Want to live in a city even Bambi could enjoy? Come to Merrill, WI, the "City of Parks."
Merrill, Wisconsin began as a logging town in the mid-1800s
Want to live in a city even Bambi could enjoy? Come to Merrill, WI, the "City of Parks."
Merrill, Wisconsin began as a logging town in the mid-1800s. The original settlers utilized the Wisconsin River to power the mills needed by the local logging industry. Over time, Merrill became one of the social and economic hubs of Wisconsin, thanks in large part to the booming lumber industry as well as the commercial and passenger rail lines that made their way through the city. Culturally, there has always been a sense of respect and admiration for the beauty of the Great Outdoors, and this is clearly evident in the layout of the city, which incorporates several public parks and largely untouched natural surroundings. Although the city of Merrill has a lot to offer, it is still a fairly small town, with a population just over 9,000 in an area of about 7.8 square miles according to the 2010 United States Census
Before moving to Merrill, it is important to understand the type of climate it is in. One of the things many residents of Merrill like are the fairly mild summers they typically receive. Average temperatures during the summer months tend not to exceed about 80 degrees, and typically have a range between 55 and 77 degrees during the summer. However, the winters can be brutally cold for those who are not prepared or experienced with Wisconsin weather. The average low during January, which is historically the coldest month of the year, is about 2 degrees. While residents of Merrill will tell you that those cold temperatures are not so bad as long as you are prepared for them, it can still come as a shock to those who are not acclimated to it.
If you are comfortable dealing with the cold weather, now is a great time to consider a move to Merrill. Surprisingly, Merrill was one of the exceptions in the real estate crash of 2008. Real estate prices remained fairly stable despite the nationwide crash, and have more or less remained on the same trajectory since then. Families looking for rental homes in Merrill will be pleased to find that the cost to rent has also remained fairly stable. The stability in price likely also stems from the fact that there are typically a stable number of studio apartments and some duplexes for rent in Merrill; it seems as though demand for housing matches well with supply over time.
Despite being such a small town, there are a few distinct neighborhoods in Merrill worth taking a look at. If possible, it is worth your time to personally visit the different neighborhoods to see which one will be best suited for you.
Downtown Merrill: Downtown Merrill is located just north of the Wisconsin River. This is the social hub of the city, and is home to Jack Pines Park, the TB Scott Free Library, and the Merrill Historical Society. Homes in this part of town are quite nice, and tend to be larger 3- and 4-bedroom options.
Spirit Falls: Spirit Falls is located on the west side of Merrill. It is fairly spread out and is a great place to find affordable rental apts, particularly 1- and 2-bedroom options.
Pine River: Located on the east side of town, Pine River is where many of the newer homes in Merrill are located. There is a nice combination of smaller apartments and larger 3- and 4-bedroom homes in this area.
True to their history, residents of Merrill love to be outdoors, and their city reflects that fact. There are a total of three community parks, 5 neighborhood parks, 3 special use parks, 4 camp/recreation areas, and three public sporting fields in Merrill. In addition, Merrill has a walk score of 74, which indicates that most day-to-day errands can be done without the use of a car. In fact, many of the residents who work in the town walk to work during the entire summer! While most people won't want to walk around during the cold winter months, the mild summers make Merrill a great city to walk around in.
If you are looking for a city with classic Wisconsin charm and a rich appreciation for nature, then Merrill should be at the top of your list of places to consider.
