Best Milwaukee Neighborhoods: A Local Guide to Where to Live in Milwaukee

Choosing where to live in Milwaukee depends on your lifestyle — whether you want walkable nightlife, lakefront views, or a quiet residential block with neighborhood charm. From creative communities to classic streets lined with duplexes, each part of the city offers something unique.

Below, you’ll find a local’s overview of Milwaukee’s most popular neighborhoods for renters — what they feel like, who tends to live there, and what you can expect from housing, amenities, and local life.

Historic Third Ward

Vibe: Chic warehouses, riverfront patios, and a thriving art scene.
Who it’s for: Professionals, creatives, and food lovers.
Housing: The Third Ward is known for its converted warehouse lofts and modern mid-rise apartments, many featuring exposed brick, tall ceilings, and views of the Milwaukee River. Luxury options like DoMUS and Riverview Lofts mix contemporary design with the area’s industrial roots. The housing here leans upscale, reflecting the neighborhood’s boutique feel and proximity to Downtown offices.
Getting around: Hop streetcar access, I-794, and the lakefront path.
Don’t miss: The Milwaukee Public Market, Summerfest grounds, and art galleries.

East Side (Lower East Side + Brady Street)

Vibe: Energetic, walkable, and filled with Milwaukee’s classic character.
Who it’s for: Students and young professionals who love coffee shops and nightlife.
Housing: The East Side offers a mix of historic duplexes, walk-up flats, and newer mid-rise apartments. Many older buildings feature hardwood floors and front porches, while new developments add modern touches like in-unit laundry and rooftop decks. Rents vary widely depending on proximity to Brady Street and the lakefront.
Getting around: Easy bike and bus access to Downtown and UW-Milwaukee.
Don’t miss: Brady Street dining, Oak Leaf Trail, and the lakefront beaches.

Riverwest

Vibe: Laid-back, artsy, and community-driven.
Who it’s for: Renters looking for character, affordability, and local flavor.
Housing: Riverwest is full of older homes converted into flats, with many duplexes and small multifamily buildings dating from the early 1900s. Rents are among the city’s most affordable, and many units have woodwork, porches, and vintage details. It’s an eclectic mix of owner-occupied and renter-heavy properties that give the neighborhood its creative feel.
Getting around: Bike-friendly routes to UW-Milwaukee and Downtown.
Don’t miss: Co-op groceries, neighborhood bars, and local music venues.

Bay View

Vibe: Cozy, cool, and full of neighborhood pride.
Who it’s for: Renters who want local dining, lake views, and a tight-knit community.
Housing: Bay View’s housing stock is diverse — a mix of older single-family homes, upper/lower flats, and small boutique apartment buildings. Renovated early 20th-century houses are common, and newer buildings along Kinnickinnic Avenue offer modern options with balconies and on-site amenities. Demand has risen here, but so has investment in quality rentals.
Getting around: Quick drive via I-794; popular for cyclists and runners along the lake.
Don’t miss: Kinnickinnic Avenue dining, South Shore Park, and “Chill on the Hill” concerts.

Walker’s Point

Vibe: Industrial-chic meets Milwaukee’s culinary scene.
Who it’s for: Professionals who want to live close to Downtown and the Third Ward.
Housing: Walker’s Point is known for its historic brick warehouses converted into lofts and modern apartment buildings tucked between them. New infill developments bring high-end amenities, while older structures retain their industrial charm with exposed beams and high ceilings. It’s one of the city’s fastest-evolving neighborhoods for renters.
Getting around: Walkable to Downtown; easy freeway access to I-94 and I-43.
Don’t miss: Breweries, taquerias, distilleries, and live music venues.

Brewers Hill

Vibe: Historic charm perched above the river.
Who it’s for: Renters who want scenery, skyline views, and proximity to Downtown.
Housing: Brewers Hill blends restored Victorian mansions with smaller duplexes and new infill construction. Renters can find everything from elegant upper units with skyline views to contemporary townhomes and boutique apartment buildings. The mix of old and new keeps the neighborhood’s look distinctive while offering variety in price and style.
Getting around: Minutes to the Deer District and downtown entertainment.
Don’t miss: River trails, city views, and nearby Bronzeville arts and dining.

Harbor District

Vibe: A waterfront renaissance where working harbor meets new parks and apartments.
Who it’s for: Early adopters drawn to modern buildings and water views.
Housing: The Harbor District is Milwaukee’s newest residential frontier, featuring sleek, modern apartment buildings and waterfront developments. Most properties are newer construction with fitness centers, balconies, and river access. It’s ideal for renters seeking a quieter urban experience close to both the lakefront and Downtown.
Getting around: Close to lakefront trails and major interstates.
Don’t miss: Expanding Riverwalk connections and emerging restaurants.

