The sprawling city of Milwaukee and its lively downtown area has something for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional just starting, in the midst of raising a family, or ready to retire and enjoy those golden years, you’re sure to find a reason to call Milwaukee home. With 59% of the housing units in Milwaukee being renter-occupied households, this is an ideal area for renting. Every neighborhood in Milwaukee is charming, but here are some of the “best” neighborhoods that we love based on affordability, amenities, location, parks, schools, and community engagement.

1. Historic Third Ward 

The Historic Third Ward is a well-known neighborhood in Milwaukee. Located near Milwaukee Bay, this former warehouse district is home to over 1,600 people. Its unique aesthetic comes from a mixture of old historic warehouses converted into businesses and modern living accommodations such as apartment complexes and condos. The wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and bars mixed with housing provides a dense urban feel, a fantastic walkability score, and a high percentage of renters. The Average Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee is $1,095; however, this can vary based on location and unit size. 

This neighborhood is popular with young professionals thanks to the active nightlife scene, high diversity rate, job opportunities, and easy commutes. Its many parks make it a great location for outdoor enthusiasts. The Historic Third Ward has a reputation for being the top arts and fashion district in Milwaukee, so make sure to check out Lily Pad, Tom Queoff’s Studio, and Gallery 218. The Milwaukee Public Market has a variety of establishments, such as olive oil distributors, wine shops, cheese makers, candy stores, and spice shops. Summers are the busiest time of year with festivals and live music. 

2. East Town 

Bordered by Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, East Town is a lovely and walkable neighborhood with waterfront views. Modern condos and apartments provide affordable living for young professionals and singles, while elegant and historical mansions appeal to established professionals and families. It’s also an excellent neighborhood for retirees and seniors who enjoy city culture and being right amid activities and events. There’s no shortage of rental properties, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee around $1,200. Keep in mind that this varies based on location and unit size.

This popular area is safe and fun, offering a huge variety of entertainment for all ages. There are urban areas near downtown full of restaurants to enjoy and wide-open green spaces with easy access to fitness facilities for the more athletic types. You can take advantage of lots of different water activities on the lake and river, attend summer festivals, explore museums, and find nightlife for every age. Various cultural events such as the Milwaukee Ballet, the Symphony, and the Opera are other incredible entertainment options. 

3. Bay View 

The views in Bay View are remarkable, considering it’s located right on the banks of Lake Michigan. This neighborhood has a mixture of beautiful homes and rental units, making it an excellent area for first-time home buyers and renters. You’ll find that about half of its 17,000 residents own properties while the other half rent. Boasting a 66% lower crime rate than some areas of Milwaukee, you’ll feel safe and at home in Bay View. The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment, based on size and location, is $1,400.

Bay View offers a dense suburban feel with lots of entertainment, restaurants, and spacious parks, like the classic Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant and Humbolt Park which has a beer garden. It’s a wonderful place to find affordable housing with a reasonable cost of living, many job opportunities, and easy commutes. Whether you’re raising a family or looking for a vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty of activities, including art galleries, live music, annual festivals, and water sports. The variety of parks provides a focus on health and fitness with lots of green space and outdoor recreation facilities. 

4. Walker’s Point 

This smaller neighborhood is home to less than 7,000 residents but still has an urban feel. With a high population of renters, this area is ideal for young professionals and starting families. The affordable cost of living, community diversity, a great mix of outdoor activities, and exciting nightlife make this neighborhood a perfect choice for everyone. The median rent prices in Walker’s Point are 38% higher than the city median rent prices. Depending on the size and location, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Walker’s Point is $1,510.

While all of Milwaukee is considered LGBTQ+ friendly, Walker’s Point is nicknamed the “hub of Milwaukee’s gay community,” thanks to its annual pride festivals, many LGBTQ+ events, and an active nightlife scene year-round. It’s also an epicurean delight with a vast selection of restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and bars. Stop by Toast Milwaukee for brunch, Zocalo Food Truck Park for a variety of eats, MobCraft Beer for a seasonal beverage, and Caroline’s Jazz Club for some nightlife. The area has an industrial edge with art galleries and antique shops, making it terrific for tourists and locals alike to explore. 

5. Riverwest 

Bordering the Milwaukee River, Riverwest has an urban-suburban mixed feel, with a high number of its 12,000 residents being renters. This area is great for singles, young professionals, and families who love city living. The reasonable cost of living, great job opportunities, and easy commutes make this artsy neighborhood with a strong sense of community a wonderful place to call home. The median rent prices in Riverwest are 23% lower than the city median rent prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on where it is and how big, in Riverwest is $848. 

You’ll find plenty of diversity in the people and the activities around Riverwest. There’s something for everyone, from outdoor activities to nightlife, restaurants, and festivals. Try listening to the local radio station with broadcasts on community topics or check out the many unique manufacturing facilities, such as the pickled herring facility. Riverwest is also a big cycling community and hosts annual cycling events such as its 25-hour bike race. 

