By Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer Published Feb 19, 2017 at 6:12 AM Photography: Sarah Laux

Milwaukee’s made yet another list. This time, it's landed on Thrillist Travel’s "Underappreciated American Cities You Should Totally Move To." So, if you don’t already live here, you should move here now

Published yesterday, the list highlights 16 "underappreciated cities" that are "all dark-horse candidates to help you author your best move ever."

I tell ya, Milwaukee’s on the move. OnMilwaukee’s been chronicling Milwaukee’s rise for years, and as one of the founders of the city’s first young professional organization, Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM) – now Fuel Milwaukee – I can attest to the area’s commitment to recruitment, retention and quality of life building that’s made Milwaukee not only a leader for younger professionals (and young professional groups) but a true destination, even if still a bit underappreciated.

Milwaukee constantly outkicks its coverage and supports more restaurants, sports, arts, theater, music and entertainment – per capita – than we probably should. But that makes us hearty people and now a city that you "should totally move to." Because as Thrillist notes, "Before you start daydreaming of swimming holes, remember: Austin is full. So is Portland, alas. Nashville is getting there." So look "under the radar" to these "cities big and small (that) offer those same amenities – a creative, laid-back vibe, a food and craft beer scene, a not-yet-ruined cool factor – at reasonable prices."  

Thrillist contributor Colin St. John says this about Milwaukee in the story:

Brews and views on laid-back Lake Michigan
City population: 598,078
Cost of living index: 92 (8% lower than US average)

"If there's a city more Midwestern than Milwaukee, it's probably Sheboygan. But, that's really just because it's named Sheboygan. How 'bout Milwaukee? Nice people? Check. Lakefront property? Check. Beer, cheese, and sausages? Cheeeeeck. And while Cream City boasts an old-school, working-class, Germanic backbone, this hasn't been Laverne and Shirley's town for a long time. Milwaukee is a diverse cultural capital, boasting a world-class art museum, the world's largest music festival in Summerfest, and more craft breweries than you can shake a Usinger's meat stick at. Nobody's gonna stop you from cracking a cold Miller Lite or PBR, but you may just want to opt for a Brenner or Lakefront instead.

"Milwaukee rents average around $1,200 but are far more reasonable the further afield you get from Lake Michigan. The vibrant, youthful set can be found on (warm) afternoons and weekends on that very body of water – a true stunner. Or sucking down a giant Bloody Mary at Sobelman's. Or conjuring the password at SafeHouse. Or slopping up a bowl of Real Chili. Or reciting Alice Cooper quotes from 'Wayne’s World.' And if you feel like your weekend options are limited, Chicago is an hour and a half (and about $25) away via one of the most dependable Amtrak lines from sea to shining sea.

Other cities making this new list include: Kansas City, Missouri; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Houston, Texas; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Boise, Idaho; St. Petersburg, Florida; Providence, Rhode Island; Baltimore, Maryland; Greenville, South Carolina; San Diego, California; Gulfport, Mississippi; Salt Lake City, Utah; Fayetteville/Bentonville, Arkansas; Des Moines, Iowa; and Birmingham, Alabama.

Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.

He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.

Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.  He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.  

He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.

He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.