Kenosha

One benefit of living in Kenosha, the fourth most populated city in Wisconsin, is access to the shores of Lake Michigan. Sunnyside is a neighborhood just a couple of miles off the water. The lake is a year-round destination, from the popular multiday Celebrate America festival around July Fourth to simple joys like exploring the walking paths along the water or wading and searching for seashells. “It’s awfully cold, but some people brave it and swim,” Kris Kochman, community relations liaison for the city, says. In Sunnyside, there are plenty of residential streets, with the suburban looks of closely placed single-family homes and small front yards usually open to the sidewalks. Many houses date from the 1950s to the ‘70s, with styles including ranch-style homes and Cape Cods. A home with less than 1,000 square feet might sell for about $110,000, and one with at least twice the space for up to $340,000. Kids may attend public schools like Grewenow Elementary, graded C-plus by Niche, and featuring technology such as coding and robotics to enhance learning. Schools at the next levels include Lincoln Middle, graded C; and Tremper High, graded B-minus. There is an assortment of nearby parks, including Lincoln Park, Anderson Park and Red Arrow Park. The closest to most neighborhood homes — no surprise — is Sunnyside Park, which is fairly small but includes a playground and space to play soccer or baseball. Simmons Field, on Sheridan Road, is where the Kenosha Kingfish play baseball. The historic stadium dates to 1920 and was the home of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the Kenosha Comets, one of the teams portrayed in the movie “A League of Their Own.” Dennis DuChene, president of Visit Kenosha, the city’s official travel resource, says, “Games are hosted during the summer months, offering family friendly fun for an affordable night of baseball.” For those who want an evening bowling instead of batting, Sheridan Lanes is the place to sign up for a league or compete in a tournament. There are shops and eateries nearby on Sheridan Road, though Peggy Gregorski, executive director of Kenosha Public Museums, says this area wouldn’t necessarily be considered part of Sunnyside. Tommy’s Home Run Family Restaurant serves breakfast anytime. It’s less than 2 miles to the heart of downtown, for stores and restaurants galore. “It’s a traditional downtown, with small boutique-y kinds of shops and restaurants and new development going in at 52nd and Sheridan,” Gregorski says. For groceries, residents might choose Festival Foods, a few miles south. There are tons of popular annual events in Kenosha. One out of many, the Civic Veterans Parade is a long-held tradition held on the Sunday before the Fourth of July. “It goes north of downtown and through the downtown area, with a portion going past the harbor. There are veterans’ groups, clowns, all types of entertainment,” Kochman says. The 2023 float best in show award went to Snap-on, a company specializing in tools and mechanical equipment and providing about 700 jobs onsite at their Kenosha headquarters. In 2021, the company threw a party for its 100th-year anniversary and groundbreaking on a 90,000-square-foot expansion. The community-friendly event included a kids’ carnival, hot air balloons and a car show. Though Kenosha is included in the greater Chicago region, Milwaukee is closer, just 35 miles north, versus 60 miles south. Drivers take advantage of major roads like State Routes 31, 32 and 50 in nearby interstates. Kenosha Area Transit buses are one option for public transportation, and around downtown, the historic districts and Lake Michigan, electric streetcars provide a scenic trip. The streetcars stop at Kenosha Station, the only Metra station outside Illinois.

