The actress Jane Kaczmarek best known for her role as Lois from Malcolm in the Middle was born and grew up in Greendale.
Although a previous settlement existed in the area, Greendale as it's known today was built by the Roosevelt Administration in 1936
The actress Jane Kaczmarek best known for her role as Lois from Malcolm in the Middle was born and grew up in Greendale.
Although a previous settlement existed in the area, Greendale as it's known today was built by the Roosevelt Administration in 1936. It's one of just three "Greenbelt Communities" in the whole of the United States, the aim of which was providing more jobs and accommodation for citizens. This picturesque community was actually modeled after an English village and looks much like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. However, it's more than just a pretty facade, as you'll find plenty to keep you entertained in Greendale.
Greendale is a fairly small community, with a population of just 14,046 at the 2010 census, and is quite a sought-after place to live, so it can be tricky to find house rentals in the area. However, with some perseverance and a little luck, you'll soon find the right home for you.
How Long it Will Take
The percentage of renter-occupied homes in the village is lower than the national average and the average for the state of Wisconsin, which means that there are usually fewer homes up for rent than you might find in other communities of a similar size. Therefore, when you're looking for house or apartment rentals in Greendale, it's best to allow at least eight weeks to find a property. You may also have to be prepared to compromise on the little things.
How Much it Will Cost
The amount of money it will cost you to move is going to be dependent on the price of your rent. You'll often be asked to pay the equivalent of two months' rent upfront -- half of which would be a security deposit -- so of course it's going to cost less to move into a one- bedroom apartment for rent than a five-bedroom house. However, this amount may vary, so it's best to inquire with your landlord or realtor if you want a concrete figure before you commit. You may also need to factor in moving costs and any administration fees from your realtor.
What You Will Need
Once you've found a rental property, you'll usually need to show some documentation before you'll be considered as a tenant. If you want to hurry things along, it's a good idea to have it all ready to go. You'll usually be asked to provide some proof of income (such as pay slips or a letter from the boss), some photo ID (just to make sure you are who you say you are), your rental history (so they can check you're not going to be throwing wild parties or practicing the oboe at 5 a.m.) and your credit reference (to see whether or not you're likely to pay your rent).
As a relatively small town, you won't find a great deal of difference between the neighborhoods in Greendale. The whole village is fairly walkable, but you'll still find some areas less convenient than others. Try to get a feeling of the neighborhoods before you decide to move in.
Downtown Greendale: The village center is close to the majority of Greendale's amenities, so you can walk more or less everywhere, if you wish. There's a good mixture of apartment buildings and bigger townhouses for rent in this neighborhood.
Grange: Whitnall Park and the Root River cut through this neighborhood, so it's full of green space and picturesque surroundings. Homes in this area are generally small or medium-sized. It's a newer part of town, with most homes built between the 1970s and the present day.
College: Although not right in the center, there are still a number of facilities in this area, so you'll find many shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
Life in Greendale moves at a fairly steady pace, but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of a bigger city now and then, you're only around 12 miles away from Milwaukee.
Historic Greendale
The entirety of Greendale has been designated a National Historic Landmark, but if you want to get more specific, there are certain areas and buildings you should take a look at. Trimborn Farm was built in the 1850s and actually predates the village of Greendale itself. It has nine historic buildings, perhaps the highlight of which is the Greek revival style farmhouse. Hose Tower, which originally served as the firehouse, police station and municipal court, is also well worth a viewing. If you're interested in the town's history, you could always join the Greendale Historical Society.
Community Events
Greendale is a very community-minded village and you'll often find town events and happenings, big and small, going on. Some of the highlights include the Lions Family Fest (including 4th of July celebrations, the Trimborn Farm Harvest of Arts and Crafts, and the Halloween parade. However, there are a whole host of smaller things happening, too, from fortnightly open markets to garden walks.
Outdoor Space
If you love the great outdoors, you can't help but love Greendale, as there's plenty of open air space for everyone to enjoy. There are seven public parks in the village, each one with its own facilities. Some are smaller and quieter, simply providing a patch of green space in the neighborhood, whereas others are full of recreational facilities. You'll find soccer pitches, tennis courts, softball diamonds and much more. If you want to see some beautiful flora, head over to Whitnall Park Boerner Botanical Gardens, especially during the spring or summer, to view some stunning plants and flowers. If you want to do some serious hiking, biking or cross-country running, you might prefer a trip down the oak leaf trail.
Eating Out
You're never too far away from a delectable dinner in Greendale, as there are plenty of places you can go to eat out. Some of the village's most popular eateries include Ricardo's, which is home to the best pizza in town, and Joey Gerard's, which serves a range of classic American cuisine.
