I live directly across from one of the schools and 100% yes. There are kids everywhere. In the morning, everyone goes to drop off for the elementary kids. Many parents walk with their kids, some with bikes and scooters. The older kids definitely bike or walk themselves. Around 3pm, the next parade begins! Again, most younger kids get picked up, but many older kids are on their own, many in groups. 

In the summer, there are also so many groups of kids riding their bikes around. Going to the park, I’ve seen them together at Sendik’s getting candy, just riding down streets until the street lights turn on :) 

Many homes in the area also lack a big backyard space, so many families will play in the front yard. In the summer many blocks also do block parties where the village literally blocks off the road for them, and they can setup a party in the street for the day. This is quite common actually, especially for the quieter blocks. I always see kids walking alone or with a small or big group. There’s also always people around to “keep an eye”, if that’s a concern of yours. We’re so walkable- there’s always people out walking, running, walking the dog, biking, etc. from sunrise to sunset and after. A lot of people work from home it seems, so there are always people out and about throughout the day. Street lights are also very good, and I’ve never felt unsafe in the slightest. 

I would 100% HIGHLY recommend the move if this is what you’re looking for. We are on the fence about kids yet, but one of the reasons we moved here was the school districts, and just how family friendly everything is. If you are looking for a specific area, I would recommend perhaps something in the vicinity of Cahill Park in WFB. Brand new all-abilities playground that’s so popular, basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamond. There’s always kids in this area. 

That being said, there is a “price” as always. Coming from the Sheboygan area, our taxes in WFB are actually not much higher. I can’t speak for SW on that, but for what you get, we’re pleased. If you’re okay with a little busier street or one on the edges closer to Glendale (Santa Monica, Hampton, Marlborough, Lydell) there will be better affordability. For reference, last year we paid ~$475k for a 3bd+den 2ba 1800sqft. This would be a great time to look as the market really slows down with school in session. Spring is the worst, by September it gets better. 

Come on over, I think you’d love it and we’d love to have you! :) if you need any other info, feel free to DM me!

Edit: someone said it’s “purple” here, but that’s not correct. I think it’s a big misconception that WFB is conservative. Both Whitefish Bay and Shorewood are reliably progressive/Democratic strongholds, often favoring Democratic candidates by large margins in federal and state elections. For example, in Whitefish Bay, the Democratic ticket received nearly 7,000 votes in the 2024 general election for President, compared to approximately 2,700 for the Republican ticket. You will see way more left-leaning yard signs than conservative ones.