Anchored by its namesake park and elementary school, Forest Park is a cozy, walkable enclave within 3 miles of downtown Kenosha and the shores of Lake Michigan. The neighborhood blends proximity and privacy with residential streets that feel serenely secluded. “This is a beautiful area, and the people are really friendly,” says Keegan Ronan, who works at The Daily Dose Café in Forest Park. “Ever since I started working here, I’ve fallen more and more in love with the neighborhood. It has a close-knit atmosphere that you just don’t see in downtown areas.” Neighbors wave hello as they pass by on walks or bike rides along paved sidewalks shaded by mature trees. The streets are lined with colonials, split levels, ranch homes and Tudor-inspired cottages. “The charm of the homes is a big draw because many are smaller than other neighborhoods in Kenosha,” says Cara Jahnke, a broker with Compass Realty. “My sister moved into the neighborhood recently to downsize, and they found a house to fix up. It’s pretty common to see homes with additions. They’ve been built up and out.” Most homes sit close together on quarter-to-third-acre lots with manicured lawns and colorful front gardens. Prices here range from $130,000 to $399,000. Forest Park’s central location near State Routes 31, 50 and 158 puts retail and restaurants within reach. The Daily Dose Café is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch or a quick coffee on the go. Everything from French toast paninis to tofu tacos is on the menu. Those with a sweet tooth head across the street to Paielli’s Bakery, which has been family-owned and operated for more than 100 years. “I head to Paielli’s each morning to pick up our bread, and I just love the warm atmosphere and the smell of the bread baking,” says Ronan. There’s a Piggly Wiggly less than a mile away for grocery runs. Heading just 2 miles west along State Route 50, known locally as 75th Street, leads to familiar big box stores like Kohl’s and Michaels. Kids can walk to practices or recreational games held on one of Forest Park's three baseball fields. The roughly 7-acre green space gives locals space to get fresh air or take their kids to burn some energy on the playground. When summer rolls around, many make the 3-mile drive east to Eichelman Park’s beach along Lake Michigan to soak up some sun or go for a swim. The expansive waterway provides a scenic backdrop for walking trails, a playground and picnic tables. Forest Park Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche, sits in the neighborhood’s center and is within walking distance for most students. Students zoned for Kenosha School District later filter into C-plus-rated Lance Middle School. Indian Trail High School and Academy receives a B overall from Niche and is ranked the third-best high school in Kenosha County. While Indian Trail High School is a traditional, regional high school, Indian Trail Academy is a magnet program. Students can apply to one of its four career-based academies: Business, Medical Sciences, Communications and Kenosha Military. Taking 60th Street for nearly 3 miles east will lead to downtown Kenosha’s restaurants, museums and waterfront parks. Heading in the opposite direction links locals to medical care at Aurora Medical Center Kenosha. The roadway is also lined with Kenosha Area Transit bus stops for those who use public transit to navigate the city. More stops are dotted along 67th Street. With Interstate 94 nearby, locals can commute to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, about 31 miles north. Driving an additional 6 miles north will put locals in downtown Milwaukee.

The city of Kenosha is growing, and just 3 miles from the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Hillcrest is not exempt. “It’s a bigger city now. Not quite Milwaukee or Chicago, but when you’re born and raised here, you don’t always realize how much we have,” says Wendy Gauss, a 51-year resident of Kenosha. The Realtor with Re/Max Elite also serves as a chairperson for the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce. “Illinois’ property taxes are crazy high, so we’ve had an influx of people coming here to buy.” Set with a Metra station taking commuters straight to Ogilvie Center, Kenosha is far removed from the rural Wisconsin farmland just west. But Hillcrest straddles the two, close enough to the downtown scene while still offering spacious lots with modern builds. The modern traditional homes of Hillcrest are sometimes priced higher than in surrounding Kenosha neighborhoods. These