Wauwatosa
vs.
Franklin
 
Year Founded: 1892
Population: 46,396
Scouting report: Wauwatosa's Village and East Tosa districts offer an eclectic array of small shops and eateries. It is home to Mayfair, the mall that draws stores found nowhere else in Wisconsin. There's plenty of outdoor recreation: splash in the Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park, walk among butterflies at the Monarch Trail, bike the Oak Leaf Trail or Menomonee River Parkway or play at the newly developed Hartung and Hart city parks.
 
Year Founded: 1956
Population: 35,504
Scouting report: Money Magazine ranked Franklin as one of the top 100 cities in the United States. It is one of the fastest-growing in the state, has a strong business climate and is home to the Crystal Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area and Milwaukee County Sports Complex.