New Berlin, WI vs Menomonee Falls, WI: Comprehensive 2025 Comparison for Families and Investors
Choosing between New Berlin, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI is a significant decision for families, professionals, and investors looking for the best suburban lifestyle in southeastern Wisconsin. Both communities offer unique benefits related to housing, education, safety, and amenities, but understanding their differences can guide you in making an informed relocation or investment choice. This detailed comparison explores demographics, real estate markets, schools, safety, employment, recreation, and more to provide you with everything you need to know about these two vibrant communities in 2025.
Overview of New Berlin, WI and Menomonee Falls, WI
New Berlin and Menomonee Falls are popular suburbs located near Milwaukee, each with distinct characteristics that appeal to different lifestyles. New Berlin, classified as a city, offers a slightly more urban feel with a population of approximately 40,000 residents. In contrast, Menomonee Falls, categorized as a village, has around 38,000 residents and retains a more traditional suburban atmosphere.
Both communities prioritize family-friendly environments with a focus on safety, quality schools, and accessible amenities. While New Berlin benefits from proximity to major highways facilitating commuter access, Menomonee Falls prides itself on strong community involvement and preserving green spaces.
Real Estate Market Comparison
Housing Market Trends and Prices
The housing markets in both New Berlin and Menomonee Falls have shown steady growth with competitive pricing suited for mid to upper-middle-income buyers.
Median Home Price: New Berlin’s median home price hovers around $350,000, reflecting its mix of newer developments and established neighborhoods, while Menomonee Falls offers a median price closer to $365,000, influenced by recent construction and upscale homes. New Construction Availability: Menomonee Falls currently has more active new home developments, appealing to buyers seeking modern designs and energy-efficient features. Resale Values: Both markets maintain strong resale values, buoyed by consistent demand and community appeal.
Appreciation Rates and Investment Potential
Over the past five years, property value appreciation in Menomonee Falls has averaged around 4.5% annually, slightly outpacing New Berlin’s 4.0%. This difference makes Menomonee Falls attractive for long-term real estate investments, although New Berlin's broader range of housing options provides flexibility for various budgets.
Property Taxes and Utilities
Property taxes in New Berlin average about 1.75% of assessed value, which is marginally lower than Menomonee Falls’ 1.85%. Utility costs, including water, electricity, and natural gas, are similar, with minor variations due to municipality-specific providers and infrastructure.
Aspect New Berlin, WI Menomonee Falls, WI Median Home Price $350,000 $365,000 Annual Appreciation 4.0% 4.5% Property Tax Rate 1.75% 1.85% Average Monthly Utilities $150-$180 $155-$185
Schools and Education
Education quality is a cornerstone for families deciding between these suburbs. Both locations fall under well-regarded school districts with multiple top-rated institutions.
New Berlin School District boasts a student-teacher ratio of approximately 17:1 and several elementary and middle schools with above-state-average test scores. Menomonee Falls School District features similar ratios around 16:1 and a reputation for strong STEM programs and extracurricular activities. Both villages offer public and private school options, including faith-based institutions and specialized learning centers.
Top-Rated Schools
New Berlin Eisenhower Elementary: Notable for high academic achievement and community involvement. Menomonee Falls North Middle School: Recognized for science and technology curriculum excellence. Whitnall High School (serving both communities): Offers Advanced Placement courses and competitive athletics.
Demographics and Population
Both communities attract families and professionals, reflected in median incomes and age distributions.
Median Household Income: New Berlin reports a median around $85,000, while Menomonee Falls slightly exceeds this at $90,000. Age Demographics: Both have balanced populations with a strong proportion of residents aged 30–50, ideal for families with children. Population Size: Roughly 40,000 in New Berlin and 38,000 in Menomonee Falls, showcasing medium-sized suburban communities.
Age and Income Distribution Comparison
Age Group (%) New Berlin Menomonee Falls Under 18 25 27 18-34 20 22 35-54 30 28 55 and over 25 23 Median Household Income New Berlin Menomonee Falls Income $85,000 $90,000
Crime Rate and Safety
Safety is paramount when choosing a place to live. Both communities boast lower crime rates than state averages, providing peace of mind for residents.
