South Central - Milwaukee, WI

The Sheboygan area was originally settled by New England migrants who came to the region in the 1830s. The city’s location at the mouth of the Sheboygan River on Lake Michigan made it an important port for the lumber industry. Many Germans and Protestant Dutch settled here in the late-1800s. Members of the Hmong community started arriving in the area from Southest Asia in the 1970s.

For cultural attractions, residents can head downtown to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and enjoy one of the exhibits, or see a production by the Sheboygan Theatre Company.

Field to Fork Cafe and Grocery provides residents of South Central the chance to explore a menu created with locally sourced ingredients. Field to Fork Cafe and Grocery features a breakfast menu of omelettes, frittatas, pancakes and French toast, and a lunch menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. The establishment holds Latin Night on the first Friday of the month, which features a variety of tamales, tostadas and taco creations. For a spicy taste of Southeast Asia, locals love Pho VN. This family-run place serves traditional Vietnamese staples, such as pho with brisket, and a stellar bahn mi sandwich that has customers raving. Nothing says Wisconsin more than a good fish fry, and Frankie's Pub and Grill delivers seven days a week. Try the tempura-battered smelt. These tiny fish are easy to gulp down, but customers who brave the "Frankie's Challenge" need to devour a 5.5-pound quadruple bacon cheeseburger in under 45 minutes to get it for free. A great outdoor seating area and a revolving selection of 17 draught beers from Europe and the States makes Frankie's the perfect hangout spot. To catch one of Wisconsin's sports teams in action, Legend Larry's is the place to go. Just head north from South Central over the Sheboygan River to catch a Badgers, Bucks and Brewers game while dining on Legend Larry's award-winning buffalo wings. If watching sports on TV isn't your thing, head to Larry's downstairs shuffleboard room for some competitive sports of your own. Live music options in South Central may be limited, but for music and open mic events in an intimate setting, locals head to Paradigm Coffee and Music.

Sheboygan’s streets are safe for walking and cycling, but be sure to exercise caution in busier areas. Free public parking can be found throughout the South Central neighborhood, but pay attention to street signs announcing restrictions during certain times of the day. Shoreline Metro provides public transportation to the Sheboygan metropolitan area with almost a dozen bus routes. Interstate 43 runs through Sheboygan with access just west of South Central. This highway can be taken north to Green Bay or south to Milwaukee. Highway 23 can be taken from downtown Sheboygan west to city of Fond du Lac. Uber does not serve the area, but there are several cab companies operating in the city. It is best to call for service rather than try to flag one down on the street.

Sheboygan has many free public parks. A trip northeast from South Central to General King Park allows locals to enjoy a mile of sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. There’s a playground here for kids to enjoy, and the pier and lighthouse are great sights to see as well. Open year-round, the Sheboygan Dog Park gives residents the chance to exercise their dogs in a 10-acre area.

For exercise options, Sheboygan has many miles of beautiful bike and hiking trails. The short Lakefront Bike Path affords locals the opportunity for walking, jogging and biking trips along the lake. Old Plank Road and Sheboygan Interurban Trail both offer 17 miles of trail options.

Held in Fountain Park every Wednesday night throughout the summer, The Twilight Concert Series provides residents the opportunity to enjoy the music of the Sheboygan Pops Concert Band. Sheboygan County residents, like the rest of the state, love their bratwursts. This makes the annual Brat Days festival, held in Kiwanis Park, a good time to celebrate this sausage with food, music and fun.

The cost of living in South Central hovers almost 8 percent lower than the rest of Wisconsin, making this an inexpensive area to live. Those who travel by car appreciate the fuel prices, which lie almost 10 percent below the national average. The rental price for a one-bedroom apartment sits at $625. A trip downtown on the a Shoreline Metro bus costs $1.75, but $3 buys an all day pass. Reduced fares are available for students and senior citizens. A bottle of domestic beer at your local watering hole costs about $3.50, with an import priced at about $4.

Several small boutiques and stores dot Sheboygan, such as Olivu 426, which lies downtown. This friendly and inviting shop offers women many choices in cosmetics and skin care products. For more options, a trip west to The Shops at Woodlake in nearby Kohler may be in order. This shopping center features several upscale stores, such as Art Imig’s Clothiers for men and Baker Odds & Ends, featuring a variety of furniture pieces at reduced prices. The Woodlake Market can also be found here with a great selection of groceries as well as a deli and salad bar.

Pick ’n Save and Piggly Wiggly provide two options for everyday grocery needs in Sheboygan. Residents of South Central live a little closer to Union Oriental Market for more specialized ingredients for cooking Korean, Chinese, Thai and Indian dishes.

The Sheboygan Farmer’s Market commences in Fountain Park every Wednesday and Saturday from June through October. The market remains the best place to buy fruits, vegetables, flowers, bread and cheese produced in the surrounding area.