single-family homes average about 2,000 square feet and have spacious front yards outlined by wide, neat sidewalks. Around back, it’s common to find pools, gardens, patios and playgrounds carefully fenced in, denoting the community as a textbook suburb. Along 22nd Street, ranch-style homes are a bit older, while condos and apartments flank the neighborhood’s southern end. Altogether, prices hover between $250,000 and $450,000, with most homes constructed in the early 2000s. Students are zoned for the Kenosha Unified School District, divided between two catchment areas. Some will begin at Somers Elementary, while others attend Stocker Elementary. Both earn a B-minus on Niche and feed into Bullen Middle, located just half a mile from most residences. The middle school earns a C on Niche and offers extracurricular and athletic opportunities. "It's a safe area,” says real estate agent Shiela Heg, a 70-year resident of Kenosha. “Lots of kids here walk to the nearby middle and high school.” Students wrap up at Bradford High, which receives a B-minus on Niche with above-average ratings in the categories of college prep, sports and diversity. The city of Kenosha is often seen as the midway point between Chicago and Milwaukee, but residents are far less likely to drive in the Windy City. “We have a train that goes from Kenosha to Ogilvie Center,” Gauss explains, referring to the Kenosha Metra. “Navigating the interstate to Milwaukee is less hassle. If you’re looking at an hour to Chicago anyway, taking the train is so much easier.” Residents of Hillcrest are about 4 miles from downtown Kenosha, where the Metra station is located. Those driving 66 miles south into Chicago take Interstate 94, while Milwaukee is situated 36 miles north on the same highway. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about 29 miles into the commute, though regional and privately-owned airports nearby include Batten International and Kenosha Regional. The closest emergency room is at St. Catherine’s Medical Center on 75th Street. Locals can take Kenosha Area Transit buses to navigate the city, offered along 47th Avenue and Washington Road. The Garbage Plate at Frank’s Diner has been a local legend since 1926, so much so that it was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” back in 2007. “They serve breakfast out of a train caboose,” Gauss says, excitedly. The iconic dish is a whopping mash-up of eggs, vegetables and meats including chorizo or spam. “They even make their own bread,” she continues. “Another spot that people love to hit is Mars Cheese Castle. If they don’t have the cheese you’re looking for, I don’t know where else you’ll get it. Anything you need for a charcuterie board; you can buy it there.” Farther south on 75th Street, Tuscany Bistro is another Gauss recommendation. “The owner’s recipes are straight from Italy, learned from her grandparents,” she explains. Hillcrest’s residents hardly travel far for the essentials, as shopping centers off Green Bay Road offer everything from Walmart Supercenter to ALDI and Sam’s Club. Many residents of Hillcrest are within walking distance of Sunrise Park, a 20-acre green space with playgrounds and ball fields, where locals can jog on the paved trail or catch a pick-up game. The Hillcrest Disc Golf Course is relatively unknown around Kenosha, but warm days are well-spent playing a round of nine next door to the neighborhood. “Petrifying Springs is probably our biggest park,” Gauss says. The wooded area is packed with pavilions and elevated walking trails for guests to immerse themselves in the county’s oldest park, known to locals as simply “Pets.” The Kenosha Dream Playground is bit farther downtown but offers a complete ADA compliant play space for children of all abilities. “We also have the entire lakefront,” Gauss continues. “Eichelman Park has a band shell played in the summer, or people head to Simmons Island,” where admission is free. The Kenosha HarborMarket began in 2003, now a three-year winner of Kenosha’s “Best Event” award. Vendors gather each Saturday from May through October with fresh produce, artisan products and pantry staples to promote shopping local. The city is also known to host a vibrant Independence Day celebration, where festivities are held on the lakefront featuring live music, food vendors and fireworks. Residents can look forward to the Peanut Butter and Jam concert series held at the end of July, too. Lawn chairs and blankets are draped around Veterans Memorial Park where select musicians perform matinees and evening shows.

