Relocating to Milwaukee (Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale: apartment, condos, jobs)

[newtomke]

I'm planning to relocate to Milwaukee within a couple of months, and am wondering where to live. I'm an empty-nester, single, female, late 40's, professional, love outdoors activities. Am thinking about downtown condo vs. small house in fun neighborhood. Not suburby, though. Definitely want to do without crime! Any suggestions?

[Fishtacos]

Third Ward
Lower East Side
Downtown
Brewer's Hill
Shorewood
Whitefish Bay

The last two are a bit suburban, but only 3 plus miles from downtown along Lake Drive by the Lakefront....good 5th and 6th choices.

Third Ward is just South/next to downtown close to Milwaukee River and Lakefront. It is virtually condos all around. Old Warehouses turned into lofts, restaurants, galleries and other spaces. Big concrete buildings, clean, urban feel, ...trendy...professionals, empty nesters, etc...It's almost exclusively condos and there are many.

Lower East Side is a broad area, so would need to get a bit more specific eventually. Some parts are better than others, etc..based on streets etc...it's safe, just some areas better than others. The closer you are to the Lake, the more the action generally speaking, and higher the cost. Just Northeast of downtown is this location, and goes out to Shorewood the first Northern suburb. More green space, parks, running and biking paths, all types of people live in this area. More residential but urban, and just as popular as Third Ward, bigger area than Third Ward. You will hear the term East Side a lot, as more people live in this area than all of the others.

Downtown, some mix of condos, and homes. Location is convenient for lots of things. Not quite as neighborhood-like as the other two.

I would try these three first.

Brewer's Hill, just North of downtown, the Southern end of it is condos on hill overlooking the city with great views etc...area is very small, and very edgy for a single female new to town if you go to Northern and Western ends. The Southern ends are fine and very nice.

Shorewood and Whitefsh Bay are very close in suburbs, just North of the East Side. They are more suburban but very close, and I even hesitate to mention them, because you will do fine in one of the three areas I mentioned...they are definitely 5th and 6th choice, but good ones for suburbs that are close and fairly urban.

If it were me in your situation:

Third Ward
East Side
Downtown

...depending on which are you like best. Check out all 3.

Milwaukee is small it takes 5-10 minutes to get to all three of these areas from other other one...even those two close burbs are 10 minutes away. All of the areas mentioned are safe.

These areas are all safe. Parts of the Northwest and West sides of the city have much of the higher crime that you don't need to be spending time in as a newcomer not knowing where you are going etc...lots of crime and violence in those areas.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by newtomke

I'm planning to relocate to Milwaukee within a couple of months, and am wondering where to live. I'm an empty-nester, single, female, late 40's, professional, love outdoors activities. Am thinking about downtown condo vs. small house in fun neighborhood. Not suburby, though. Definitely want to do without crime! Any suggestions?

Welcome to Milwaukee! I am in the process of relocating back there myself after 4 years in the Southwest, and I can assure you that Milwaukee has many positives going for it that I think you'll enjoy.

First thing that strikes me in your email: DOWNTOWN (or Third Ward) condo.

Something semi-close to Lincoln Memorial Drive would be ideal (the main street that runs by the lakefront in the Downtown area). You would have awesome views of the lake, for outdoor activities with the lakefront right there I couldn't imagine a much better place in the area for them (running, biking, walking, summer sports, etc.). You would also - being a professional - be right near a major area for commerce in MKE - Downtown.

The Third Ward is in the same general vicinity and is really fairly upscale and hip / trendy, etc.

Either one, if I were in your shoes (especially given your lack of a desire for suburbia) would be easily my choices - and not even close.

Both areas are pretty darn safe considering they are in a major downtown area...you'll have crime as one of your least concerns.

If you really were leaning towards a house, then I would state that your best bets would be a cool, quiet area in the East Side or Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, or Glendale, but I would say why bother? Unless you are married to the house idea. Those condos Downtown are so nice, and you'd be in the heart of the lakeshore, river areas (for recreation) and so close to professional opportunities.

