CITY OF MILWAUKEE

City Hall
200 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee
414-286-3508
http://city.milwaukee.gov/home

Chamber of Commerce
756 North Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee
414-287-4100
www.mmac.org

Services
As a metropolis of close-knit neighborhoods and world-class attractions, Milwaukee serves as the state capital and the heart of a thriving metropolitan region that blankets five counties. Services are outstanding in this highly urbanized region, where major healthcare organizations operate leading medical centers, teaching hospitals, centers of excellence, and highly specialized institutes. Coventry, Aurora, and Columbia healthcare systems are exceptionally active in this area, providing state-of-the-art technology in a caring and compassionate setting. Among the city’s full-service hospitals are St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, St. Michael Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, Columbia Hospital and Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, St. Lukes Medical Center, and a regional veteran’s medical center. The Heart Hospital of Milwaukee is located in Glendale, and Columbia St. Mary’s offers the Milwaukee Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The University of Michigan at Milwaukee sets the pace for excellence throughout the metropolitan region, where public school districts are complemented by many options for a private-school education. The university is one of two doctoral-granting state universities and enriches the entire community with intellectual stimulation, sports excitement, and cultural attractions. More than 25,000 students are actively enrolled, although the university serves another 47,000 through its outreach program. Attracting students from 80 companies, the university serves as Milwaukee’s gateway to the world. Other fine institutions of higher education in the Milwaukee area include Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mount Mary College, and Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Lifestyle
Often described as bold, beautiful, and progressive, the city of Milwaukee has managed to protect its small-town feeling in the face of growth, development, change, revitalization, and redevelopment. Built on traditional Midwestern values, Milwaukee has always been associated with great sports teams, first-rate entertainment, gourmet food, and a rich cultural community. Melding cultures, creativity, and connections, the city has flourished through productive partnerships and grassroots efforts. Highly acclaimed amenities like the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Midwest Airlines Center, and Miller Park combine with superb golf courses, miles of scenic bike trails, and dazzling festivals and celebrations. The city’s downtown Riverwalk and Summerfest are only two on a long list of special events, the latter acclaimed as one of the nation’s largest and most popular music festivals.

Throughout the city are treasures associated with a smaller town, from the authentic architecture preserved in historic neighborhoods to ethnic restaurants, quaint commercial districts, lovely gardens, panoramic boulevards, and a spectacular lakefront. Nearby hills and forests are ideal for outdoor adventures and virtually unlimited recreational opportunities. Over the last two decades, the city has blossomed with cultural development, including two opera companies, a ballet company, a symphony orchestra, celebrated art museums, fine galleries, and numerous professional theatres. The city is also home of the world-renowned Milwaukee Public Museum and one of the finest zoos in the entire nation.

Newcomers will discover a wide range of choices in housing, from magnificent architecture in historic districts to contemporary styling. Homes are available to suit every lifestyle, including lakeshore highrises, downtown lofts, historic homes, townhouses, farmhouses, and riverfront condos. Some neighborhoods are well-established with predominantly single-family homes lining tree-shaded streets, while others have abundant options for rentals and multi-family living. Throughout the city, newcomers will discover an engaging sense of refreshing energy harmonizing with old-world charm.

NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS

Bay View
Recognized as one of the most pleasing choices for family living in the city, Bay View enjoys a prime location beyond the din of downtown bustle. Still, the neighborhood is conveniently linked to downtown by the Hoan Bridge for a quick commute. A growing number of young professionals are settling into charming older homes, enjoying such amenities as community centers, public libraries, public and private schools, major bus lines, wonderful theaters, and four county parks. South Shore Park on Lake Michigan hosts the annual South Shore Waterfrolic festival, rivaling Summerfest for crowds and attractions. Another mainstay of this area is the South Shore Yacht Club, established in 1913. Newcomers will discover treasures of magnificent homes from the late 1800s to the present. Properties closer to the lake tend to be grander. Recently, the neighborhood has attracted a medley of trendy new businesses that only add to the overall appeal.

Downtown
www.milwaukeedowntown.com
Working, living, and playing are all possible in the multi-faceted downtown district of the city, home to many of the region’s most dazzling special events. In recent years more than 2,500 new condominiums, lofts, townhomes, and apartments have been added to the traditional Milwaukee skyline, drawing thousands of new residents to this convenient address. Investments totaling $540 million have caused the downtown population to rise dramatically. Across the nation, many professionals and even families are deciding to leave the suburbs for a close-in location near the cities 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 beautiful RiverWalk.

The East Side
414-906-8975
www.theeastside.org/
Recognized as one of the city’s most exciting retail, entertainment, 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.

East Town
414-271-1416
www.easttown.com
The 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 Saturday at the Market, Cathedral Square Park, historic and contemporary venues for the performing arts, and a medley of outstanding choices for dining. Architectural wonders in this neighborhood range from turn-of-the-century opulence to the distinctive appeal of Art Deco.

