3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in Wisconsin

Wisconsin gets slept on. That's something I've learned as a travel writer. So many well-traveled people haven't ventured to my original home state and are astounded at how magnificent it is. They marvel at the abundance of natural beauty, the wealth of cultural offerings, and how much there is to do. To me, those things are all second nature. Unlike other popular spots for retirees, like Florida, Wisconsin is an astounding place with all the benefits, but without months of unbearable heat. There are innumerable reasons to live in Wisconsin, especially to enjoy the freedom of retirement.

Wisconsin's Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

Non-Midwesterners might be shocked to see this at the top of the list. But, honestly, the weather in Wisconsin is one of the reasons it is such an incredible place to be. From blankets of freshly fallen snow juxtaposed with bright evergreens, fields full of sunflowers, and the rainbow of autumnal colors across the trees, the seasons there are robust. Even on days when the air is so cold you'd rather camp out inside, the radiant warmth of a perfect spring day makes it all the sweeter.

Because of all that weather, the natural beauty of Wisconsin is a wonder in itself. Glistening Lake Michigan off the coast of Door County or the majesty of Devil's Lake State Park would be far less compelling if not for the changing of the seasons. Each month gives Wisconsinites something new to look forward to and even more reason to get outside and enjoy it!

Quality of Life in Wisconsin

Quality of life in Wisconsin, especially for retirees, is huge—particularly if you're looking for places with the amenities of city life at a more reasonable price. According to FinanceBuzz, two Wisconsin cities in particular are standouts in the Midwest for this kind of lifestyle: Eau Claire and Green Bay. Both have a lower cost of living and plenty to keep you busy in your golden years.

La Crosse is another Wisconsin city that FinanceBuzz ranked highly amongst affordable spots for retirees. That's because this walkable, small city has a cost of living 11 percent lower than the national average. Plus, it's home to one of my favorite supper clubs, Digger's Sting.

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Wisconsin

Supper club culture and Wisconsin's incredible food scene are the final reasons retirees should consider this spot to call home. As much as I'd love to make a "Wisconsin culture is cheese, a cultured product" joke, the cuisine scene is anything but. From the comfort meals at supper clubs around the state (there are over 200) to elevated dishes at date night spots like The Harvey House, Sanford, or Field & Fire, there is no shirking a good meal in Wisconsin.

And when in doubt, there is always cheese. And custard. And beer. And brats. While not health staples for an aging community (or any of us), they are often comforts on those cold nights or long tailgating afternoons. Life is too short not to enjoy some quintessential Wisconsin eats.

When you're ready to experience Wisconsin's natural beauty, incredible food, and lifestyle benefits, I encourage you to take a trip. I've learned that once people see my original home state for themselves, it's hard to shake. While you're planning your adventure, be sure to utilize the Only In Your State Travel Planner to get the inside scoop from folks like me who have spent a lot of time in America's Dairyland.