Cudahy Wisconsin
Moving to Cudahy, Wisconsin
Cudahy blends small-town charm with big-city convenience, offering an affordable, connected lifestyle just minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Nestled along Lake Michigan, the city features walkable neighborhoods, scenic parks, and a growing mix of shops, cafés, and community events centered around Packard Avenue.
Professionals benefit from quick access to major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, while enjoying a relaxed pace of life with beaches, trails, and local festivals right at their doorstep. With its strong community spirit and ideal location, Cudahy is a smart, welcoming place to live, work, and thrive.
Cudahy by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Cost of living vs. national average
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Discover Cudahy: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Cudahy, Wisconsin, blends small-town warmth with lakeside charm, offering residents and visitors a welcoming atmosphere rich in local flavor, nature, and community pride. Just south of Milwaukee and steps from the shores of Lake Michigan, Cudahy invites you to experience the best of coastal Wisconsin living—authentic, relaxed, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Local Charm & Dining
Cudahy’s dining scene reflects its blend of historic roots and modern tastes. From classic Wisconsin supper clubs and family-owned taverns to cozy coffee shops and artisan bakeries, the city offers delicious options in a relaxed, hometown setting. Local favorites include fish fries on Friday nights, hearty breakfasts at long-standing diners, and fresh pizza or pub fare served with a craft beer.
Cudahy is also part of the broader Milwaukee food culture, giving residents easy access to global cuisine, farmers markets, and food festivals within minutes.
Arts, Culture & History
Cudahy celebrates its heritage with a strong sense of place and pride. The Cudahy Historical Society Museum, located in the historic railroad depot, preserves the legacy of Patrick Cudahy and the city’s meatpacking origins. Locally curated exhibits, memorabilia, and events offer insights into the city’s evolution and identity.
While Cudahy doesn't have a large theater district, its proximity to Milwaukee means residents can enjoy concerts, theater productions, and cultural events at venues like the Marcus Performing Arts Center and Milwaukee Art Museum—all just a short drive away. Cudahy also embraces public art, with community murals and seasonal installations that brighten the cityscape.
Cudahy Historical Society
Milwaukee Area Arts & Culture
Parks, Trails & Nature
Nature is at the heart of life in Cudahy. The city features several well-loved parks and green spaces, many of which offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Sheridan Park is a local gem, with wooded walking trails, bluff-top views, beach access, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas. Warnimont Park, just to the north, adds even more natural beauty with a golf course, archery range, and scenic trails along the lakefront.
Cyclists and runners enjoy the Oak Leaf Trail, which passes through the area and connects to a regional network of paths winding through Milwaukee County.
Festivals & Community Spirit
Cudahy shines when it comes to community events and hometown pride. Popular gatherings like the Sweet Apple-Wood Festival, Independence Day Celebration at Sheridan Park, and Winter Wonderland bring residents together with food, music, crafts, and family-friendly fun.
The Cudahy Family Library also plays a central role in the community, offering author talks, children’s programming, outdoor movie nights, and educational events throughout the year. Seasonal markets, holiday parades, and neighborhood block parties keep the calendar full and the connections strong.
Whether you're strolling the lakefront trails, enjoying a burger at your favorite corner tavern, or watching fireworks from the park on the Fourth of July, Cudahy offers an experience that’s as genuine as it is memorable—a community built on tradition, togetherness, and the beauty of life by the lake.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Cudahy, Wisconsin, is a close-knit lakeside community that values wellness, play, and outdoor connection. From scenic park trails to youth sports leagues and nearby professional games in Milwaukee, Cudahy offers plenty of ways for residents of all ages to stay active, engaged, and connected to the spirit of recreation.
Local Sports & Community Spirit
Cudahy may not host professional teams, but it has a proud local sports culture rooted in school pride and community involvement. Cudahy High School’s Packers athletics program features football, basketball, wrestling, track, and more—bringing families and neighbors together on game nights to support student-athletes.
Throughout the year, community centers and recreation leagues offer youth and adult sports including baseball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Seasonal tournaments, friendly competitions, and skills clinics keep local sports fun and accessible.
Cudahy High School Athletics
Cudahy Parks & Recreation
Parks, Trails & Lakefront Recreation
Cudahy’s true recreational gem is its stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. Sheridan Park, Warnimont Park, and Lakeshore State Park (just minutes away in Milwaukee) offer sweeping lake views, walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and beach access. Sheridan Park’s bluffs and wooded trails are ideal for peaceful strolls or brisk runs, while the nearby Oak Leaf Trail provides a regional route for cyclists and joggers that links through Milwaukee County.
