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Milwaukee Real Estate For Sale In WI
When you think of Wisconsin, chances are the first thing that pops into your head is cheese. And while it's true that Wisconsin does produce a lot of dairy products, Milwaukee has so much more to offer. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has become known for outstanding brewing traditions, an exciting sports culture, and an urban but easy-to-manage environment. When it comes to Wisconsin real estate, Milwaukee is the third-largest metro area by population in the Midwest and has a population of around 600,000. Continue reading to find out why so many people are choosing to make this area their new home and to determine if Milwaukee, WI, is the right place for you.
Milwaukee WI Real Estate Market
Over the years, the Milwaukee real estate market has proven to be strong and adaptable. Even through intense seasons of financial and political unrest in America, the demand for Milwaukee real estate has remained high. As can be expected, the high demand for real estate in Milwaukee has caused an increase in prices. However, even Milwaukee’s higher-end real estate is still more affordable than the average in most cities of its size. The median price for single-family Milwaukee homes for sale is around $190,000. If you’re looking for something more affordable, Franklin Heights offers a number of homes at $70,500, and if you are wanting to upgrade, Juneau Town provides luxury real estate for around $322,400. Housing affordability is ranked as 2 out of 10 in Milwaukee, WI, meaning the metro area is one of the most affordable cities in the nation.
Are you planning to invest in Milwaukee real estate to list for rent? There has never been a better time. Milwaukee is one of the top cities in America known for turning commercial properties into residential rental units. The median rent for apartments in Milwaukee is $1,268 per month, with higher-end options in the Lower East Side and more affordable options in Washington Park and Midtown. If you are looking for Milwaukee WI real estate to invest in or if you’re looking to be a renter yourself, it’s best to discuss your options with a local real estate agent so you can be in the best position to achieve your goals.
Distance to Nearby Cities
- 76 miles to Madison, WI
- 81 miles to Chicago, IL
- 195 miles to Fort Wayne, IN
- 241 miles to Toledo, OH
Schools In Milwaukee WI
If you have younger kids, Milwaukee has a variety of schooling options for you to choose from, with amazing school districts throughout the metro area. You will find both public and private options for grades K-12, and there are several higher education opportunities available in the area as well. Milwaukee is home to Marquette University, Mount Mary University, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Around 40% of the residents in Wisconsin hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, so education is a priority throughout the Milwaukee area.
Things To Do In Milwaukee WI
Real estate in Milwaukee has many things to do, including great food tours and even boat cruises on Lake Michigan. Whether you want to spend the day outdoors or have an urban experience in the city center, Milwaukee has a ton of ways for you to spend your time. Here are some of our favorites:
- Harley-Davidson Museum- One of the must-see places in Milwaukee is the Harley-Davidson Museum, which features an audio tour of Harley-Davidson history, several original models of motorcycles, and historic artifacts. You can even take a tour of this museum to learn more about how these incredible pieces of machinery were made and get an inside look at what it takes to work for such a well-known company.
- Milwaukee Art Museum- The Milwaukee Art Museum has over 20,000 pieces of art and hosts many community events throughout the year, so you’ll never get tired of visiting. With a mission to make sure that everyone can enjoy their beautiful exhibits regardless of income or circumstances, this museum makes for a great place to visit even if you're on a budget!
- American Family Field- Home of the Milwaukee Brewers MLB team, American Family Field is the place to go for sports fanatics. With games throughout the year and options for season tickets, baseball fans frequent this field every year. For a weekend with friends or an evening out with the family, American Family Field is a top spot.
- Lakefront Brewery- Milwaukee is famously known for its brewing culture, and one of the top breweries to try out is Lakefront Brewery. Lakefront has over 20,000 square feet of space and hosts frequent events like the popular Pints & Pancakes beer tasting event. On any given day, you can try out some unique local brews or take a tour to learn about the brewing process from start to finish.
- Milwaukee County Zoo- The Milwaukee County Zoo is a great place to visit with family or friends and has several exhibits. The popular zoo houses animals from all over the world including elephants, penguins, and kangaroos! There's also an incredible carousel that was built in 1914 (and still operates today) which offers fun for young kids.
- MKE Brewing- Milwaukee Brewing Co. is a local favorite and has a taproom with a variety of beer options to choose from. Whether you want something light like a Hefeweizen or medium-bodied with hints of chocolate, MKE offers some excellent brews for whatever your tastes may be!
- Historic Third Ward- Another great area to check out in Milwaukee is the Historic Third Ward, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Even if you're not looking for anything specific, this part of town has something fun to offer no matter what your interests may be. From art galleries to boutiques to live music, Third Ward has something enjoyable for everyone.
- Oak Leaf Trail- If you enjoy walking or bike riding, then the Oak Leaf Trail is a great place for you! This trail has over 100 miles of biking paths throughout Milwaukee and connects to other outdoor areas including McKinley Park, Lake Park, and Grant Park. There are also several green spaces along this trail which provide plenty of room for picnics or just relaxing in the fresh air.
- Lake Michigan- Milwaukee is also on the coast of Lake Michigan which offers activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. There are even beaches along this lake that provide opportunities to enjoy water sports or simply relax in some fresh air. In the winter months, the lake provides an excellent opportunity for ice skating and ice hockey.
- Milwaukee Public Market- The Milwaukee Public Market could be your new favorite place for local food and drinks, with over 40 food vendors and specialty shops. Whether you're looking for delicious pizza, Asian cuisine, or even some sweet treats like ice cream or pastries, this market offers it all! You can also check out their calendar of events for things going on around town including cooking classes, workshops, and more.
