Archived: Apr 14, 2008

> UH Section

Where should I move?

A guide to Milwaukee's housing options

By Michelle Sauer

As appealing as it sounds to live closer to campus, the quality of living increases as you get further away.

The school year is ending, classes are wrapping up and people are moving out of the residence halls.

Questions for those who want the change will include concerns regarding location, types of housing, affordability, and the ideal living situation. Besides a box on the street corner, here are valid options to consider.

A house with a few close friends could be your option if you want more space. The general thought is that with plenty of people to split the rent, finding an affordable house isn't too difficult.

There are a few things to consider when looking into houses. Housing rules state that no more than three non-related people, meaning individuals under the same family name, can sign a lease for a house. Breaking this rule results in eviction.

Houses are a bit more costly, but if you're able to work and have other reliable housemates, it can be a positive change.

“For college, it would definitely be a house with a decent amount of people,” says University Wisconsin-Milwaukee junior Andrea Mathe. “You have your own personal space, but also shared space and people to share a lot of good times with.”

Not everyone can afford to split a house. Apartments are a great secondary if money is tight.

The downside to an apartment is smaller space and possible noise from other tenants. The trick with finding an apartment is finding prime location. As appealing as it sounds to live closer to campus, the quality of living increases as you get further away.

If you are looking for an affordable, non-disheveled place, commuting by bus may not seem so bad. In towns surrounding Milwaukee, rent runs for around the same as within Milwaukee, but with at least twice the quality.

“My ideal living situation would probably be an apartment...in Greendale or Hales Corners,” says UWM sophomore Natalie Funk. “They are cheaper and nicer. You get a better deal for a little bit of a commute.”

UWM offers the U-Pass, a big help for commuters. It gives free bus rides everyday to school. With current gas prices, the free ride really helps to alleviate vehicle cost pressures.

The final option is the dorms. They are tighter quarters with more people; however, the amenities are quite the sell. With free Internet, heat, electric, water and sewage, including an easy walk to class and prime location for East-side fair, the deal is in the resident's favor.

If you have the money and means for one situation over another, or the ambition for something bigger and better than what you have now, all options are open.

In the end, the key aspects to consider are location, cost, commute and amenities. Beyond that, the choice is yours.

> Comments

Senator Ohler on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:12 AM:

Shorewood is a really great place to find an affordable but safe apartment and neighborhood. Be really careful where you rent; know the characteristics of the neighborhood before you commit. Here is the website for crime statistics: http://www.milwaukee.gov/CrimeMaps115300.htm Unfortunately, the maps appear to be down, but they should be back online within a short time. They worked when I accessed them in March. This is information that the university’s Department of Recruitment and Outreach tries to suppress, as any Campus Ambassador who mentions preference for location of residence based on crime may be reprimanded or fired for doing so. (They’re supposed to say only, “The closer you live to campus, the closer you are to campus resources.”)

Not sure where to begin... on Apr 15, 2008 at 05:59 AM:

I could call Ohler out on the fact that he doesn't know bull about the CA program, because if he did than he would know that the CA's are encouraged to share their opinions about everything in an appropriate manner. My CA did and he wasn't fired.

I could also talk about how blatantly stupid and false this article is, seeing as how Mathe is at UW-Whitewater and how the quality of living certainly doesn't decrease the closer you are to campus.

Yet another Post writer that doesn't know what the hell they are talking about. I'd say I was shocked but I'm really not.

Senator Ohler on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:47 AM:

I know what I referred to as a result of several meetings with then-CA Coordinator Erica Chappelear and then-Assistant Coordinator Julia McConnel as well as by meeting with DRO Director Jan Ford. They made it very clear that they do not want to employ anyone who has shown a tendency to reveal the less flattering aspects of UWM, such as safety issues, as that would be bad for business and counter to the DRO’s mission. If someone hides their propensity for telling the unpleasant but much-needed truth during the hiring/screening process, then they are still under scrutiny as to how they portray the campus and its neighborhoods. Also, Ford considers it to be disrespectful of some people’s backgrounds to say that certain neighborhoods are more dangerous than others.

Don't recommend East Side on Apr 19, 2008 at 02:00 PM:

I lived on the East Side, then moved a bit further out to Fox Bay. Fox Bay was by far a much better place to live than closer to campus. Parties near campus added to the random crime a few blocks away and better quality for your dollar in surrounding areas all add up. East Side living is alright, but I recommend something like Fox Bay or likewise. Not to mention parking lots/garages. A big plus for car owners.