Best Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee may be famous for beer, but its neighborhoods make a better argument for moving there. The East Side brings a college-town buzz near the lake, the Historic Third Ward turns old warehouses into an address for galleries and city living, and Bay View offers parks, neighborhood businesses, and a little more breathing room. If independent-minded is your style, spend some time in Riverwest before making a decision.

The lakefront is a perk, but it doesn't make every address feel the same. Third Ward loft living comes with a different price and pace than a Bay View residential street, and Walker's Point has a nightlife and dining scene of its own. Milwaukee's industrial history is part of the appeal; whether you want a converted warehouse or a front porch is another question entirely.

The Area

The city of Milwaukee sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, with the eastern side of the city on the water and the west side more inland. Speaking of water, the city is also at the confluence of three rivers: the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic, and the Milwaukee. The city is similar to Detroit in that the city center is on the water and there are highways leading out of the city like spokes of a wheel. The streets are on a grid system, with N/S cities being numbered and E/W streets being named. The closest major metropolitan area is Chicago, a quick hour and a half drive south. Madison is the same distance directly west and Green bay is equal distance north.

East Side

College Students

Milwaukee is home to several colleges including UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and several others. Although there is student housing surrounding each institution, the best area for a college vibe is hands-down East Side. IT’s trendy, it’s young, and it’s the most popular spot for nightlife along Brady Street. This is the place to move if you are a night owl looking for endless possibilities for a night out.

  • East Side
  • Avenues West
  • Walker’s Point

Third Ward

Young Professionals

If you’re planning to move to Milwaukee and you’re a recent grad or young professional, you’ll have your pick of great neighborhoods in the city. From the LGBTQ+ friendly Walker’s Point to the black-owned business district of Bronzeville, you really can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for that quintessential live-play-work vibe, you’ll want to check out Third Ward. It’s right downtown, which makes commuting a breeze if you work nearby. You’ll also have Lake Michigan in your backyard and as the backdrop to late nights and countless IG posts. Living here, you’ll have your pick of luxury apartments, condos, and converted warehouse lofts.

  • Third Ward
  • Walker’s Point
  • Bronzeville

Riverwalk

DINKs/SINKs

If you want a tight knit community look no further than Riverwest. This neighborhood marches to the beat of its own drum and you can find a little bit of everything here. You want brewpubs? Done. Vegan options? They’ve got you covered. Quirky retail and art venues? But, of course! This area has adorable homes with porches, sidewalk-lined streets, and a ton of friendly neighbors!

  • Riverwalk
  • Bayview
  • Clarke Square

Walker's Point

LGBTQ+

Milwaukee is underrated as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. From Pridefest Milwaukee and Summerfest to the organizations that fight for the needs of the community, it’s truly underappreciated by the rest of the country. If you want a fun, industrial, foodie-centric neighborhood look no further than Walker’s Point. Second Street has a ton of amazing restaurants and bars, but don’t count out the up-and-coming Fifth Street for your next night out. Because it’s Milwaukee’s oldest neighborhood you can find amazing homes as well as newer luxury apartments.

  • Walker’s Point
  • East Side
  • Third Ward

Bay View

Families

If you’re settling down near Milwaukee, you’ll appreciate that it’s not too big of a city for a family (sorry, Chicago). We suggest finding a spot in Bay View, one of Milwaukee’s most popular neighborhoods for families and young professionals. It’s just south of downtown on the coast, it’s hip, eclectic, and home to a huge restaurant district, farmers markets, and weekly concerts. The walkability of this neighborhood to surrounding parks and playgrounds makes this a must-see neighborhood.

  • Bay View
  • Riverwest
  • East Town