Violent Crime: Both New Berlin and Menomonee Falls report rates well below national averages, with New Berlin marginally lower in recent statistics. Property Crime: Reported incidences such as burglary and theft are comparable, with a slight edge toward Menomonee Falls for lower property crime. Community Policing: Each village supports active neighborhood watch programs and community engagement initiatives. Crime Category New Berlin (per 1,000 residents) Menomonee Falls (per 1,000 residents) Violent Crime 1.2 1.4 Property Crime 8.5 7.9
Job Market and Economy
New Berlin and Menomonee Falls benefit from thriving local economies supported by diverse employers.
Major Employers in New Berlin: Manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, and retail headquarters contribute to stable job opportunities. Menomonee Falls Economy: Along with manufacturing, the village has burgeoning services and tech sectors, enhancing employment diversity. Both areas offer convenient access to Milwaukee’s larger job market, supporting commuters seeking urban career prospects.
Leading Industries and Employers
Manufacturing and logistics Health care and social assistance Retail and professional services
Cost of Living and Commute
Cost of living factors heavily into relocation decisions, including transportation expenses.
Cost of Living Index: Both suburbs rank slightly below the U.S. average, with Menomonee Falls typically showing a marginally higher index due to housing prices. Average Commute Times: New Berlin residents average about 26 minutes to downtown Milwaukee, while Menomonee Falls commuters spend roughly 28 minutes. Transportation Options: Both have access to major highways (I-43 and I-94), with limited public transit but solid road infrastructure supporting daily commutes. Cost Component New Berlin Menomonee Falls Overall Cost of Living Index 98 101 Average Commute (minutes) 26 28
Parks, Recreation, and Community Amenities
Family-friendly parks and recreational offerings enhance quality of life in both communities.
New Berlin features **Schuetze Recreation Area** and numerous neighborhood parks offering walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. Menomonee Falls boasts **Hawthorne Park** and **Lapham Peak**, popular for hiking, picnics, and year-round outdoor activities. Both towns provide community centers hosting sports leagues, arts programs, and seasonal events that foster neighborhood connections.
Restaurants, Shopping, and Nightlife
Both suburbs present a variety of dining and shopping options, catering to casual and more refined tastes.
New Berlin has a growing collection of local eateries alongside national chains, serving families and professionals alike. Menomonee Falls offers quaint dining spots with an emphasis on family-owned restaurants and pubs. Shopping centers in both areas include grocery stores, boutiques, and entertainment venues suitable for all ages.
Healthcare and Senior Living
Access to quality healthcare and senior services is an important consideration.
New Berlin is served by regional medical centers within a short drive, including urgent care and specialty clinics. Menomonee Falls hosts several clinics and is close to comprehensive hospitals, ensuring broad healthcare coverage. Both communities feature senior living communities ranging from independent living to assisted care, as well as childcare facilities meeting varying family needs.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Connectivity and infrastructure support daily life and future growth.
New Berlin’s location near I-43 and I-894 makes highway commuting straightforward. Menomonee Falls is conveniently accessed via State Highway 145 and also connects well to regional freeways. Public transportation options are relatively limited in both but supplemented by ride-share services and county transit routes.
Local Government and Community Engagement
Understanding governance helps assess resident involvement and service quality.
New Berlin operates as a city with a mayor-council system focused on development and municipal services. Menomonee Falls functions as a village with a village board that emphasizes community engagement and volunteer opportunities. Both facilitate active volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, and local events that strengthen communal bonds.
Conclusion
Both New Berlin and Menomonee Falls stand out as excellent choices for families, professionals, and investors seeking suburban living near Milwaukee. Menomonee Falls offers slightly higher median incomes, newer housing developments, and a touch more natural amenities, ideal for those valuing community charm and steady property appreciation. New Berlin provides a slightly lower cost of living, accessible commute, and a wide variety of housing options, appealing to those seeking flexibility and a growing urban-suburban mix.
Ultimately, your decision depends on priorities such as schooling preferences, budget, and lifestyle desires. Visiting both communities, consulting local real estate professionals, and engaging with residents can further clarify which suburb matches your vision. Whether investing or moving your https://maps.app.goo.gl/WWobJg6aVnXA89P66 family, New Berlin and Menomonee Falls both promise quality suburban living enriched by welcoming communities and solid amenities.