Milwaukee Neighborhoods
Milwaukee is a big city with many great
small town features, you might say Milwaukee is a city
of neighborhoods. Elsewhere on the site I have broken
down the city into 6 general locations for condo
buyers but this section drills down a little deeper
and covers the neighborhoods even more precisely.
If you would like to find out more about the
Milwaukee area or would like to make an appointment, call
me at 414-305-0126 or email me. You
can always count on a quick response.
Downtown Milwaukee
Working, living, and playing are all enjoyed in the
multi-faceted downtown district of the city, home to many
of the region's most dazzling special events. Downtown is a
world where cozy sidewalk cafes meet Broadway style theater
and arts; where unique restaurants and galleries are just
blocks from boutique shopping and astonishing waterfront
condos. Recently, more than 2,500 new condominiums, lofts,
townhomes, and apartments have been added to the Milwaukee
skyline, attracting thousands of new residents to this
convenient locale. Investments totaling $540 million have
caused the downtown population to rise dramatically. Many
professionals and even families are deciding to leave the
suburbs for a close-in location near the city’s finest
cultural and social activities, restaurants, shopping, and
nightlife. Renewed interest in downtown as a residential
choice has driven streetscape improvements that reflect the
charm of the city’s attractive RiverWalk.

Milwaukee East Side
The acclaimed home to some of the city's most eclectic
entertainment, trendy retail, and residential districts,
the East Side nestles between Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee
River, the downtown district, and the University of
Wisconsin. Renovation and revitalization continue to play a
vital role in this long-established but bustling corner of
the city. Residents enjoy a convenient location near major
healthcare centers, one of the state's leading institutions
of higher education, downtown attractions and amenities,
and Lake Michigan water sports and outdoor recreation.
Milwaukee East Town
This upscale
neighborhood known as East Town offers an inviting collection
of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and unique attractions.
As part of the greater downtown district, this neighborhood
comes alive during Bastille Days, a four-day Parisian party
that draws enthusiastic crowds. Other highlights include East
Town Market, Jazz in the Park, Gallery Night and Day, Cathedral
Square Park, historic and contemporary venues for the
performing arts, and an assortment of outstanding choices for
dining. Architectural wonders in this neighborhood range from
turn-of-the-century opulence to the distinctive appeal of Art
Deco.
Brady Street
www.BradySt.com
Diverse and
colorful, Historic Brady Street is located near the downtown
district stretching nine blocks running east to west from Lake
Michigan to the Milwaukee River. The streets are a showcase of
vintage architecture that reflects the popular styles between
1860 and 1930. First settled by Irish, German, and Polish
immigrants, this area became a haven for Italian families in
the 1930s and later a popular home for Russian immigrants.
During the 1960s, Brady Street transformed into the
"Haight-Ashbury" of Milwaukee, an eclectic collection of world
restaurants, shops, taverns, lounges, salons and cafes.
Brewer's Hill
www.BrewersHill.org
Residents of
this long-established area enjoy an attractive combination of
old and new as well as modest and marvelous, all wrapped in the
historic charm. The district contains a rich architectural mix
of Greek revival, Italianate, Stick-style, Queen Anne, and
Colonial Revival buildings dating from the 1850s to the
1920s.The neighborhood enjoys a dramatic hillside setting that
overlooks downtown Milwaukee. Distinguished as one of the first
permanent neighborhoods in the city, the early decades of
Brewer's Hill development brought a wide cross-section of
income levels and social classes. A small-town feeling prevails
today in a convenient area that offers excellent access to
downtown amenities and attractions and lakefront
recreation.
Concordia
www.hcni.org
This
neighborhood stretches from west of 27th Street to 35th Street,
with Highland Avenue to the north and Wisconsin Avenue to the
south. Distinguished as one of the city's oldest and grandest
neighborhoods, Concordia received its name from Concordia
College, now the site of the Indian Community School. One of
the most prestigious addresses in the early 1900s, the
neighborhood remains a showcase of elegant manors and
magnificent mansions. Renovation efforts have accelerated in
recent years. Families have returned to the neighborhood to
purchase and lovingly restore homes and mansions to their
former glory. The community offers residents short commute
times and that old-world craftsmanship found in midsize homes
and large mansions that can't be purchased for any price today.
