'Most Livable' City: Waukesha Is A Safe City With A Low Poverty Rate

Waukesha's low poverty rate and low crime rate, combined with a nice mix of restaurants, bars, fitness centers and movie theaters make it one of the most livable cities in the nation, according to financial news site 24/7 Wall St. The Milwaukee suburb is at No. 36 on the list.

The 24/7 Wall St. rankings took into account local crime, housing values, the economy and affordability.

The ranking, 24/7 Wall St. noted Waukesha's median home value of $196,000, a 12.7 percent poverty rate (which is in the bottom 25 percent nationwide), and the fact that nearly 35 percent of its population has at least of bachelor's degree.

"Area residents have access to higher concentrations of restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and movie theatres than is typical nationwide," 24/7 Wall St. editors wrote. "The city is also relatively safe. There were only 127 violent crimes in Waukesha in 2016 for every 100,000 people, a third of the comparable U.S. crime rate."

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Waukesha was not the only Wisconsin city to make the Top 50 most livable cities. Up north, Appleton came in at No. 48 on 24/7 Wall St.'s list. The editors noted Appleton's median home value of $143,000, it's poverty rate of 13.7 percent and that 32.8 percent of its population had a bachelor's degree.

>>> Recent Waukesha Home Sales | Local Real Estate Guide

"Appleton is home to far more schools and cultural amenities per capita than most city in the country," 24/7 Wall St. editors wrote. "There are approximately seven colleges and universities — including Lawrence University — per 100,000 residents."

And, not only is Appleton very livable, it's also very walkable. The editors at 24/7 Wall St.noted that an estimated 4.5% of Appleton residents commute by walking, nearly double the national average. The average commute in Appleton is just 18 minutes – roughly 9 minutes less than the U.S. figure.

It probably should be noted that 24/7 Wall St.'s list also landed just days prior to another, somewhat less appealing list – the "Rattiest Cities" ranking. Appleton found itself on that list, too.

The 10 most livable cities, according to 24/7 Wall St., are:

1. Carmel, Indiana
2. Centennial, Colorado
3. Arvada, Colorado
4. Johns Creek, Georgia
5. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
6. Dale City, Virginia
7. Naperville, Illinois
8. O’Fallon, Missouri
9. Columbia, Maryland
10. Raleigh, North Carolina

File photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images