Port Washington boasts the largest collection of homes and still-standing structures built prior to the Civil War.
Just 25 miles north of Milwaukee, Port Washington is a small-town gem, vested in two centuries of history that includes pioneers, treasure hunters and an impressive list of native sons
Port Washington boasts the largest collection of homes and still-standing structures built prior to the Civil War.
Just 25 miles north of Milwaukee, Port Washington is a small-town gem, vested in two centuries of history that includes pioneers, treasure hunters and an impressive list of native sons. Though the best treasures from the past live on and are relished in this town, Port Washington is a city with a youthful energy, a passion for the outdoors and a strength of community that is rooted firmly in the present.
Spring and summer are excellent seasons to pack up camp and put down some roots in Port Washington. As the snow melts, local residents rush to enjoy outdoor activity, and landlords eagerly show their rental properties to prospective tenants. Port Washington warms, but never gets hot, and temperatures stay in the 70s throughout the summer. In the winter, things tend to get a bit frosty. December through February, temperatures rarely rise above freezing, and an icy wind can whip across the lake with chilling vigor on the most blustery days. Locals are accustomed to the colder temps, and revel in the iciness while they await the sunnier springtime days. Be sure to bring a quality winter jacket with a non-porous external shell to hold up against the wind.
Port Washington is only a 30-minute commute down Interstate 43 to Milwaukee and the south. Many residents work in Milwaukee but choose to live in Port Washington to take advantage of the more affordable prices, natural surroundings and small-town atmosphere. If this is your plan, take into account how location will affect your drive when shopping for a pad. Although they are located further away, the neighborhoods along N Wisconsin Street offer the quickest commutes into the city due to their proximity to the I-43 bypass.
Wherever you find an apartment in Port Washington and choose to work, Wisconsin landlords will require a near-universal array of friendly inquisitions prior to approving your lease. Be prepared to provide information regarding your current or future employment in Wisconsin, credit references and identification. A small application fee is typically required in order to process the information prior to approving a lease. Wisconsin landlords often run a credit check on applicants, but state law caps the charge for this service at $20. Once approved, be ready to fork over a security deposit and the first month's rent. If you arrive during the colder months, you may find that landlords are more open to negotiating the finer details of the apt for rent. Ask about reduced deposits or specials on the first month's rent. These perks can go a long way in easing the costs of your move!
Port Washington is roughly divided into three main areas, though it is recommended to search each thoroughly before picking just one. Luckily, however, all of them are pretty charming with a strong sense of Wisconsin hospitality.
East Port Washington and Lakeside North: Condominiums and townhouses line Main Street and East Grand Avenue in the blocks adjacent to Lake Michigan's shores. Prices in this neighborhood are steeper than elsewhere, and yards will be smaller, but the waterfront views are unmatched. Try N Franklin for an apartment to rent. Newport Shores, Dockside Deli and Beanies Mexican are all near the water, with great views.
Greystone and South Spring: Homes in the southwest section of town sit on moderately sized grassy green lots that wind and meander with plenty of cul-de-sacs. New two- and three-bedroom homes are being built in Greystone, and the new construction is ongoing.
West Grand Avenue: West central Port Washington is filled with neatly arranged, historical homes. Most of the structures on these streets were constructed prior to 1900. Head to Culver's for a quick bite.
Port Washington owns a richly woven and well-recorded history, and signs of days gone by color the city streets. Some of the oldest and most fascinating buildings huddle together along downtown Main Street in the city center. In architecture and in spirit, this district radiates the feel of a classic American small town. Locals visit Main Street shops for dining, shopping and entertainment, and it is a popular destination with visiting tourists.
In the winter, area outdoorsmen head to the bays and harbors along Lake Michigan or inland lakes to carve a hole in the ice and drop a fishing line in hopes of landing a large rainbow trout. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing are available at Sunburst winter sports park, a mere 20 miles west of downtown. In the summer, the Parks and Recreation Department sponsors frequent activities, including free theater performances starring the city's youth. Pirate's Hollow Community Waterpark features multiple pools and waterslides and is sponsored by the city, so admission will not set you back an arm and a leg. On sunny days, townspeople frequent the Harborwalk, a lakeside boardwalk that is home to throngs of flowing cyclists and pedestrians enjoying the Lake Michigan breeze.
Port Washington may be chock-full of history, but this isn't your Grandpa's town! Carve some winter tracks, soak up some sun and bask in the spirit of the past in Port Washington!