The vibrant downtown district, Miller Park, and lakefront
recreation are just minutes away.
Third Ward
www.HistoricThirdWard.org
The
appearance of this turn-of-the-century warehouse and
manufacturing district may initially deceive newcomers, however
behind the historic facades lie Milwaukee's best-kept secret.
Filled with old-world architecture, the Historic Third Ward
once served as a bustling wholesale and manufacturing district.
In recent years, the area has experienced a renaissance as a
revitalized mixed-use neighborhood. The highest concentration
of the city’s art galleries join numerous restaurants, unique
specialty stores, architects, advertising agencies, graphic
designers, artists, Milwaukee Public Market, the Broadway
Theater Center, and the Milwaukee Institute of Art &
Design. The Milwaukee River, the Lake Michigan harbor, and the
downtown district all border Third Ward.
Jacobus Park
www.cjpna.org
Stretching
between the southeast portion of Wauwatosa and the near west
side of Milwaukee, the Jacobus Park area spans the area from
Hawley Road west to 68th Street. It also covers the area north
to Wisconsin Avenue, west to 72nd Street, north to Menomonee
Parkway, east to Trenton Place, and south to Hawley Road.
Within this area is a collection of residential streets and a
medley of businesses. The neighborhood is dotted with green
spaces and is named for its centerpiece, Charles Jacobus Park.
A grant from the Jacobus Family Foundation has created a nature
preserve in this already attractive recreational area. Within
the lush park are 150-year-old oaks, a plunging ravine,
abundant birds and wildlife, and wildflowers. In addition to
the natural beauty, numerous neighborhood activities bind this
tightly woven community.
Locust Street
www.Locust-Street.com
Situated
between Humboldt and Holton Streets is the lively district
known as Locust Street. One of the city’s most ethnically
diverse neighborhoods and is home to a large artist population.
Nightlife abounds in popular breweries, taverns, cafes, and
entertainment spots in this historic neighborhood. The crowning
jewel of the district is the Locust Street Festival of Music
& Art, often called the "Best Fest in Riverwest." The
celebration is well known as the longest-running free
neighborhood festival in Milwaukee. Street performers, a
competitive run, music venues, artists, a children's area,
street performers, unique exhibits, and a wide array of food
and beverages make this a regional favorite.
Milwaukee North Side
The North
Side area of Milwaukee has undergone remarkable changes through
the decades, beginning with Croatian immigrants who were later
joined by German, Jewish, and African-American families. The
sheer diversity of this neighborhood has contributed to a
strong sense of community. Newcomers will discover many active
organizations, churches, community centers, and local schools
working together to maintain the cohesive feeling and spirit of
the area. The North Side offers a neighborhood in the truest
sense of the word, where residents are consistently striving to
make it a great place to live.
Sherman Park
www.ShermanPark.com
Woven
together in a richly diverse population, the welcoming
neighborhood of Sherman Park also spans blue-collar and
professional income levels. Sherman Park residents unify their
voices for political strength and devote thousands of volunteer
hours. Commercial development is extensive, including many of
the city's retail jewels. The $5 million Mary Ryan Boys &
Girls Club, farmers markets, the Uptown Business District, the
ShermanFest block party, and close proximity to Washington Park
add to the attraction. Lindsay Park is home to the blue-domed
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, which is located at 92nd
and Congress streets. The last major project designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright, it combines two Christian symbols – the circle
and the cross – into a stunning monument. Many streets in the
area are canopied by gigantic oaks and elms, while flower beds
and gardens dot manicured yards. The housing selection features
an abundance of brick and Lannon stone homes and other vintage
styles characterized by leaded-glass windows, rich woodwork,
and elegant fireplaces. Bungalows are also common in this
ethnically diverse neighborhood.
Story Hill, Miller Park
Located just
north and east of Calvary Cemetery, it has one of the highest
concentrations of brick, stone and stucco homes in the city.
Defined by the rolling Menomonee River, Story Hill perches on a
bluff overlooking Miller Park. Most of the housing was built
between 1915 and 1955, reflecting the complete array of
architectural styles and trends from those decades: Prairie,
Craftsman, Milwaukee bungalows, Period Revivals, Cape Cods, and
ranch homes. Blue Mound Road offers a cluster of popular
restaurants and taverns, although Miller Park, home of the
Milwaukee Brewers, remains the area's dominant landmark.