[dkmisol]

If you love outdoors, you'll surely like to be as close to as many parks as possible.

You sound like you'd really enjoy the upper east side, right around UWM. You're within walking/driving distance of so many of Milwaukee, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay parks, and 10 min. to the city for all the fun stuff.

As a former student, however, I'd recommend that you live east or north ot the University, as most of the students live in the other cardinal directions. There are some converted duplexes/apartment buildings in this area that are perfect for you, and more than likely affordable. Look up zip code 53211 at realtor.com , and see whats available.

Where will you be working? The commutes aren't too bad here, but its nice to be close to work.

[newtomke]

Thanks for all the great info - I've visited a few times recently, so am somewhat familiar with the areas you mention - just from driving around, though. It's good to get some background on the demographics of each area. My only real concern about a downtown condo is that I need to have some outdoor space - a patio or deck - as I like to sit outdoors whenever possible - so that may limit me. That's really the only reason I'm considering a house. The other area that I thought seemed nice was Bayview. Opinions?

dkmisol - you ask the burning question about where I'll be working. Actually, I haven't found a job yet. Have just decided to move to MKE and am starting to look around seriously. Not exactly the normal path, but... that's the way it's working! So, chances are I'll not make a decision about neighborhood until my work location is settled - then consider proximity as well.

Thanks again!

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by newtomke

The other area that I thought seemed nice was Bayview. Opinions?

Yep, Bayview is pretty darn nice too. I don't think you could go wrong there either, especially with close proximity again to the lakefront for recreation/outdoors/views, etc.

Really, truly, I think any of the areas mentioned - Bayview, Downtown, Third Ward, Milwaukee's East Side (dkmisol described those areas well), Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, and Glendale (the farther east in Glendale the better), any of those areas would be great for you. They would all offer prime commuting spots for jobs, great close proximity to the lakefront, neat neighborhoods, etc. Shopping, restaurants, etc., very closeby with all in a wide range.

I hear you on the outdoor space / patio. That is big for me too. I would imagine though that many of the condos downtown or Third Ward offer decent sized patios, etc., and imagine the views you get there! (Views of the lakefront, the river, the city, etc.). That would just be for me, and while you couldn't "get around" as much as you could with a backyard, you literally have within a few blocks the greatest outdoor recreational spot in WI in my opinion - the vast Milwaukee lakefront.

But really, truly, you get a house in Shorewood, Bayview or WFB or the East Side...you wouldn't be let down either.

You are in a pretty win-win position with any of these areas on this list!

[mikki]

My husband and I lived in Bay View near Ellen and Rusk Streets when we were first married in '96. It is beautiful and close to the lake, but I would check the local crime stats. A condo would be best there I think. Good luck to you!

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by newtomke

Thanks for all the great info - I've visited a few times recently, so am somewhat familiar with the areas you mention - just from driving around, though. It's good to get some background on the demographics of each area. My only real concern about a downtown condo is that I need to have some outdoor space - a patio or deck - as I like to sit outdoors whenever possible - so that may limit me. That's really the only reason I'm considering a house. The other area that I thought seemed nice was Bayview. Opinions?

dkmisol - you ask the burning question about where I'll be working. Actually, I haven't found a job yet. Have just decided to move to MKE and am starting to look around seriously. Not exactly the normal path, but... that's the way it's working! So, chances are I'll not make a decision about neighborhood until my work location is settled - then consider proximity as well.

Thanks again!

Third Ward condos....many have large balconies depending on what you can afford......river and Lake views etc....can be had...parking will be an issue for you. You will have to likely buy it in Third Ward.

Bayview is another possibility. Different parts to Bayview. It isn't as urban of a feel imo as Third Ward or downtown...though it is closeby. Cost would definitely by cheapest in Bayview.

Downtown, Third Ward and lower east side would be the top 3 I would recommend for you. Good luck.