Indiana family moves to Milwaukee after falling in love with the city during a trip

MILWAUKEE — I think we all know that feeling of wanderlust after a vacation. It happens when you visit a great new city or tropical location and think, “I could live here.” I was just in Paris and could imagine living there. However, I don’t plan on doing so anytime soon.

However, there are some who are fulfilling these wishes. We introduce one of Milwaukee’s newest neighbors. After visiting our city, he decided to quit his job, sell his house and move here.

“If you had told me eight months ago that I would pack my bags and move to Milwaukee, I would have called you a liar,” Dan Totleben said.

But here he is. Dan Totleben and his family moved from Indiana to Milwaukee in mid-March.

Totleben family

It all started with an audition last year.

“Well, Zack was my dream role,” said Elias Totleben, Dan’s son.

Elias did indeed land the role of Zack, one of the lead roles, in the musical School of Rock at the Skylight Music Theater in the Third Ward. Skylight funded the family’s stay at the Plaza Hotel from October to January, during which time they fell in love with the city.

“We loved the music scene, the art scene, the culture, the diversity and it just felt like coming home,” said Carissa Totleben, Elias’ mother.

Watch the story of the family’s move here…

Family moves to Milwaukee after falling in love with the city during a trip

The family from Indiana had to think seriously about it.

“It’s going to be hard to come home because this really feels like home. Something was calling us. Something made sense,” Carissa said.

In January, they decided to move to Milwaukee, but they couldn’t officially move until they knew Dan would have a job there.

“Within a few weeks I had a few offers and we moved here. Life changed,” Dan said.

He got the offer in February and they bought a house in Bay View and moved in in March.

“We live next to the beach, which is incredible,” said Elias.

Totleben family

“Right now, Summerfest is going on. There was Polish Fest. There was PrideFest. There’s something going on every weekend,” Dan said.

“We love hiking and bought a state park pass. We try to get out and find some really good hiking spots in the state parks,” Carissa said.

It wasn’t one thing that captured their hearts. It was the fall colors, the warm people, the beautiful skyline, the festivals, the food, the neighbors, and so much more. Since moving here, they’ve been busy exploring all that a new city and state has to offer.

“And I think we’re all happy with what we did,” Dan said.

I can relate to that. I moved here 5 years ago and have been so happy ever since.

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