Fishing, birdwatching, and even wintertime sledding make these parks year-round destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Dog owners also enjoy the Warnimont Dog Park, one of the area’s most popular off-leash areas.
Community Fitness & Wellness
The Cudahy Family Library and City of Cudahy Recreation Department offer fitness and enrichment programs for every stage of life, from youth dance and martial arts to adult yoga, aerobics, and wellness workshops. Local gyms and studios provide convenient access to personal training, group classes, and open gym hours.
Outdoor fitness stations, playgrounds, and tennis or basketball courts throughout the city’s parks further support a healthy and active lifestyle. In winter, many residents enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, or indoor fitness programming through school and rec facilities.
Professional Sports Nearby
Cudahy residents enjoy easy access to Milwaukee’s major league sports scene just minutes away. Whether it’s baseball at American Family Field, basketball at Fiserv Forum, or soccer and hockey at local venues, there’s no shortage of big-league energy nearby:
Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) – Catch America’s pastime with a brat and a beer at American Family Field.
Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) – Witness top-tier basketball in the electric atmosphere of Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) – Experience thrilling minor league hockey downtown.
Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Baseball) – Enjoy family-friendly, affordable games just west of the city.
From cheering at high school games to kayaking Lake Michigan or catching a Bucks game downtown, Cudahy offers the perfect balance of hometown recreation and regional sports excitement—making it a great place to stay active, connected, and inspired.
Adventures
Adventures
Cudahy, Wisconsin, is more than a charming lakeside town—it’s a launching point for year-round adventure, outdoor recreation, and rich cultural exploration. Whether you're strolling the bluffs of Lake Michigan, discovering hidden gems in nearby neighborhoods, or taking a day trip into Milwaukee, Cudahy makes it easy to embrace the spirit of discovery.
Nature & Outdoor Exploration
Cudahy’s eastern edge is hugged by the shores of Lake Michigan, offering residents breathtaking access to nature. Sheridan Park, with its forested trails, dramatic bluffs, and scenic overlooks, is a beloved destination for hikers, joggers, and nature photographers. The park also features playgrounds, tennis courts, and peaceful picnic areas—ideal for weekend family outings or quiet escapes.
For active adventurers, the Oak Leaf Trail weaves through Cudahy and connects to a larger Milwaukee County trail network, offering a smooth ride or walk through woodlands, lakeshore views, and parklands. Birdwatchers, cyclists, and casual walkers all find joy in this expansive system.
Nearby Grant Park and its Seven Bridges Trail in South Milwaukee deliver a fairy tale–like walk through stone bridges, ravines, and forest paths—a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
Sheridan Park
Oak Leaf Trail
Seven Bridges Trail
History, Culture & Local Gems
Cudahy’s identity is rooted in its industrial past and blue-collar pride, reflected in historic landmarks and evolving cultural spaces. The Cudahy Historical Society Museum, housed in a converted train depot, shares the story of meatpacking, railroads, and the city’s founder, Patrick Cudahy. The surrounding depot district is gradually evolving into a walkable hub for community events and small businesses.
Just west of town, the South Shore Performing Arts Center and Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood offer a rich blend of indie art galleries, theaters, coffeehouses, and music venues, all within a short drive or bike ride.
Cudahy’s seasonal events—from Fourth of July parades to outdoor concerts at the Cudahy Family Library—bring the community together through live music, food trucks, and shared celebration. Even everyday spots like local diners, corner bars, and cozy bakeries carry the kind of local flavor and warmth that turn regular outings into memorable moments.
Cudahy Historical Society
Cudahy Family Library Events
Nearby Day Trips & Regional Exploration
Cudahy’s location in Milwaukee County offers effortless access to Southeast Wisconsin’s top attractions:
Milwaukee Art Museum – A lakeside icon with world-class art, rotating exhibits, and a dramatic architectural design.
Harley-Davidson Museum – Dive into America’s motorcycle legacy with interactive displays and vintage bikes.
Milwaukee Public Market – A foodie paradise in the Historic Third Ward with local vendors, fresh seafood, and gourmet fare.
Milwaukee County Zoo – A family favorite with hundreds of animals and seasonal events.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Less than an hour away, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and winter snowshoeing.
Whether you’re exploring Milwaukee’s creative scene, biking along Lake Michigan, or chasing waterfalls in nearby parks, Cudahy offers a welcoming base for adventures big and small.
From quiet forest trails to vibrant festivals and nearby cultural hotspots, Cudahy invites you to live with curiosity and connect with the outdoors, your neighbors, and the region around you—all just beyond your front door.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Cudahy, Wisconsin, celebrates every season with warmth, pride, and a strong sense of community. From winter tree lightings and patriotic parades to summer concerts by the lake and fall harvest fests, Cudahy’s calendar is filled with small-town charm and meaningful moments that bring neighbors together year-round.
