What is reasonable to one person is not to another....so we would suggest first of all, you talk with a reputable local lender and find out what you qualify for and are comfortable spending...then looking at the other other things that are important to you...the kind of home, commuting distance, etc.,...looking at the whole picture will help to make the best choices...or in this case, to know your options. We have lived in both Waukesha and Milwaukee counties and list and sell in both as well and happy to offer some insight after doing some "Home Work." You will find the people friendly and the area easy to navigate....happy to welcome you to the Badger State !

Most newer single family homes (with 2.5 car+) will be in Waukesha County communities. Like other metro areas, the farther away from the city, the less expensive. There are good values from large builders still willing to negotiate on excess inventory. However, our market is ahead of the rest of the country. We have seen the peak in foreclosures and expect to normalize this year (the sooner rates stabilize the quicker our market will normalize). The City of Waukesha (south of Brookfield) is fine, but West Allis is Milwaukee County - not so many newer homes. Brookfield foreclosures and short sales usually involve older homes.

Rita-
The Milwaukee/Waukesha County area encompasses several communities, and depending on how much time you are going to allow for commuting (you can get to Brookfield or West Allis from anywhere in Milwaukee & Waukesha County within 30 minutes (or less).
Most of Brookfield was developed in the 1950's,60's & 70's although you can find some newer homes-less than 10 yrs old in Brookfield - but they will be priced well above $400,000. For a lower price point you can include New Berlin, Muskego, Mukwonago Waukesha, Pewaukee, Sussex (all in Waukesha County)
If you want Milwaukee County Franklin, Greenfield, some of Greendale, Oak Creek have newer subdivisions. There are many choices depending on what is most important to you. If you wish, give me a call, I have lived in the Milwaukee area all my life (over 50 yrs.... ) LOL . My office is in Brookfield and have extensive knowledge of the area. You can search the entire metro MLS from my website.
Good luck on your new job! Karen Wenzel