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
Pridefest link https://www.gayrealestate.com/news/usa/wisconsin/milwaukee/lgbtq-milwaukee-a-city-with-a-warm-midwestern-welcome.html
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