few.

Summerfest main gate

* The Bradley Center was the first of the "new age arenas" to put luxury suites at the mid-level. The building celebrates it's 20-year anniversary during the 2008 year.

* Within the same few blocks are The Bradley Center, U.S. Cellular Arena, The Midwest Airlines Center, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Pabst Theatre, and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. It's a hot-bed of activity in a small area!

* The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame is on the side of the U.S. Cellular Arena and is outdoors and open to the public at all times!

Curly Lambeau's plaque in the Hall of Fame

* To say Milwaukee with the local accent try it like this: Muh-walkie

* Figuring out where you are in the city is as easy as knowing that everything starts at the Milwaukee river with 1st Street and the higher the number the further west you're going. North and South versions of each street are split by Interstate 94. Now there are other name streets but the number guide will take you far if the buildings and other landmarks don't deliver.

* Friday's are "Fish Fry" days. Don't ask me why.

For more on the Bradley Center... Click Here!

Some of the information found here was obtained using "The Greater Milwaukee Relocation Handbook" 2008 edition, later my own visit when I went for an interview, and then everything else I've learned while living here.