Historic Brady Street
http://bradystreet.org
Diverse and colorful, Historic Brady Street is located near the downtown district and with walking distance from the shoreline of Lake Michigan. 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, pubs, and coffee shops.

Historic Brewer’s Hill
http://historicbrewershill.com
Residents of this long-established area enjoy an attractive combination of old and new as well as modest and majestic, all wrapped in the historic charm. 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. This small-town feeling prevails today in a convenient area that offers excellent access to downtown amenities and attractions and lakefront recreation.

Historic Concordia
www.hcni.org
The boundaries of this neighborhood stretch 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. The vibrant downtown district, Miller Park, and lakefront recreation are just minutes away.

Historic Third Ward
www.historicthirdward.org
Behind the historic facades of warehouses and factories in this turn-of-the-century neighborhood is one of Milwaukee’s best-kept secrets. 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 art galleries in the city joins antique shops, restaurants, specialty stores, factory outlets, sweeping show rooms, 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
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 named for its centerpiece, Charles Jacobus Park. A grant from the Jacobus Family Foundation has created a nature preserve in this already attractive recreational amenity. Within the lush park are 150-year-old oaks, a plunging ravine, abundant birds and wildlife, and spring wildflowers.

Layton Boulevard West
www.lbwn.org
Anchoring the neighborhood for more than a century, the School Sisters of St. Francis international headquarters also launched an active neighborhood association. Rapidly changing and culturally diverse, this south-side neighborhood has drawn together in a spirit of unity and dedication to progress. The cooperative spirit fostered by the highly successful neighborhood association has created a model for different people to live, work, and raise their families together. Seeking out ways to encourage revitalization throughout the neighborhood and responding to the needs of current residents are key issues.

Locust Street
Situated between Humboldt and Holton Streets is the lively district known as Locust Street. 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 booths, a large children’s area, street performers, unique exhibits, and a virtually endless array of food and beverages make this a regional favorite.

North Side
The North Side are of Milwaukee has seen 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 the strong sense of community that it displayed in the 1960s when residents began to demand the same rights and services enjoyed by other parts of the city. 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
Drawing together 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 Ray Boys & Girls Club, farmers markets, the Uptown Business District, the ShermanFest block party, and close proximity to Washington Park add to the attraction. 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. Many streets in the area are canopied by gigantic oaks and elms, while flower beds and gardens dot manicured yards.

Story Hill, Miller Park
https://www.milwaukeemag.com/milwaukee-neighborhood-guide-story-hill/
One of the newer neighborhoods 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 remains the area’s dominant landmark. Fortunately, 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.

South Side
Settled by Polish immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the South Side is home to the 1901 St. Josephat’s Basilica. This neighborhood landmark has also served as a spiritual home for many of the residents of the South Side for decades. Designed by Erhard Brielmaier, the cathedral plans were modified by the purchase of pillars and bricks from the old Federal Post Office in Chicago. Mitchell Street emerged as the downtown district and remains as a shopper’s paradise today. The Basilica functions as a cultural venue, presenting concerts and a memorable Independence Day celebration highlighted by the 1812 Overture and “canon fire” provided by the police department. Delicious Polish and Mexican cuisine can be found in this area, and brides-to-be will wonderful bridal shops along Mitchell Street.

Walnut Hill, Metcalfe Park, Washington Park
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 sense of culture and traditions. After decades of neglect, this unique area is stirring renewed interest. Businesses have begun to mushroom throughout the neighborhood, including wonderful 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 wonderful churches, schools, restaurants, and 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
Newcomers to the Washington Heights neighborhood will 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 an ideal location close to downtown. The fact that this area was considered remote when it was first developed may have contributed to its independent spirit and unique flavor. The construction of the premier recreational amenity 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.

West Side
Wealthy industrial families dominated the West Side in the 1850s, many with well-known names like Pabst, Mitchell, and Plankinton, and Mitchell. The glory of these 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 mix tidy working-class homes with elegant mansions on the same block. Washington Park has remained popular for its green space, wonderful events, and variety of recreational facilities. New residents mingle with long-established families, enjoying the area’s many ethnic restaurants and delightful vintage taverns.

Fifth Ward
The close-in area known today as Fifth Ward boasts a long history of change and redevelopment. Handsome new lofts provide a reflection of the upscale image of the neighboring Third Ward, and tree-lined streets are dotted with interesting boutiques and restaurants. This central core neighborhood is considered by many to be the Third Ward’s younger and trendier sibling, attracting an elective mix of residents including artists and young professionals with an eye toward architectural renovation and an appreciation for the convenient of a central city address.

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 possibility of rapid transformation and revitalization, anchored by the Knapp Street Bridge that links the east and west ends of the neighborhood. Boulevards lined with corporate buildings and entertainment centers offer close proximity to outlying redevelopment projects like the $317 million PabstCity project. New and renovated residential options add even more appeal.