Moving to Wisconsin?
Sandwiched between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River is the state of Wisconsin
in the north-central region of the United States. The state was named after the Wisconsin River by Native American Indians
and it has many meanings such as “red stone place”, ”gathering of the waters”, or “great rock”. It has been nicknamed
the Badger State.
he state boasts of hosting the largest cross-country ski race – the American Birkebeiner
- at Hayward and Cable. The state contains numerous lakes of varied sizes which have become a mecca for outdoor sports.
Wisconsin is a forerunner in progressive welfare reforms. The “Wisconsin Idea” introduced by Governor Robert
M. LaFollette, is the method of soliciting advice from various social scientists before framing a new legislation or
establishing state agencies.
If you’re moving to Wisconsin, there are a lot of things you’re going to need
to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Wisconsin
Wisconsin Climate
Wisconsin exhibits a humid continental climate that is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters which
favor a variety of winter sports. The annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 34 inches that coincides with the
highest elevation and windward slopes of the Western Uplands and Northern Highlands. Thunderstorms are prevalent
in northern Wisconsin and occur mostly during summers. Occasional hail, wind and lightning damage are also reported.
Streams and lakes in the state are ice covered during the winter months that is from late November to late March.
The state witnesses frequent flooding during the month of April due to melting of snow and spring rains. Over
46% of the state is covered in hardwood and coniferous forests.
Registering your Car
Once you become a Wisconsin resident, you should get your vehicle registered by submitting
the title and registration card from your previous state. You can submit your application along with the title
and registration card along with appropriate fees by mail, or at any DMV service center or at DMV agent locations.
Temporary license plate agents issue a temporary license plate which can be used for 90 days. It usually takes
six weeks for your vehicle title and metal plates to arrive by mail from the DMV.
Obtaining a Wisconsin Driver's License
A driver’s license should be obtained within 60 days of becoming
a resident of the state of Wisconsin. Citizens from countries who are party to the United Nations Convention
on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949) and are visiting United States as tourists, can drive legally using their domestic
driver's license for a period of one year.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Wisconsin was ranked 14th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than
15 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The economy of Texas is heavily dependent on agriculture, manufacturing, mining and the service industry.
Employment Statistics
The unemployment rate as of March 2012 in Wisconsin was 6.9 percent after seasonally adjusting it, lower than the
national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Wisconsin is $51,598, while the average per capita income
for the state is $26,634.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Wisconsin is $228,288, while the median sales price is
just over $198,000. The Wisconsin Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Wisconsin.
Major landmarks and attractions
Cave of the Mounds; Albany Historical Museum; Von Steihl Winery; Wildman
Whitewater Ranch; Devil's Head Resort and Convention Center; Fairfield Hills Golf Course; and, Ho-Chunk Casino
and Bingo; Miller Brewery; Miller Park; Camp Randall
Largest Cities: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Madison
Schools
Wisconsin, along with Minnesota and Michigan, were forerunners in the emergent American State University movement
after the Civil War in the U.S. Education in the state of Wisconsin propagated with the Wisconsin Idea, which
stressed service to the people of the state. This idea illustrated the progressive movement that had taken over
colleges and universities at that time. The Wisconsin Association of School Board helps and supports local school
boards in controlling and administering the state's public schools. It helps school boards by offering innovative
ideas, essential services, resources, and quality information. The system of higher education is comprised of
26-campus University of Wisconsin System and the 16-campus Wisconsin Technical College System. Notable among
the universities include Lawrence University, Carroll University, the University of Wisconsin, the University
of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Marquette University.
National Parks
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
State park System
The State Park System is comprised of 66 parks and other recreational areas that are managed
by the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You can revel in the
lap of nature by going on camping, hiking, birding, trekking, and cross-country skiing. You can also indulge
yourself in other activities such as fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, horse riding, and biking. Wisconsin Dells,
with its indoor and outdoor water parks, is known as the Water Park Capital of the World.
Major Airports
Austin-Straubel International Airport
General Mitchell International Airport
Central Wisconsin Airport
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport