5 Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin for Older Adults

• Wisconsin is an excellent fit if you value experiencing four seasons in a strong, proud community while not paying Social Security taxes.
• The costs and care offered by Assisted Living can vary by region and provider, but LakeHouse Fond du Lac stands as a leader in the efforts to provide the best experience.
• We can support seniors' independence by handling meals and offering weekly housekeeping, alongside other daily living support, so residents can enjoy their lives without worrying about upkeep.

The pros and cons of living in Wisconsin vary, with much of it depending on what you choose to do and the support you can get from its community. Fortunately, retiring in Wisconsin and choosing to stay somewhere like LakeHouse du Lac means that you can get many positive experiences from its senior lifestyle.

These five pros and five cons give you an excellent understanding of the senior lifestyle in Fond du Lac, if not the larger region. Discover what Assisted Living in WI can get you and why the Midwest retirement plan might be precisely what you're looking for to age in dignity and comfort.

Why Is Wisconsin a Good Place to Retire?

Many aspects of positive life in Wisconsin include the affordability of living in the region, even for those utilizing Wisconsin senior care. The small-town community helps strengthen a sense of belonging and can foster a greater sense of contentment in later life.

1. Do You Know About the Cost of Living?

Due to the lack of taxes on Social Security contributions, you can expect to have a larger pension.

However, ensure that you build yourself a fixed-income budget for everything you might need. Despite the lack of Social Security taxes, it is still essential to avoid exceeding your capabilities.

2. Summer and Outdoor Recreation

Lakeside has several outdoor spaces that are to proverbially die for. Activity calendars from LakeHouse Fond du Lac also list outings, which sometimes include visits to parks and trails. So, ask about these during your tour.

3. Healthcare Access

Wisconsin offers several programs and services for older adults. Each ensures that seniors have the key support they need and that no one is confused about where to go to receive help.

4. Community and Small Town Belonging

Libraries and art groups in these areas typically have stronger touchpoints than in many denser regions, as these centers serve as key locations for community members to collaborate.

Farmers' markets, annual festivals, and many other options abound, helping you get a clearer sense of what it means to be proud of the area. Even the restaurants are great touchstones for local culture. The town boasts many comfort-food and fine-dining options for days out with the family.

5. State Aging Resources and Care Options

The region's ADRC guides housing and benefits in retirement, and may also offer advice on classes that support senior education. 

When necessary, an ADRC can also help with applications and the waitlist, but this depends on your specific county.

What Are the Challenges of Living in Wisconsin?

The two most commonly mentioned issues with living in Wisconsin are the weather and the difficulty of accessing support in rural areas. We would recommend you do everything you can to offset these, and you will likely have a much smoother time in the state.

1. Weather Variability and Home Maintenance

Ensure you have a budget for heating and handling weatherization. In a community like ours, where our HVAC will keep you comfortable, that might mean thicker blankets and shoes with a good grip.

2. Limited Public Transit

With enough support from neighborly individuals, as you would find in a rural community, you can often ask for help getting where you need to go. At the same time, we would not book an outing anywhere without offering a way to get there.

3. Rural Distances for Deliveries and Shopping

Door-to-door travel times in a region like Wisconsin can be significant. It is sometimes better to organize a central drop-off point.

4. Winter Mobility Risks

Ice, snow, and the simple cold can create risks. Fortunately, we do everything we can to keep our own pathways free of the cold and frost.

5. Property Taxes and Winter Utility Costs

Many property owners face challenges with heating costs during the winter, on top of their already high property taxes. Fortunately, you need not worry about either of these in Assisted Living, where we handle them for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Can Seniors Socially Prepare for Winter?

Start by making a winter activity plan of things you want to do during the winter months, then show it to a peer or family member who can hold you to account. Doing this ensures you are much more likely to engage with some of the more exciting things you had planned.

Consider taking that person with you to any events. The "buddy system" is quite effective at helping you engage in many activities and can ensure you are held accountable for your promises to yourself about how much you will do.

Not only that, but having a friend or family member with you can help offset many of the challenges of senior years, including potential loneliness.

Does the State Help Families Plan Care Transitions?

Many counties have a local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) available, through which you can receive unbiased help planning a move into an Assisted Living community such as ours.

They can provide information on potential benefits, cost comparisons, and contacts for various services that may also help with this matter when other information is scarce.

Take the Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin Into Account

Try to balance the lifestyle goals you have against the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin to figure out what the state can offer you as you age into retirement. However, remember that with a choice of suites and weekly housekeeping, LakeHouse Fond du Lac promises a calm lifestyle where your chores are all organized for you.

Whether you want to engage in our active social and wellness programs, enjoy the taste of our chef-prepared dining, or take advantage of our activity rooms and on-site events, you have a lot available to you. So, book a tour, and we'll show you why there are more pros than cons.