New Berlin, Wisconsin

A western suburb of Milwaukee, New Berlin is home to outposts of multiple multinational corporations: Danish bioscience company Chr. Hansen, along with robotics maker ABB, a Swiss company. And Aerospace industry supplier B/E Aerospace Lighting & Integrated Systems (formerly Emteq) is headquartered in New Berlin. It’s no wonder the local unemployment rate is just 3.6%.

But this previously agricultural town also pays homage to its past. While the city was incorporated in 1959, its pioneer history dates back to the early 1830s—and New Berlin is committed to remembering it. An active historical society helps preserve a 4.5-acre park with buildings from the 1800s, including the Meidenbauer Log Cabin, the Winton-Martin House, and a little red schoolhouse. New Berlin is also home to Weston’s Antique Apple Orchards, the oldest active orchard in Waukesha County. Its red-roofed barn is one of the first Wisconsin landmarks to appear on the National Register of Historic Places.

Residents also enjoy good schools: New Berlin West High School was ranked 11th in the state, boasting a 98% graduation rate. The city also offers plenty of family activities, screening movies outdoors during the summer and hosting an annual family camp-out: Residents pitch tents in Malone Park to enjoy a scavenger hunt, s’mores, and a night under the stars. —Ismat Sarah Mangla

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