Winter to Spring
The holiday season in Cudahy begins with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cudahy Family Library—a festive evening filled with music, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself. The city's parks and streets glow with seasonal lights, while local churches and civic groups host holiday craft fairs, toy drives, and traditional dinners that keep the spirit of giving alive.
As winter transitions to spring, residents gather for Easter Egg Hunts in city parks, including Pulaski and Sheridan Parks, where kids enjoy games, treats, and photos with the Easter Bunny. The Cudahy Historical Society often hosts springtime open houses and history walks as the weather warms, offering a look at the city’s heritage in bloom.
Spring also marks the return of outdoor fitness classes and community clean-up days, where residents volunteer to beautify trails, gardens, and shoreline areas—reminders of Cudahy’s deep pride in its local environment and neighborhoods.
Cudahy Family Library Events
Cudahy Parks & Recreation
Summer to Fall
Summer is when Cudahy truly comes alive. The city’s signature Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks celebration is a beloved tradition that spans generations. Marching bands, floats, and vintage cars roll down Packard Avenue, followed by an evening fireworks show over Lake Michigan that lights up the bluffs and beaches with dazzling color.
Throughout the summer, Live at the Library outdoor concerts offer free music on the library lawn, featuring local bands and food vendors in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. Cudahy’s Farmers Market, held weekly, connects residents to fresh produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment while supporting local growers and makers.
Fall brings crisp air and cozy gatherings. Events like Autumn Fest and Pumpkin in the Park at Sheridan Park offer hayrides, pumpkin decorating, cider tastings, and costume parades—perfect for families enjoying the season. Halloween is celebrated with Trick-or-Treat hours, themed movie nights, and neighborhood displays that show off the city’s spooky creativity.
The season rounds out with the Veterans Day Ceremony at Cudahy War Memorial, a solemn and heartfelt tribute to local service members.
Cudahy 4th of July
Cudahy Farmers Market
Connected by Community
What makes Cudahy’s events truly special is the way they bring people together. Whether it’s sharing a picnic during a concert, cheering on a local float, or catching up with neighbors at a market, these seasonal celebrations are a reflection of the city’s friendly spirit and close-knit culture.
From wintry lights to summer fireworks and fall festivities, Cudahy offers a vibrant lineup of events that celebrate life on the lake—one season, one story, and one gathering at a time.
Community Resources
Cudahy, Wisconsin, places a high priority on the health and well-being of its residents. With access to quality local clinics, nearby major hospitals, mental health resources, and wellness programs, Cudahy offers comprehensive and compassionate healthcare options for individuals and families at every stage of life.
Major Hospitals & Medical Centers
While Cudahy itself is a small, community-focused city, it benefits from close proximity to some of Southeast Wisconsin’s leading medical institutions. Just minutes away, Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee provides full-service care, including emergency medicine, surgical services, cardiology, orthopedics, and maternity care. It’s a trusted hospital for many Cudahy residents seeking nearby comprehensive care.
Also nearby is Froedtert Hospital, the region’s premier academic medical center located in Wauwatosa. As part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, it offers world-class specialty care in areas such as cancer treatment, neurology, trauma, and transplant services.
Ascension St. Francis Hospital
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
In addition, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center—just a short drive north—offers one of the most advanced cardiac programs in the Midwest, along with specialty care, rehabilitation, and research-driven treatment options.
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Mental Health & Community Wellness
Mental health is a key component of community wellness in Cudahy. Residents have access to a range of support services through providers like Aurora Behavioral Health Services, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, and Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services. These organizations offer individual and family counseling, crisis support, addiction recovery, and psychiatric care.
Locally, the Cudahy Health Department promotes mental and physical well-being through wellness screenings, health education, and public health outreach in partnership with area schools, libraries, and senior centers.
Cudahy Health Department
Aurora Behavioral Health Services
Urgent Care & Preventive Services
For non-emergency care, Cudahy residents have easy access to several urgent care facilities, including Aurora Urgent Care and Ascension Medical Group locations. These clinics provide walk-in treatment for common illnesses, minor injuries, and diagnostic services with extended hours and convenient scheduling.
Preventive care remains a top priority in the community. Local clinics and pharmacies provide immunizations, annual wellness exams, women's health screenings, and chronic disease management. Flu shot clinics, health fairs, and mobile screening events are held throughout the year to make staying healthy easy and accessible.