6. Brady Street 

The growing community along Brady Street is home to over 20,000 residents and feels like Broadway Street on Capitol Hill. Some people compare it to a micro version of Lincoln Park in Chicago or the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. This walkable neighborhood is ideal for young professionals and singles. It’s unique and colorful thanks to the melting pot of ethnicities creating a wide diversity of businesses. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment on Brady Street is $744; however, this can vary based on location and unit size.

The nine blocks of Brady Street that make up the Brady Street Business Improvement District is packed with over 50 businesses, including bars, restaurants, shops, cafes, bakeries, salons, and markets. It also features a health club, a classic barbershop, a martial arts studio, and a local radio station. One of the biggest annual events is the Brady Street Festival, with days of local music, performances on multiple stages, amazing food to try, and many retail vendors to explore. 

7. Shorewood 

Covering one and a half square miles and bordered by Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, Shorewood is home to over 13,000 residents. This community is charming, walkable, and has a European flair. It’s the fourth oldest suburb in Milwaukee and has an urban-suburban mixed feel. There are many renters, making it an excellent choice for young professionals and starting families. Depending on location and size, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Shorewood is $1,054.

Shorewood’s public and private schools are highly rated, so it’s an outstanding location for families. There are lots of housing options, plenty of job opportunities, and easy commutes. The crime rate is low, making it a safer area than Milwaukee in general. If you’re looking for cultural activities, the proximity to downtown provides easy access to civic attractions, museums, education institutes, and sports venues. However, it’s also on the city’s edge, which means you just as easily find outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, nature preserves, and water sports. 

8. Wauwatosa 

The Wauwatosa suburb has a population of 48,000 and comprises 32 neighborhoods split into five dynamic districts. The “Tosa” area, as the locals call it, has a dense suburban feel and is only four miles west of downtown Milwaukee. Wauwatosa is ideal for young professionals and families. There are more homeowners than renters, but the area is growing quickly, so there are plenty of real estate opportunities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Wauwatosa is $1,190; however, this varies depending on size and location.

Although it’s the 14th largest city in Wisconsin, Tosa has a strong sense of community and a charming small-town feel. The public schools are highly rated, so it’s a great place for families to raise their children. There’s plenty of diversity in Tosa, so you’ll find a little of everything, such as restaurants, bars, outdoor activities, nightlife, health and fitness activities, and more. Local highlights include several colleges and universities, the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, and a massive library with a considerable media selection. 

9. Whitefish Bay 

The almost 15,000 residents of Whitefish Bay are spread across more than two square miles, giving this area a sparse suburban feel. Located just north of downtown Milwaukee near Lake Michigan, this close-knit community is equal parts trendy and nostalgic, making it perfect for young professionals, families, and retirees. With a 33% lower crime rate than Milwaukee in general, you’ll feel safe exploring the over 300 local businesses nestled on beautiful tree-lined streets. Depending on location and size, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Whitefish Bay is $1,274.

You’ll find many highly rated schools in this neighborhood, including the number-one-ranked high school in the state. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll love that there are over 272 acres of green space, gorgeous parks, swimming, fishing, water sports, and so much more. Whitefish Bay is proud of its natural conservation efforts and is nicknamed the “Bird City” of Wisconsin. Although initially intended as a tourist destination built at the turn of the 20th century, the area has become an ideal place for seniors to retire because it provides easy access to many attractions in downtown Milwaukee.

10. Brewer’s Hill

Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Milwaukee River, you’ll find one of the oldest neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Any of the almost 3,000 Brewer’s Hill residents will tell you it’s a fun place to live with laid-back urban vibes and a great neighborhood for singles, families, and retirees. There’s 46% less crime than in Milwaukee, so you won’t hesitate to walk around town admiring the wide diversity of architecture in the houses and buildings. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brewer’s Hill is $886. Just remember that size and location may affect this average.

Named for all the local breweries and bars, you’ll find a wide variety of eclectic pubs, shops, restaurants, and events along the historic King Drive Business District in Brewer’s Hill. Whether you enjoy admiring the architecture, eating at authentic German restaurants, learning about local history, or exploring the nightlife, you’ll find an activity you love. Retirees are attracted to the older yet upscale construction in the beautiful neighborhoods and the area’s walkability and easy access to major highways and public transportation. 

Final thoughts

There are various activities and events to enjoy in the “The City of Festivals.” Whether you want to relax on the beach, party at nightclubs, shop at unique stores, eat at authentically ethnic restaurants, or explore the great outdoors, it’s easy to find a reason to call Milwaukee home. The cost of rent can vary quite a bit based on size, location, number of bathrooms, and other factors. However, most rental units are in the $1,000 to $2,500 range, with the median rent at $1,200. All that’s missing in Milwaukee is you. 

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