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Kenosha is a city of around 100,000 on the shore of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin, positioned between Chicago and Milwaukee along I-94. The city is home to University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Carthage College, giving it a modest college presence. Kenosha's lakefront is a major asset, featuring a scenic harbor, electric streetcar system, and walkable downtown along the water. The city has a strong manufacturing and working-class heritage and has seen ongoing downtown revitalization in recent years. Its location in the Chicago metropolitan area gives residents access to major city amenities while enjoying Wisconsin's lower cost of living.
Along the lakefront, the most walkable and amenity-rich neighborhood, popular for restaurant and bar access near Lake Michigan.
A range of apartment buildings and rental houses at affordable prices.
Central Kenosha with older housing stock and good access to both campus and downtown.
Lower rents for students relying on a car for the short drive to UW-Parkside, with Metra Electric stations available for Chicago-area commuters.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Kenosha.
Kenosha Transit buses and the city's free electric streetcar along the lakefront provide limited but useful coverage for students near downtown. The Metra Electric Line runs from Kenosha to Chicago's Millennium Station in approximately one hour, making it a practical option for students with ties to the Chicago area. Students who rely primarily on transit should carefully check route proximity to their housing and the campus before committing to a car-free lifestyle.
The Kenosha lakefront trail system is a scenic and practical cycling route connecting downtown to neighborhoods along Lake Michigan. The campus itself is set back from the lake in a more suburban area, making walking from most off-campus housing less practical than biking or driving. Students with bikes will find Kenosha's relatively flat terrain workable for short to medium commutes, especially in warmer months.
Parking is ample both on campus and throughout Kenosha's residential and commercial areas. Most off-campus housing near the university includes private parking, and street parking is generally unrestricted in surrounding neighborhoods. Students with cars will find parking far less stressful than at urban campuses in Milwaukee or Chicago.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Kenosha is known for its scenic Lake Michigan lakefront, the Kenosha Public Museum, and its position as a gateway between Chicago and Milwaukee. The city also has a strong manufacturing heritage and is home to UW-Parkside and Carthage College.
Browse student housing near each Kenosha-area university.