Milwaukee's Top 10 Most Prestigious Neighborhoods

Welcome to the first article in a series where we will shine the spotlight on some of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Our journey into Wisconsin’s luxury market begins with a visit to 10 of Milwaukee County’s most posh neighborhoods where properties routinely sell for more than a million dollars, or, as with Washington Highlands, are quickly on their way to the million-dollar market. Buy a home here, and your home’s appreciation is solidly implanted in the rich qualities of the neighborhood in which you surround yourself. So, let’s get started, Milwaukee.

1. Water Tower District – This East Side neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets is home to Milwaukee’s most historic properties. Wahl Avenue and Terrace Place are dotted with great architectural time capsules that are hallmarks of our great city. The only Frank Lloyd Wright built home on the East Side (Frederick Bogk House) is found in this cherished neighborhood on Terrace Avenue. It is home to historic Lake Park where bocce ball is still played on weekends and where you can grab a game of tennis or softball or simply admire the beautiful lakefront.

2. Wilshire Neighborhood – The Wilshire Neighborhood is in South Whitefish Bay and represents Whitefish Bay’s most spacious land-locked lots. Towering trees and street lamps dot the blocks. The homes are within walking distance of the Village of Shorewood’s business district and represent a very private area of the Bay. Some properties here have nearly an acre of land and reside in Wisconsin’s #1 school district, making Wilshire one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Milwaukee County.

3. Klode Park – Fun! Klode Park properties sell by word-of-mouth. Many of the valuations exceed $2 million as these properties hug Lake Michigan’s Shoreline and are adjacent to Whitefish Bay’s most beloved park with access to a picturesque beach. Klode Park is home to Whitefish Bay 4^th of July Happenings, is walkable to the Village of Whitefish Bay shops and restaurants, and children run from block to block to play in this tight-knit neighborhood. Think Norman Rockwell.

4. River Hills – Milwaukee’s hidden gem and best value in luxury. River Hills is nestled between posh Milwaukee Country Club and highly regarded University School of Milwaukee. Parcels are typically five acres and provide sought-after privacy and security for Milwaukee’s elite. The calm, cool, natural beauty of River Hills feels like you are in Wisconsin’s Northwoods and yet it is just a 7-minute drive to Downtown Milwaukee. Pure serenity.

5. Washington Highlands – Washington Highlands’ Historic District resides within the Village of Wauwatosa and is home to Wauwatosa’s finest homes that are now approaching nearly $1 million in valuations. “The Highlands,” as it is known locally, is filled with tree-lined streets, rolling hills, and street lamps, and is bursting with children and growing families. This is one of the most prestigious, family friendly neighborhoods of Milwaukee.

6. Fox Point’s Beach Drive – Beach Drive properties reside along the beaches of Lake Michigan at or near lake level. This is one of the only places in Milwaukee County, besides Bay View, where you can walk out your back door and have your toes in Lake Michigan sand. Love the sound of waves crashing on the shore? Then this is the place to call home. Properties here can exceed $3 million in valuations.

7. Fox Point’s Barnett Lane – One of my personal favorite neighborhoods and home to the beloved Fox Point Foot Bridge. There are no sidewalks here, but walking paths within the community connect neighbors and offer wonderful nature walk opportunities. The neighbors are close here, and the lots are beautiful. Nestled east of Lake Drive, Barnett Lane offers privacy and wonderful views of Lake Michigan.

8. Shorewood Lake Drive District – Historical City Living. Shorewood’s walkable community is the first suburb north of Milwaukee. Lake Drive homes in Shorewood represent Milwaukee’s most unique opportunity to have your own private beach along Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan residents are allowed to build stairs all the way to Lake Michigan’s high-water mark to access their property. Buy a home here on the Lake and you have your own private beach. Pretty special. Valuations can exceed $2 million along this stretch of Lake Drive.

9. University Club Tower – Condo living at its finest. University Towers provides easy access to the City of Milwaukee with sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan, the Calatrava, and the Milwaukee Yacht Club. Monthly condo fees can go as high as $4000 per month. Rich amenities include an exercise room, 24-hour security, indoor pool, wine storage, tasting room, private green space for dogs, and all-hours concierge. Condo living here begins close to one million dollars and up.

10. The Cudahy – Milwaukee’s most renowned condo building. We could not write this post without including The Cudahy. Built in 1908, it is one of the few buildings in the nation that has been a prime residential address for more than a century. Its adjoining Cudahy Tower, added in 1929, has also had near total occupancy since it opened. Home to Milwaukee’s fine-dining restaurant Bacchus, The Cudahy and Cudahy Tower represent affordable luxury in the heart of Milwaukee with unobstructed views of Lake Michigan. These residences provide concierge service, green space for dogs, and a wonderful sense of Milwaukee’s and the nation’s history.

Suzanne Powers is a licensed Wisconsin Broker, the Owner Powers Realty Group, and ranks #1 in the State of Wisconsin as the Top Sales Agent. Suzanne lists and sells homes and consults on all real estate matters for SE Wisconsin Real Estate. You are welcome to reach out to Suzanne for a Consultation @ 414-870-7175 or Suzanne@powersrealty.com.