Milwaukee, Wisconsin, underrated for years, is getting some traction from relocating buyers from Chicago these days. We are starting to see more and more clients who live here in Milwaukee and commute to Chicago for work. It use to be the other way around for years, but now we are seeing a pretty dramatic switch. For many buyers, it is the affordability index in Milwaukee. The schools are fabulous, it is easy getting in and out of our small city ( by comparison), and the commute has been made easier by the Metro. So, where are these Chicagoans flocking to? Milwaukee's favorite North Shore neighborhoods.
- Klode Park: The Klode Park Neighborhood of Whitefish Bay resides North of Silver Spring Road south of Bell and is made up of 8 blocks nestled between Lake Michigan and Klode Park. The Park is home to the local ice skating rink, a warming house, playground, groomed beaches, tennis courts and easy access to Lake Michigan. In the summer the park comes alive with the famous Fourth of July Whitefish Bay Parade, daily summer activities for the kids, summer camp, and beautiful sunrises. The homes tucked in East of Lake Drive are some of the most coveted properties in Whitefish Bay. Some families have passed their home down from generation to generation and many hand shake deals for homes have been done quietly without the benefit of a realtor.
- Wilshire Neighborhood: Wilshire is another coveted neighborhood in Whitefish Bay for those searching for privacy and an easy walk to the Village of Shorewood's night life. Here the neighborhood has large lots, some as big as an acre, and towering trees. The neighborhood resides south of Hampton and East of Oakland and has about 6 blocks of large homes. Many of the homes built here were built in the 1920's an have amazing architectural features and stone facades, but the real attraction here, is the walkability to Lake Michigan and the Village of Shorewood.
- Historical Water Tower District: The Water Tower District is the neighborhood surrounding the water tower located at the top of St. Mary's Hill. The history of the HWTN and historic homes goes back to the beginnings of Milwaukee history. Some well noted blocks included in this district are Wahl Avenue, Terrace and Lake Drive. The neighborhood surround Historical Lake Park on Milwaukee's East Side.Recognizing this important history, the City of Milwaukee has created four residential historic districts, one business historical district and specific designations for three other significant buildings '“ all within HWTN""s boundaries.
- Shorewood's Atwater Park Neighborhood: This neighborhood resides North of Capital and South of Kensington and is the most sought after Shorewood neighborhood due to its walkability to the Village of Shorewood and access to Atwater Beach. This neighborhood enjoys a strong sense of community all year long with daily summer activities at Atwater Park and winter fun in Hubbard Park. Come enjoy the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken Dinner, the Sounds of Summer, Plen Air, or lifeguarded beaches any summer day. All the homes that reside in this area are a short stroll to some of Shorewood's best restaurants and nightlife. Hard to find homes in this area is not an uncommon complaint of many would be home shoppers.
- Fox Point Foot Bridge Community: The footbridge community of Fox Point is a special neighborhood connected by the public crossing of a 193-foot footbridge spanning the ravine at the cul-de-sac at Barnett Lane. The foot bridge has been a historical part of Fox Point for nearly a century and has recently been reconstructed to connect Barnett Lane over the ravine to the Lake Drive Foot and Running Path. The Foot Bridge itself has been a famous spot where couples have gotten engaged and children throw pumpkins off the railing into the ravine. The homes that reside along this neighborhood and dot Lake Michigan can see soaring home values as high as 2.5M or more with stunning views of the Lake.
Milwaukee's North Shore is filled with quaint pockets of walkability and historical homes. Many of the neighborhoods we will write about in the coming months include Cumberland Forest, Wilson Drive, Riverwest, and Downer Woods. All these neighborhoods have a strong sense of community and affordability in comparison to our neighbors to south. I think that is the biggest attraction, and let's face it we are a bit home town, a little hick...and that makes Milwaukee cool, friendly and comfortable.