Convenient, vibrant, and evolving describes the Downtown Kenosha area. A neighborhood that’s seeing much light with its growing array of small businesses, housing options and access to highways and public transportation. “Kenosha is Wisconsin’s fourth largest city with its own thriving lakefront district filled with historic charm and modern vibes,” says Visit Kenosha’s public relations director, Meridith Jumisko. “It’s conveniently located near Chicago and Milwaukee.” Kenosha’s $400 million Downtown Vision plans to bring tremendous growth to the city. Soon, downtown will become a spot with new luxury housing and further retail and restaurant growth opportunities. Downtown also holds the Kenosha Metra, where residents can explore Chicago. Downtown Kenosha has a mild mixture of homes ranging from charming single-family homes to condos blocks from Lake Michigan. Most single families will be west of Sheridan Rd. Many of these properties were built in the early to mid-20th century. Some homes may hold driveways and garages, but it’s primarily street parking. Homebuyers can snag these bungalow-style homes for prices between $100,000 to $200,000. Toward HarborPark is where homebuyers will find the condos. These can carry between one to three bedrooms, holding around 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. Depending on the size, these prices can range from $150,000 to $400,000. The heart of Downtown Kenosha resides in the thriving and evolving restaurants and boutiques within the center. “New businesses continue to open all the time,” says Jumisko. “Downtown Kenosha is full of locally owned, independent clothing boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and cafes. There is a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the entrepreneurs.” Every third Thursday downtown, entrepreneurs put together unique specials for their stores. That could range from discounts, live music, or free samples. One Wisconsin staple is Frank’s Diner, which has been downtown for a century. It’s featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Food Network’s Diner, Drive-Ins and Drives. Their claim to fame is their famous “Garbage Plate” dish, which includes eggs mixed with hash browns, green peppers and onions. Then add on your choice of meat and cheeses. HarborPark is the epicenter of the Lake Michigan shore, being a staple to unique events and Kenosha’s history. Before it was HarborPark, it used to be the manufacturing area of American Motors Corporation (Chrysler). “There was a 108-year history of automobile manufacturing and engine assembly in the City of Kenosha,” Jumisko says. “In 1988, automobile assembly ended, and engine assembly continued until 2010.” Every three years, the community celebrates this history through the Kenosha Homecoming Car Show. Locals and tourists come to view the hundreds of classic cars that carry connections to the Kenosha plant. Other popular events in HarborPark include the Taste of Wisconsin, Cheese-A-Palooza and the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival. These all happen in the summer. Aside from HarborPark, residents can find plenty of opportunities to walk around. Southport Park and Beach is located on 2nd Ave. This area is great for exploring from the playground, athletic fields, and walking and biking trails. Eichelman and Wolfenbuttel Park are adjacent to each other along 3rd Ave. Residents and families will have an all-day affair in these areas. Take walks along the sandy beaches or grab the boat for a day of fishing. Wolfenbuttel Park is known to hold weddings and be a good spot for pictures. Spend the winter months ice skating in the rink of Veterans Memorial Park. Downtown Kenosha is home to three museums: the Civil War Museum, Kenosha Public Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum. "One of the strengths of each of the three museums is that they have very diverse missions, something for everyone. It creates memorable experiences,” says executive director for Kenosha Public Museums Peggy Gregorski. "What we see is it becomes a regular place for families to have informal time together, it’s multi-generational experience, it’s an easy thing to do in our community, 2 of the 3 museums are completely free.” The Civil War Museum will provide locals with knowledge of how the Upper Middle West states contributed to the war. Locals can see over 80,000 natural sciences and decorative art collections in the Kenosha Public Museum. Dinosaur Discovery Museum is where folks can see their collection of meat-eating dinosaurs. Students can attend schools in the B-Niche-rated Kenosha Unified School District. Frank Elementary School holds a C grade on Niche. Students here will get more personalized learning by having the same teacher for two years. Lincoln Middle School also holds a C Niche grade and cares for grades six through eight. Tremper High School carries a B-minus on Niche. Students here can participate in 35 different after-school clubs and activities.

