Moving to Milwaukee? Between its low cost of living, strong job market, and unique nightlife and festivals, it’s no wonder why young adults love living in the City of Festivals. Here are the five best Milwaukee neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
Bay View
Photo via @tab_arie
- Home Price: $151,109 median purchase price; $846 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Milwaukee neighborhoods
On the banks of Lake Michigan sits Bay View, one of the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee for singles and young professionals. This MKE neighborhood’s art galleries, live music, annual festivals, and nightlife spots are some of the biggest draws for local residents. There’s also plenty of green space with parks and outdoor recreation spots like South Shore Park and South Shore Beach.
Things to Do in Bay View
Take a weekly yoga class, get a massage, or test your Latin dance skills at the monthly First Friday Salsa Social at Delaware House. See a huge lineup of local bands during the annual Chill on the Hill. Pick up a new album, browse rare records, or ask about the “Vinyl of the Day” at Acme Records & Music Emporium. Bring your pup and take advantage of $3.50 Jameson shots all day at dog-friendly bar The Backyard. Enjoy Miller on tap and mouthwatering American fare like a Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich or Beer Battered Cod at South Shore Terrace. Order Italian entrees like Chicken Parmigiana, Gnocchi, Lasagna, and more at Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant. Try the signature dish, Burek, or other Serbian dishes like Stuffed Grape Leaves, at Three Brothers. Or dig into unique New American plates like Green Eggs & Lamb or an Heirloom Tomato Omelet at Goodkind.
Brewer’s Hill
Photo via @magreen1
- Home Price: $142,800 median purchase price; $830 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 46% of Milwaukee neighborhoods
Just north of Downtown Milwaukee along the Milwaukee River, the Brewer’s Hill neighborhood is a laid-back option for young professionals and singles moving to Milwaukee in search of a fun place to live. Named for its ties to local bars and brewhouses, Brewer’s Hill is home to a variety of eclectic pubs, restaurants, shops, and events—particularly around the King Drive business district.
Things to Do in Brewer’s Hill
Attend Milwaukee’s Juneteenth, a two-day, block party-style festival with soul food, live music, and exhibits commemorating emancipation. Take a tour of the historic Lakefront Brewery to hear all about its history and try a few brews like the Lakefront Lager. Shop vintage decor, artisan-made jewelry, and more at Orange & Blue Co. Go bird-watching, biking, or jogging on the scenic Oak Leaf Trail. Wake up right with a Breakfast Burrito, Johnny Cakes, or Biscuits & Gravy at Uncle Wolfe’s Breakfast Tavern. Get New Orleans cuisine like Mardi Gras Jambalaya or Bourbon St. Shrimp & Grits at On the Bayou. Find Latin-inspired eats like Jerk Chicken Burritos or fusion food like the Mi Casa Mexican Burger at Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe. Or order unique pizzas like the Mexicali Pizza, Chicken Philly Pizza, or the New York Deluxe Pizza for at pick-up or delivery at NYPD.
Historic Third Ward
Photo via @jeffersonblock
- Home Price: $129,250 median purchase price; $776 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of Milwaukee neighborhoods
Formerly a warehouse district along Milwaukee Bay, Historic Third Ward has a unique neighborhood aesthetic that blends contemporary and historic elements. Modern duplexes and apartment buildings are interspersed with businesses housed in converted, historic warehouses here, but what truly makes Historic Third Ward one of the best places to live in Milwaukee is its status as the city’s arts and fashion district. From the Third Ward Riverwalk to festivals like Summerfest, you’ll never run out of things to do in this Milwaukee neighborhood!
Things to Do in Historic Third Ward
See stunning performances by the Milwaukee Ballet at the Baumgartner Center for Dance. Browse paintings, sculptures, and art installations from local artists at Gallery 218. Pick up sculptures, paintings, and more from over 120 artists at the Third Ward Art Festival every Labor Day weekend. Grab brunch at The Wicked Hop, where you can dig into a plate of French Toast or Hoodoo Voodoo Hash. Share a charcuterie board with friends at Bavette La Boucherie. Find Chinese cuisine like Sesame Chicken or Ma Po Tofu at Jing’s Chinese Restaurant. Eat your fill of rib-sticking comfort food like a Pig Mac sandwich or a 1/2 Pound Plate of Brisket at Smoke Shack. Or experience outdoor-themed nightlife at Camp Bar, which features a large menu of microbrews, wines, and signature cocktails like the Midwest Manhattan and Big Ol’ Bloody Mary.
Lower East Side
Photo via @encoremke
- Home Price: $228,600 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Milwaukee neighborhoods
Lower East Side is a hip, active Milwaukee neighborhood situated between the Milwaukee River and Milwaukee Bay. Outdoorsy people moving to Milwaukee will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air in Lower East Side, from fishing and jogging at McKinley Park to boating off the shore of Bradford Beach. This Milwaukee neighborhood is especially popular among local singles, thanks to its thriving bar scene, which includes everything from cool cocktail lounges to homey pubs.
Things to Do in Lower East Side
See new releases and Craft Cinema events at The Oriental Theatre. Test your axe-throwing skills during date night or an evening out with friends at AXE MKE. Visit the Charles Allis Art Museum, an historic Tudor mansion housing a collection of art from around the world carefully curated by the home’s original owner. Take an art kit home and paint your latest masterpiece or stay in the studio for an instructor-led session at Splash Studio Painting Bar. Order authentic Middle Eastern plates like Falafel, Mosakhan, and more at Taqwa’s Bakery & Restaurant. Unwind with simple American cuisine like Crunchy Chicken Sliders or KT’s Buffalo Chicken Dip at the saloon-themed Swingin’ Door Exchange. Make reservations at Dorsia, where you can sample modern Italian meals like Duck Carbonara or Medi-Veggie Ravioli. Or savor a Crispy Tofu Bao Bun, Miso Ramen, and other Asian-fusion food at Easy Tyger.
Riverwest
Photo via @riverwestrealty
- Home Price: $143,569 median purchase price; $853 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Milwaukee neighborhoods
Bordered by the Milwaukee River, Riverwest is among the best places for singles and young professionals to live in MKE. This artsy Milwaukee neighborhood is well-known for its strong sense of community, thanks to organizations like Riverwest Co-Op and the community’s own radio station, which broadcasts daily on topics ranging from Milwaukee’s social climate to neighborhood events and beyond. Cycling is another community favorite in Riverwest, as the area is home to annual cycling event, Riverwest 24.
Things to Do in Riverwest
Browse house plants, sustainable vegetables, and gardening products at family-owned Riverwest staple Kellner Greenhouses. Head to Riverwest Film & Video—once the subject of an indie documentary—and experience the nostalgia of renting movies on VHS. Bike down the Beerline Trail to take in the sights of the city. Sip brews like Bell’s Two Hearted Ale or City Lights Coconut Porter at Art Bar & Wonderland. Sample vegan-friendly dishes like the World’s Greatest Vegan Pancakes or a Tempeh Reuben at iconic neighborhood hub Riverwest Co-Op Grocery & Cafe. Chow down on farm-to-table food like Tilapia Tacos or Huevos Rancheros at Cafe Corazon. Order Veggie Tortilla Soup or a Smoked Turkey Melt for lunch at Fuel Cafe. Or find Italian-inspired bites like a Portobello Philly Panini or some Pesto Bruschetta for an appetizer at Nessun Dorma.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
