Third Ward or Eastside? (Milwaukee: apartments, condo, violent crime)

[New2mke]

I am a young (mid-20s) single professional female relocating to Milwaukee soon for work. I have narrowed down my list of apartments to 3 potentials. 1 is in the Sterling condo building on the eastside and the other 2 are located along the river in the Third Ward. They all have pretty similar layouts except 1 of the ones along the river has a small room they called a den. That one is $100 more than the others but does have that extra odd room and includes cable and internet (the others do not, but are cheaper) so basically the cost is roughly the same, the apartments are roughly the same size and all have very similar amenities.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in each area? What about parking? When I looked at the units it was very hard to find a space near the Sterling and I had no problem finding plenty of spots within a block or so of the buildings in the 3rd Ward. There was a huge event going on near the lakefront that I believed likely contributed to the difficulty finding a space. Each place comes with a secured underground parking spot for my car, but I am mainly trying to make sure that any visitors will have a relatively easy time with parking. I do have a small dog. Which area would be better for a dog owner? What about crime? Things to do? I know Brady and Water streets are hot spots, but they seem to draw a younger crowd, imo. Where do young professionals hang out?

If you were me, where would you choose to live and why? If it makes a difference, I will be coming from a large East coast city.

[Nuclear_Art]

Third ward on-street parking in the summer is a pain, especially on weekends. You will probably have to pay extra for off-street parking but if the condo does not have a garage then you probably should skip it.

The same goes for the Sterling although there aren't the huge number of nearby events going on as in the 3rd Ward. On-street parking can be had on the eastside but it isn't easy. It is a pain for guests but that is part of the fun.

Urban professionals would feel at home at either place.

[New2mke]

Thanks for the response. All the places I am considering do include a heated underground garage spot so parking, for me, wouldn't be a problem. I could not deal with having to worry about getting up to clear snow. I am just wondering if any guests I would invite over would have to circle and circle to find a nearby spot or if one area is "easier" to find a space than the other. The places in the Third Ward seem to be more on the edge of the area (I don't really know the exact boundaries of what is considered the Third Ward and when it turns into Walker's Point) so that may be why I was able to just park and not really have to look for a place like I did on the eastside when I viewed the units.

Which area would be considered "safer"? I am thinking the Third Ward just because the Eastside likely attracts the non-violent crime that tends to target students and it seems to have a very large student population. Am I wrong about this? It seems from my very limited time walking around the areas, the Third Ward seems more, for a lack of a better word, polished than the Eastside. At this point I am leaning towards the Eastside condo but I didn't get a really good feel for the surrounding area. I've been told young professionals live in both areas but they seemed to be more prevalent in the Third Ward.

[Nuclear_Art]

Both areas are about equally as safe. To me, the Third Ward seems a little out of the way compared to the east side. The Sterling is in a nicer spot adjacent to the lakefront and to Brady Street. You can actually walk to a grocery store and convenience stores. You have a wider variety of conveniences very close to you on the east side without having to hop into your car. It is funny because in the Third Ward there aren't that many places besides bars and restaurants you can walk to and as a result there is less foot traffic in the Third Ward. To me that is less safe than having an area where there are lots of people walking around.

There are a ton of young professionals on the east side along Prospect Avenue and near downtown. If there are more in the Third Ward it is probably a close call. You could also consider looking downtown. Yankee Hill is a great location and there are other places near there that offer more conveniences and even more parking options for guests.