Day Trips
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is within a couple of hours from some amazing day-trip destinations. Whether you travel by train or take a road trip in your car, here are some top-notch options for adventure outside of Milwaukee borders:
- Chicago, IL- Real estate in Milwaukee is also just a short drive away from Chicago, one of the most popular cities in America. This makes for an excellent day trip that offers more than enough fun and entertainment to keep you busy all day long! There are plenty of shopping options, world-class dining, beautiful parks, and even top-notch museums for you to spend the day at. Chicago even has world-class attractions like the Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) or the Cloud Gate (otherwise known as “The Bean”)! When you’re ready for a meal, settle down in one of the many deep dish pizza joints found throughout the city. Chicago serves as a great trip for the weekend or just the day, as it’s only around 2 hours from Milwaukee.
- Door County, WI- Another great place to visit outside of Milwaukee is Door County, WI which offers incredible views and attractions for all types of families. Whether you want to go on a boat tour or check out the art galleries across the area, there's something fun for everyone here including lighthouses and even petting zoos! Plus, if you want to visit during the wintertime, this area is full of incredible skiing spots. There’s a reason this is called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”; Door County is full of stunning scenery along Lake Michigan that will make you feel like you’re in another world. The best part? This seaside paradise is only a two-hour drive from Milwaukee.
- Kohler, WI- If you enjoy the great outdoors, then Kohler, WI is a perfect place for you. Only an hour from Milwaukee, this area offers some incredible attractions like golf courses and amusement parks, as well as resorts that provide visitors with plenty of indoor activities in case it's too cold to go outside. Kohler is home to one of the few 5-star resort spas in the country, so there is no better place for a relaxing getaway. Plus, there are many natural resources that make this an excellent destination for those who enjoy camping, fishing, or hiking. Escape from the hustle of the city and enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
- Elkhart Lake- Looking for a romantic getaway? Then you have to check out Elkhart Lake, WI which is only an hour and a half from Milwaukee. This area offers incredible accommodations that are perfect for couples looking to spend some relaxing time together while also enjoying the best of what this destination has to offer. There are plenty of activities here, from wineries and breweries to art galleries, shopping malls, and more. Plus, this area is surrounded by some outstanding fishing opportunities, which makes it a great destination for those looking to get out on the water while enjoying everything the lake has to offer.
Living In Milwaukee WI
The city provides residents with a high quality of life, affordable Milwaukee WI real estate, and an excellent job market. Niche.com has called Milwaukee one of the best places to live for young professionals. Aside from exciting festivals, a vibrant nightlife, and access to employment, Milwaukee offers plenty of what young professionals love: beer.
Beer aficionados from far and wide are well-acquainted with Milwaukee’s alternate title of “Brew City”. Miller, Schlitz, and Pabst were among some of the first beer brewers in the area, and since then Milwaukee has become the number one beer producing capital in the world. A large part of Milwaukee’s culture is checking out new breweries after work or doing some IPA-tasting on the weekends. Aside from the major beer brands in Milwaukee, WI, there are local breweries on every corner of Milwaukee, each with its own charm. Not sure where to start? Begin at local favorites, Lakefront Brewery and MKE Brewing, and explore the rest from there to try them all for yourself. Not into the brewery scene? Don’t worry, Milwaukee has so much more to offer.
The Milwaukee real estate on the lakefront is one of the most beautiful in the country. Families can ride on bike paths or go boating in the summer along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Kayaking the Milwaukee River is another huge activity for Milwaukeeans during the warm months. When wintertime comes, popular ways to spend the day include ice skating and sledding. The Oak Leaf trail is a beautiful walking trail that spans from one end of the city to the other. You could be in the middle of the city on this path and feel like you are in the serene woods.
Looking to take advantage of some more urban spots in downtown Milwaukee? Go see a show at the Milwaukee Ballet or the Florentine Opera. Grab some tickets and dance the day away at one of the hottest music festivals in the country: Summerfest. No matter what kind of city experience you desire, Milwaukee is sure to have something to pique your interest.
Milwaukee WI Job Market
Real estate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been ranked as one of the top places for economic recovery since the 2008 financial crisis. Over the past decade, Milwaukee’s average income has gone up by 5%, and unemployment has plummeted by nearly 29%. The top industries in the metro area are construction, trade and transportation, and finance. Milwaukee houses several Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, and Rockwell Automation. Not only does Milwaukee provide excellent employment opportunities, but the cost of living there is also 3% below the national average; not bad for one of the largest cities in the Midwest.
Transportation In Milwaukee WI
Trade and transportation is one of the primary industries fueling Milwaukee’s economy, and it’s clear to see why. The Port of Milwaukee is a major trade hub that handles 2.3 million tons of cargo every year and serves as an operating base for the Union and Canadian Pacific Railways.
With that said, real estate in Milwaukee also serves as a transportation hub for locals, with a number of ways to move around, in, and out of the city. Milwaukee is served by 5 major highways: I-94 to Chicago, I-43, I-41, I-794, and I-894. No matter which way you are traveling, Milwaukee provides an easy path to get there via car. There are plenty of parking options throughout the city, so if you’re driving your own vehicle you should have no problem getting to your destination. Overall, Milwaukee is a compact, walkable city, and there are a wide array of trails and paths that you can follow to make it from place to place.
With that said, biking is another popular option in Milwaukee, and there is an excellent bike-sharing program throughout the area. If you need to rely on public transit, buses run through downtown Milwaukee and the rest of the county, making it easy to catch a bus with just one look on the RideMCTS app. The Milwaukee Intermodal Station offers Amtrak train departures every day between Chicago and Milwaukee, including stops in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Traveling by air? Mitchell International Airport serves around 7 million travelers per year and provides domestic and international flights to wherever you need to go.