The Lance community owes its name to Gilbert “Gib” Lance, a World War I veteran who pioneered the city’s scouting movements and baseball teams. However, aside from the local middle school—Lance Middle—this residential enclave of Kenosha is less desirable for its name and more for its convenience. Lance’s quiet, gridded residential streets are within walking and cycling distance of Kenosha schools and popular pocket parks, while locally-owned businesses and big-box stops are within a 2-mile radius of most homes. “It’s a commuter’s dream to live here,” says Chad Scott, a local Realtor with eXp Realty, referring to the neighborhood’s proximity to Interstate 94. “You can get to Chicago and Milwaukee in about an hour.” From the downtown scene’s sandy dunes to citywide events and commuter rails to both Chicago and Milwaukee, residents of Lance are set up for a convenient lifestyle. Lance’s gridded residential streets are just south of 75th Street and its associated retail hubs. However, the community is altogether quiet despite the industry nearby. Ranch-style homes and Cape Cods neighbor custom builds on numbered avenues, ranging in price from $175,000 to $420,000—below average for the surrounding Chicago Metropolitan area. Sidewalks line each block, branching into neat walkways that lead to each doorstep. Out back, detached garages sit beside fenced-in yards with pools, patios and trampolines. With a CAP Index crime score of 2, compared to the national average of 4, it’s common for residents to walk the neighborhood, perhaps to 38th Avenue’s Southwest Neighborhood Library or accompanying park. Homebuyers can also expect clusters of condos closer to 80th Street, ranging in price from $170,000 to $235,000. 75th Street stretches north of Lance’s residential enclave, lined with big-box markets like Piggly Wiggly, Pick ‘n Save and Aldi. Intermixed are a handful of surprises, like the 60-year-old haunt, House of Gerhard. The German-American eatery first opened in 1966, serving old-world grub and imported beers. Over the decades, it’s stayed in the family. “Kenosha is a small city with all the amenities you could want in a large city,” Scott says. “But the locally-owned spots give it that small-town feeling.” Today, the House of Gerhard serves Schweine-Haxe and Filet Mignon in its unmissable Tudor-style building. Farther west on Green Bay Road, Fresh Thyme Market sits near popular retailers like Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby and Lowe’s, flanked by various casual chains from Mission BBQ to Giordano’s. Back home in Lance, the Kenosha Brewing Company occupies a vintage brick building serving craft brews and pub favorites, contributing to the Wisconsinite brewing tradition. In the fall, students attend the Kenosha Unified School District, beginning at Whittier Elementary, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Lance Middle School is located on 80th Street, within walking distance of many homes. With a C-plus on Niche, Lance scores highest in diversity with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Tremper High School is less than a mile south, earning a B-minus and boasting a wide array of extracurriculars. From clubs dedicated to vintage vinyl collecting, knitting and madrigal singing to athletic teams for diving, gymnastics and golf, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests prior to graduation. Anderson Pool is popular in the summertime, located on the Tremper High School campus. The seasonal outdoor pool features water slides and a sprayground, while the Kenosha Area Soccer League occupies the seven ball fields next door. Guests can bring their pets to the K9 Korner Dog Park or stroll the walking paths that orient around two small ponds by the pool. Both Isetts Park and Newman Park are within walking distance of Lance families, offering playgrounds and grassy fields visible from many backyards. Residents seeking a day on Lake Michigan can head to the Kenosha Sand Dunes, where sunbathing, dune climbing and swimming pair with bike rides along the park’s waterfront trail. Though most residents are car-dependent, Kenosha Area Transit bus stops line 80th Street, 30th Avenue and Pershing Boulevard for a convenient 4-mile trip into Downtown Kenosha. Alternatively, the bike lane on 80th branches into the Kenosha County Bike Trail, stretching south to the Illinois border. The path leads to Chicago, formally renamed the Robert McClory Bike Path at the state line. The nearest emergency room is Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, 5 miles west of Lance. While Chicago remains a 62-mile commute, residents can take the Metra from Kenosha station downtown. Similarly, the 40-mile commute to Milwaukee is made easy by the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Commuter Rail departing from the same station. Those traveling out of state typically fly out of General Mitchell International Airport, 33 miles north. Situated 4 miles southwest of Downtown Kenosha, Lance residents are well-positioned to partake in the city’s various annual events, likely packed with familiar faces. “People call Kenosha a ‘big little town,’” Scott says. “People feel like they know everybody, even though they probably don’t.” Residents gather along the lakefront for fireworks and live music every Independence Day as part of the city’s Celebrate America festival. Meanwhile, regional and national jazz musicians perform at Celebration Place for the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival in August. Wisconsin winters are made bearable with the Snow Daze Festival. A 32-foot by 60-foot outdoor ice rink at Veterans Memorial Park is the main attraction, with ice sculptures in front of many downtown shops and eateries.

