Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Milwaukee, WI

Discover what draws new residents to this bustling Rust Belt city 

When you think of Milwaukee, WI, things like breweries, cheese and frigid winters may immediately come to mind — and with good reason. But there’s so much more to Wisconsin’s largest city. If you’re planning to relocate from Phoenix, AZ to Milwaukee, learn what to expect and find out where to turn for affordable and efficient long-distance moving help. 

Winter is just part of the Upper Midwest experience

There’s no denying that life in the Upper Midwest looks (and feels) different than the desert. If you’re a sun worshipper, you may have guessed there’s a much shorter window for that in Milwaukee. But you still get to enjoy gorgeous summers and falls on the shore of Lake Michigan. The warm season lasts from June to mid-September and the temperatures rarely top 90 degrees. 

Milwaukee winters are long and cold with lots of snow — an average of 47 inches — but that doesn’t stop locals from getting out and enjoying the elements. Ice skate at Red Arrow Park or experience Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel, Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-through light display. Just make sure to equip yourself with a snow shovel and lots of cold-weather gear! 

Did you know: Milwaukee’s name comes from the Algonquian word “millioke,” which means “good,” “beautiful” and “pleasant land.”  

Immerse yourself in a unique culture

With a population of nearly 600,000, Milwaukee is about one-third the size of Phoenix. It’s a city that embraces its blue-collar roots and historical architecture while growing and developing for the future. What’s the best way to experience Milwaukee? Take your pick. Check out the city’s scenic Riverwalk, lakefront museums and world-class zoo. Explore its German heritage through award-winning restaurants. And don’t miss Summerfest, Milwaukee’s biggest event, which runs for nearly two weeks and features hundreds of musical acts. 

If you bring a love of sports with you from Phoenix, keep it going in your new city with the MLB’s Brewers, the NBA’s Bucks and NCAA’s Marquette Golden Eagles. You can also take in the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, with their legendary Cheesehead fans, just 100 miles north. 

Get around the city and region fairly easily

While Milwaukee has a public bus system, most residents drive — and walk or bike, weather permitting. Traffic typically isn’t a problem (especially compared to Phoenix) and there’s plenty of available parking. When you want a quick getaway, Milwaukee is just an hour’s drive to lively Madison, WI and less than two hours from downtown Chicago. 

Solid educational options are available locally

According to Niche, Milwaukee-area institutions top the list for best public and private high schools in Wisconsin. 

Milwaukee also has three major colleges and universities, including Marquette University, rated among the top 100 universities in the country. 

Find your fit in a strong job market

Milwaukee boasts a healthier job market than other metro areas of comparable size, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Job Market Index. The city is a national leader in precision manufacturing with Fortune 500 companies like Rockwell Automation and Harley-Davidson. Health care is also a growing industry with multihospital systems throughout the region.  

Begin your new adventure with help from U-Pack

Planning an 1,800-mile move can be overwhelming, but U-Pack® helps simplify the process. We’ve conducted more than 1 million moves over the past two-plus decades. And with service centers throughout North America, we can deliver your belongings to your new home in less than a week, safely and affordably. Contact one of our expert consultants today to learn more.