Residential areas are almost completely encircled by parkland
for serenity on game days. Festivals and celebrations include
block parties that are among the city's most elaborate and well
attended.
Walnut Hill, Metcalfe Park, Washington
Park
www.WalnutHill.org
Although
Historic Walnut Hill is one of the longer established enclaves
in the city, the attitude of modern residents is described as a
"pioneering spirit." This century-old neighborhood with homes
that date back as far as the 1800s is committed to widespread
renewal. Pockets of pride punctuate the area with outstanding
architecture, meticulous landscaping, brilliant flower beds,
and rich vegetable gardens — some of which are community
gardens. This area is closely aligned with the other historic
neighborhoods of Washington Park and Metcalfe Park. Originally
designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead,
Washington Park remains the West Side's most important
recreational center and one of the largest green-space expanses
in central city, attracting joggers, swimmers, picnickers, and
sports enthusiasts. Metcalfe Park was named for Ralph Metcalfe,
one of Milwaukee's finest Olympians.
Walker's Point
The first
major settlement of this area was by Serbian immigrants who
worked in industry. Later, an influx of Latin immigrants added
their own rich culture and traditions. After decades of
neglect, this unique area is rousing renewed interest.
Businesses have begun to flourish throughout the neighborhood,
including superb new restaurants. The strong sense of community
in this area is evidenced by active groups like the Walker's
Point Center for the Arts and the Walker's Point Development
Company, the latter working to restore beautiful historic
structures. The Latin culture is celebrated in churches,
schools, restaurants, and retail stores. Many artists,
photographers, and musicians have been drawn to the area for
its beauty, history, lively night life, and more affordable
housing.
Washington Heights
www.WashingtonHeights.com
Newcomers to
the Washington Heights neighborhood discover the charm of
historic homes, a strong neighborhood association, prospering
small businesses, and close proximity to Milwaukee's business
district. Describing itself as "in the city, out of the
ordinary," this lively neighborhood along Milwaukee's western
border offers close proximity to downtown Considered remote by
early inhabitants, may have contributed to its independent
spirit and unique flavor which continues today. The development
of Washington Park was a driver for Washington Heights growth.
Most of the homes were built prior to 1940, featuring quality
construction, primarily stucco or brick exteriors, and
interiors filled with fine appointments and attention to
detail.
Milwaukee West Side
Wealthy
industrialists dominated the West Side in the 1850s, many with
well-known names like Pabst, Mitchell, and Plankinton, and
Mitchell. These imposing structures can still be seen today,
particularly at the museum housed in the former Pabst Mansion.
South of Grand Avenue became a haven for Irish working families
who migrated from the Third Ward. Over the decades, Germans
from the North Side joined Jews, Greeks, and African-Americans
to create a wonderfully diverse culture on the West Side. Some
sections of the neighborhood even blend tidy working-class
homes with majestic mansions on the same block. Washington Park
has remained popular for its green space, community events, and
recreational facilities. New residents join with
long-established families, enjoying the area's many ethnic
restaurants and vintage taverns.
Fifth Ward
The close-in
area known today as Fifth Ward boasts a long history of change
and redevelopment. Handsome new lofts mirror the upscale image
of the neighboring Third Ward, and tree-lined streets are
dotted with appealing boutiques and chic restaurants. This
central core neighborhood is considered by many to be the Third
Ward's younger and trendier sibling, drawing an eclectic mix of
residents including artists and young professionals with an eye
toward architectural renovation and an appreciation for the
convenience of a central city address.
Milwaukee Park East
The former
"freeway neighborhood" of Park East is emerging as a vibrant
mixed-use urban district. This "north of downtown" neighborhood
is roughly bordered by McKinley Avenue, Juneau Avenue, 8th
Street, and Jefferson Street. The razing of a freeway loop
opened up the opportunity for rapid transformation and
revitalization, anchored by the Knapp Street Bridge that links
the east and west ends of the neighborhood. Since the removal
of the freeway, the city has approved projects representing an
investment of $339 million, and more projects have been
proposed. Boulevards lined with corporate buildings and
entertainment centers offer close proximity to outlying
redevelopment projects. New and renovated residential options
add even more appeal.
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