Lincoln Park is an ideal combination of residential and city charm. This area sits a mile west of downtown, allowing residents walking access to dozens of restaurants, retail and nightlife. Lincoln Park is one of Kenosha’s larger parks and a community asset. Residents maintain an active lifestyle through its loads of recreational spots and signature events. Lincoln Park is mainly single-family homes; however, there are pockets of multi-family dwellings. Every house looks different in Lincoln Park. They come with unique charm through their colors and architectural design. Most homes are over a century year old. Homes are reasonably priced compared to the surrounding neighborhoods. Typical ranges are $150,000 to $200,000. Most homes come with smaller front lawns and gravel driveways. On the lower end of the range are bungalows and Cape Cods that come with multiple bedrooms and one bath. Some may require some refurbishment since these are older homes. On the higher end, bungalows and Dutch Colonial-style homes have multiple bathrooms and upgraded amenities. Lincoln Park is a 42-acre park located on the neighborhood’s southwest. Residents can spend a warm day associating themselves with the many activities they have. Swing a racquet around the tennis courts. Play a pickup game at the basketball court, or take a breezy walk with the dog on the trails. What makes Lincoln Park so special Is the 18-hole disc golf course, which was the first one in the city. Play with friends along the 18 holes. The Warren Tyler Memorial Flower Garden is popular for weddings. Brides walk down the paved walkway to the pavilion surrounded by dozens of flowers. Streeter Park is a pocket park on 16th Ave with a small neighborhood playground. Students in Lincoln Park can attend schools within the Kenosha Unified School District, which holds a B on Niche. Grades kindergarten through fifth grade can begin at Grewenow Elementary and hold a C-plus on Niche. Lincoln Middle School is right in the neighborhood. This school has a C on Niche and exposes students to philanthropy and service learning by raising money for the Annual Cancer Walk in Lincoln Park. The B-minus-rated Tremper High School is where students earn their diplomas. While there’s not an abundance of restaurants and retail in Lincoln Park, residents are not far from the dozens nearby downtown. Chens Bistro on 20th Ave serves traditional Chinese dishes. Locals draw to their orange chicken and General Tso’s chicken. Head a mile up north to find a decent array of coffee shops, breweries, or grills. An iconic Wisconsin staple is Frank’s Diner. A classic Kenosha diner for nearly 100 years, locals love their famous “garbage plate” dish. Festival Foods is the local grocer that 2 miles southwest. Department stores such as Kohl’s, Lowe’s and Walmart are located on Highway 31 (Green Bay Road) 4 miles west. Lincoln Park Live! is an annual concert series. Along the Warren J. Taylor Flower Garden, locals can enjoy four free concerts that showcase local bands. These concerts also have food trucks and informational booths about the community. HarborPark holds several events in the summer and is only 2 miles west. HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival is an annual music festival that attracts regional tourists. This fundraiser allows patrons to listen to quality music, enjoy food, or observe the “Cooking Studio” event. Other popular events in HarborPark include Taste of Wisconsin, Cheese-A-Palooza, and Kenosha HarborMarket. Residents who do need to commute have multiple forms of transportation. “It’s convenient. We’re only 7 miles from Interstate 94/41,” says Visit Kenosha’s public relations director, Meridith Jumisko. “The METRA Commuter Rail Station is in Downtown Kenosha; we are the only stop in Wisconsin on the Union Pacific North line that runs out of Chicago.” Those interstates can take residents to Milwaukee or Chicago.