Aurora Urgent Care
Ascension Medical Group
From trusted local clinics to cutting-edge regional hospitals, Cudahy’s healthcare landscape is designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, seeking mental health support, or simply staying on top of preventive care, Cudahy ensures quality, accessibility, and compassionate service every step of the way.
Cudahy, Wisconsin, is a close-knit, education-minded community where lifelong learning is a shared value. From strong public schools and faith-based options to proximity to respected colleges and adult learning programs, Cudahy supports educational success for learners at every stage of life.
Public Schools & Education
Cudahy is served by the Cudahy School District, a dedicated and community-focused district offering a full K–12 education. The district includes several elementary schools, Cudahy Middle School, and Cudahy High School, all committed to fostering academic achievement, creativity, and personal growth.
Students benefit from a range of academic programs, including STEM initiatives, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE), and dual enrollment opportunities through local college partnerships. The district emphasizes inclusivity, small class sizes, and personalized support to help every student thrive in school and beyond.
Private, Charter & Alternative Education
Families in and around Cudahy have access to various private and parochial schools offering values-based and alternative approaches to education. Schools such as St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Nativity of the Lord School provide faith-centered academic environments with a focus on moral development, rigorous academics, and close-knit communities.
Nearby, Milwaukee offers a wide array of charter, Montessori, and magnet school options—including Milwaukee College Prep, Highland Community School, and St. Augustine Preparatory Academy—all within easy commuting distance for Cudahy families seeking specialized curricula.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School
Nativity of the Lord School
Higher Education Opportunities
While Cudahy does not host a college within its borders, it benefits from close proximity to several top educational institutions. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers two-year associate degrees, apprenticeships, certificate programs, and technical training—ideal for both recent graduates and adult learners.
Just a short drive away, students can access world-class universities including University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University. These institutions offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as robust research, internship, and continuing education opportunities that serve the wider Milwaukee area.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Marquette University
Adult & Lifelong Learning
Cudahy encourages lifelong learning through a network of accessible resources and programs. The Cudahy Family Library provides a range of services, from computer literacy and GED support to book clubs and educational workshops. Community organizations and technical colleges in the region also offer enrichment classes in ESL, finance, art, health, and job readiness.
Whether you're raising a student, preparing for higher education, or investing in your own development, Cudahy offers a nurturing and accessible learning environment that evolves with you. The city’s strong school district, access to renowned universities, and emphasis on community-based education make it a smart place to learn, grow, and succeed.
Cudahy, Wisconsin, offers a dependable and responsive network of public services and government agencies designed to support the safety, health, and day-to-day needs of its residents. From public safety to infrastructure maintenance and accessible transportation, Cudahy delivers the essentials for a well-connected and thriving community.
Cudahy City Government & Public Services
Cudahy operates under a Mayor-Council form of government and provides a full suite of municipal services. The Cudahy Police Department is dedicated to public safety through neighborhood patrols, community engagement programs, and crime prevention efforts. Partnering closely with the Cudahy Fire Department, the city ensures rapid emergency response, fire suppression, EMS, and public education on fire safety.
The Cudahy Department of Public Works manages the city’s infrastructure, including street maintenance, snow removal, stormwater management, and the upkeep of public buildings and parks. Waste and recycling services are offered through a combination of city services and contracted providers, with regular curbside collection and seasonal drop-off events for yard waste and bulky items.
Cudahy Police Department
Cudahy Fire Department
Cudahy Public Works
Cudahy Garbage & Recycling Services
Weather
Cudahy experiences the full range of Midwestern seasons, offering distinct beauty throughout the year. Winters bring snow and chilly temperatures, ideal for cozy indoor gatherings and holiday events. Spring ushers in fresh blooms and green spaces along Lake Michigan. Summer is warm and breezy—perfect for enjoying the city's parks, beaches, and festivals. In the fall, vibrant foliage transforms local neighborhoods and nearby nature trails into seasonal highlights.
Average highs in July reach the low 80s°F, while January lows dip into the teens, making Cudahy a place where residents embrace both snowy adventures and summer sunshine.
Transportation
Cudahy’s location just south of downtown Milwaukee makes it ideal for commuters and travelers alike. The city is served by Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), with several bus routes providing convenient public transportation to neighboring communities and major employment hubs. Interstate 794 and I-94 provide quick access to downtown Milwaukee and points beyond.
For air travel, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is only minutes away, offering domestic and select international flights. Its proximity makes travel easy for both leisure and business.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Cudahy’s efficient city services, seasonal charm, and strategic location on the Lake Michigan shoreline make it a welcoming and connected place to live. Whether you’re commuting to work, strolling through a lakeside park, or attending a community event, Cudahy supports a lifestyle that’s secure, convenient, and community-focused.
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