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Whitewater, WI

Frequently asked questions

Whitewater, WI

Whitewater is a city located in Walworth and Jefferson counties in the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. Located near the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is the home of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 14,889.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.06 square miles (23.47 km²), of which, 8.76 square miles (22.69 km²) is land and 0.30 square miles (0.78 km²) is water. Most of the city lies in Walworth County.

Whitewater was founded at the confluence of Whitewater Creek and Spring Brook, and named for the white sand in their beds. A gristmill was built on Whitewater Creek, the resulting pond is now called Cravath Lake. The town grew quickly when the first railroad line in Wisconsin passed through in 1853 but struggled when the two largest employers left town.

Whitewater was originally founded entirely by settlers who arrived there from New England. These people were "Yankees", that is to say, they were descended from the English Puritans who settled New England in the 1600s. They were part of a wave of New England farmers who headed west into what was then the wilds of the Northwest Territory during the early 1800s. Most of them arrived as a result of the completion of the Erie Canal. When they arrived in what is now Whitewater, then nothing but dense virgin forest and wild prairie, the New Englanders laid out farms, constructed roads, erected government buildings, and established post routes. They brought with them many of their Yankee New England values, such as staunch support for abolitionism and a passion for education, establishing many schools as well. They were mostly members of the Congregationalist Church though some were Episcopalian. Due to the second Great Awakening, some of them had converted to Methodism before moving to what is now Whitewater. Whitewater, like much of Wisconsin, would be culturally very continuous with early New England culture for most of its early history.

Unlike much of Wisconsin, Walworth County was notable for not being heavily German-American, Whitewater had almost no German-Americans at a time when the state as a whole was receiving many. Whitewater in particular and Walworth County in general were also heavily anti-slavery, and the abolitionist movement was popular amongst the New England-descended portion of the population in the area. In the late 1800s immigrant families primarily from Belgium, Canada, Russia, and Serbia settled in Whitewater, as well as smaller amounts of immigrants from France and England.

Health and wellness are paramount in Whitewater, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The SSM Health Dean Medical Group is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Whitewater, such as the Lake La Grange Loop Trail and Nordic Trail Green Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Whitewater, WI, are Whitewater Historical Society, Cravath Lakefront Park, and Starin Park.

Population: 15,627 (2023). Zip code: 53190. Area code: 262. Elevation: 824 ft (251 m). Area: 9.14 sq mi (23.67 km²).

FAQs

Is Whitewater, WI a good place to live?

Living in Whitewater offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Whitewater, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals live in Whitewater and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Whitewater are above average.

Why is it called Whitewater, WI?

A tribe of Potawatomi Native Americans once referred to Whitewater as "Minneiska," meaning "white water" named for the white sands of the Whitewater River (now called Whitewater Creek). In 1836, Alvin Foster first settled the area. He made his stake on the land by marking his name on a tree. 

What is the cost of living in Whitewater, WI?

Whitewater is a city spanning Walworth County and Jefferson County in Wisconsin with a population of 14,766. The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Whitewater is $33,309 a year — about the same as the annual cost of living for Wisconsin of $34,139 and less than the national figure of $38,433. Housing is one of the largest components of the cost of living.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Whitewater

247wallst

SSM Health Dean Medical Group 

Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center 

Anytime Fitness

Lake La Grange Loop Trail 

Nordic Trail Green Loop

Whitewater Historical Society

Cravath Lakefront Park

Starin Park

Niche

Discover Whitewater

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