Westown & Deer District (Downtown West)

Vibe: Sports, concerts, and new energy in the heart of downtown.
Who it’s for: Downtown workers, event-goers, and sports fans.
Housing: Westown is defined by its new residential towers and modern mid-rises surrounding the Deer District. These buildings often include rooftop lounges, fitness centers, and concierge services. There are also a few renovated historic structures that offer loft-style apartments with character close to Fiserv Forum.
Getting around: Hop streetcar stops, bus routes, and freeway access.
Don’t miss: Fiserv Forum, the Deer District nightlife, and live events.

Avenues West (Marquette University / Near West Side)

Vibe: Collegiate and central, with improving streetscapes and a growing mix of residents.
Who it’s for: Students, university staff, and nearby hospital employees.
Housing: This area mixes student-oriented buildings with classic Milwaukee flats and renovated apartments. Large early 20th-century homes have been divided into multiple units, while newer mid-rise buildings serve Marquette students. It’s one of the city’s more affordable near-downtown areas.
Getting around: Direct to Downtown via I-94 and city bus routes.
Don’t miss: Marquette’s campus events and neighborhood coffee spots.

Washington Heights

Vibe: Tree-lined, calm, and neighborly.
Who it’s for: Renters seeking quiet residential streets with quick access to the city.
Housing: Washington Heights is known for its sturdy duplexes, upper/lower flats, and small apartment buildings, many built between 1910 and 1940. The neighborhood has maintained its early 20th-century charm, and units often feature hardwood floors, sunrooms, and generous space compared to newer builds.
Getting around: Convenient to Wauwatosa, the Medical College, and Downtown.
Don’t miss: Neighborhood bars, green parks, and community festivals.

Story Hill

Vibe: Green and tucked away, near stadiums and parkland.
Who it’s for: Baseball fans and west-side commuters.
Housing: Story Hill features smaller apartment buildings and classic duplexes from the 1920s and 1930s. Many rentals have garages or off-street parking, and the area’s quiet, hilly terrain gives it a more suburban feel while remaining minutes from Downtown.
Getting around: Near I-94 for quick Downtown access.
Don’t miss: American Family Field and Menomonee Valley trails.

Clarke Square

Vibe: Vibrant and cultural, with murals, markets, and family-friendly parks.
Who it’s for: Renters seeking authentic city living with community roots.
Housing: Clarke Square offers older multifamily buildings, classic flats, and a growing number of new infill developments. Many homes are early 1900s builds with historic details and large porches. Affordable rents and proximity to Downtown make it appealing for families and long-term residents.
Getting around: Strong bus routes and easy access to Walker’s Point and Downtown.
Don’t miss: Mitchell Park Domes and local eateries.

Bronzeville

Vibe: Milwaukee’s historic cultural hub, rich in arts and history.
Who it’s for: Renters drawn to revitalized neighborhoods close to Downtown.
Housing: Bronzeville combines newly constructed apartment buildings along King Drive with renovated flats in historic homes. The neighborhood’s ongoing redevelopment means more housing variety each year, from affordable units to upscale new builds that support its cultural resurgence.
Getting around: Direct streets leading to Downtown and the Deer District.
Don’t miss: Art galleries, festivals, and live jazz.

Historic Mitchell Street

Vibe: A landmark South Side corridor with classic architecture and new life.
Who it’s for: Value-focused renters who want a local, walkable atmosphere.
Housing: Mitchell Street offers apartments above storefronts, small multifamily buildings, and newly renovated rehabs. Some larger developments are bringing fresh housing options while maintaining the street’s vintage character. Rents are generally lower here than in lakefront neighborhoods, appealing to renters seeking affordability and accessibility.
Getting around: Quick drive or bus to Walker’s Point and Downtown.
Don’t miss: Destination bakeries, street markets, and vintage shops.

How to Choose Your Milwaukee Neighborhood

• Commute reality: Map your daily route during rush hour and weekends.

• Noise tolerance: Visit at night to gauge activity near nightlife or arenas.

• Building type: Vintage flats, single family homes and new luxury buildings offer very different layouts and soundproofing.

• Parking & transit: Check street parking restrictions, especially during winter.

• Outdoor access: If parks or the lakefront are priorities, focus on the East Side, Bay View, or Harbor District.

Frequently Asked Questions about Milwaukee Neighborhoods

What is the most walkable area in Milwaukee?
The Historic Third Ward and East Side are the most walkable, with close access to restaurants, groceries, and transit.

Where do students usually live?
Avenues West (Marquette) and the East Side (near UW-Milwaukee) are the city’s main student hubs.

Which areas feel more residential than downtown?
Bay View, Washington Heights, Story Hill, and Riverwest offer quieter, neighborhood-focused living with local businesses.

What’s the best neighborhood for nightlife?
The East Side, Third Ward, and Walker’s Point have Milwaukee’s strongest mix of bars, live music, and dining within walking distance.