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The County seat of Washington County, the city of West Bend has a strong German influence. Although it could be considered a bedroom community since so many people commute to neighboring cities for work, West Bend has historically housed financial services as well as manufacturing industry.
History of West Bend
The Native American Menominee and Potawatomi tribes originally called West Bend their home until it was ceded to the US government in the early-1830s.
In 1845, what would eventually become known as US Route 45 was established, with West Bend serving as a rest stop between Fond du Lac and Milwaukee. Since it was the official rest stop, people took notice and made West Bend quite a popular place. When the railroad came to town in 1873, even more people and industry decided to settle in West Bend. By 1885, West Bend was incorporated as an honest-to-goodness city.
Manufacturing and financial services dominated the West Bend economy for most of the history of the city. These industries were so strong in West Bend that they were noted as being the only city not affected by the Great Depression.
Education in West Bend
The public education of West Bend students is supplied by the West Bend School District. There are six elementary, two middle and two high schools within the West Bend public school system. Both West Bend East and West Bend West High Schools operate within the same building but operate as completely separate schools.
The Washington County campus of the University of Wisconsin operates in West Bend as well as a Moraine park Technical College campus.
Things to See and Do in West Bend
For outdoor enthusiasts, West Bend provides endless hours of entertainment. There are tons of walking trails that traverse the city, especially along the Milwaukee River. Regner Park and Quaas Creek Park provide bike paths, walking paths, hiking, community swimming, baseball, softball, fishing, canoeing, playgrounds and much more. Downtown West Bend offers go-kart racing, a theater, ice skating and more. Shopping, dining, museums and even a Farmer's Market round out the list of things you can find to do here in West Bend.
West Bend provides a wonderful place to raise a family or start a business.
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West Bend
Demographics:
Median Population: 29,894
Median Household Income:
$53,651
Median Median Home Value:
$196,507
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