Possibly Attending Marquette University...where to live? (Milwaukee, West Allis: crime, home)

[jwilphl]

I am considering attending Marquette University Law School this fall, and was curious about places to live around the Milwaukee area. I've been reading up on the city and haven't heard too much positive about the area, as it seems much of the city is eaten by crime, drugs, and gang activity.

I'm from Philadelphia, so I'm no stranger to these types of conditions. For those who have possibly lived in both locations, how do the cities compare to each other?

Is the University area a nice place to live, especially close to the campus? I know Temple isn't in the nicest neighborhood in North Philly, so is it kind of the same situation for Marquette?

If the area close to campus isn't very inviting, would there be any good suburbs to live in around Milwaukee that wouldn't result in a really long commute time, and at the same time are affordable?

I'm not at all familiar with the area, and I have never been to Chicago either. Any help would be much appreciate! Thanks!

P.S. For any attendees of the law school, how do you like the school, and how do you think the education may compare to higher tier schools?

[Ron Burgundy]

Originally Posted by jwilphl

I've been reading up on the city and haven't heard too much positive about the area, as it seems much of the city is eaten by crime, drugs, and gang activity.

I can't comment on the Marquette area with much accuracy as I'm only familiar with driving through it (seems nice enough to me), but the bolded part is a bit of hyperbole. There are bad parts for sure, but by and large Milwaukee is a fair city to live in. No public or private entity in an urban location would be able to survive if they didn't take the proper measures to address these issues. I'd have to think it's a relative non-factor for the vast majority of the student population.

[jjacobeclark]

The Avenues West and University Hill neighborhoods are very close to the MU campus and aren't bad places at all, but I find most of the Marquette students live away from campus, although not very far, in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Brewer's Hill, and Riverwest.

[Milwaukee City]

Coming from Philly Milwaukee will seem like mayberry to you in terms of crime/drugs. Milwaukee is no longer on the list of top 25 most dangerous cities.

Philly homicides: 330
Milwaukee 71.

[Allan Trafton]

Most of Milwaukee is not eaten up by crime or drugs. Whoever told you this does not what the hell they are talking about. The students area around Marquette is fine. The university keeps a close eye on things and does a good job with the area around the campus. There are panhandlers and homeless, but nothing to fear. You may be from Philly, but it sounds like your afraid of the city. Your best bet is West Allis or Wauwatosa. They are close to campus and you will be safe.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by jwilphl

I am considering attending Marquette University Law School this fall, and was curious about places to live around the Milwaukee area. I've been reading up on the city and haven't heard too much positive about the area, as it seems much of the city is eaten by crime, drugs, and gang activity.

I'm from Philadelphia, so I'm no stranger to these types of conditions. For those who have possibly lived in both locations, how do the cities compare to each other?

Is the University area a nice place to live, especially close to the campus? I know Temple isn't in the nicest neighborhood in North Philly, so is it kind of the same situation for Marquette?

If the area close to campus isn't very inviting, would there be any good suburbs to live in around Milwaukee that wouldn't result in a really long commute time, and at the same time are affordable?

I'm not at all familiar with the area, and I have never been to Chicago either. Any help would be much appreciate! Thanks!

P.S. For any attendees of the law school, how do you like the school, and how do you think the education may compare to higher tier schools?

As others have mentioned, read up a little more, so you have a more accurate viewpoint.

Areas close to Temple imo are much less safe than those close to Marquette. Marquette is in the process of building a brand new Law School.
Area around and near campus is safe. Neighborhoods a ways North far off campus are not good.
It isn't the most aesthetically pleasing area to some, it's urban, etc..but it is safe, and most of the areas near campus are safe. There are safety phones around campus, vans to transport you to and from anywhere on or just near campus, including where you live. There are safety patrol vehicles, and there are safety patrol foot people who also will walk you home or from place to place.

Some people live on or just off campus to be near school and the Law Library. Some others live in the areas mentioned in the other posts.

If you plan on practicing in the region, the degree there will serve you very well. If you plan to practice in another part of the country it won't be as advantageous as a top 25 program, and you'll have to network more with almumni and other ways. It's a well respected law school.

[vdy1985]

Is there a boundary of streets that one would want to live within if they choose to live close to campus? Ie. don't get north past 'so and so' street and south of blah st.

[Allan Trafton]

State st. to the north, 20 thru 24th or so to the west, I94 to the south. The east no problem. Go all the way to the lake if you like. 90% of the population in this area are MU students.

[#Littledog]

Part of the Jesuit tradition was to establish higher levels of education in the "rougher" parts of town. It gives the students a more well-rounded experience, allows the university to help a struggling community, and promote volunteerism among students who are available to help the needs of the local people. The Marquette area was always the rougher part of town and Marquette University has helped make it better. The campus is beautiful and the surrounding area quite safe for students and locals. But it is still an urban school which means you will need to lock your doors, take advantage of the campus safety program (I won't go into detail here, MU can fill you in), pay attention and be alert when walking on campus at night, etc.

If you wanted to live off campus, Milwaukee has many wonderful options. If you are used to urban living, I don't think you will have a problem living in Milwaukee.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Allan Trafton

State st. to the north, 20 thru 24th or so to the west, I94 to the south. The east no problem. Go all the way to the lake if you like. 90% of the population in this area are MU students.

I went to Marquette many years ago and walked around the campus last month. I think the above boundaries are very good advice. Toward the end of my years at Marquette I lived by the lake because it was a cooler area, but it was a pain to get to campus. I actually used to hitchhike and Marquette profs often picked me up (do people hitchhike anymore?)

If you want to live in the cooler area-live by the lake (between downtown and UWM) and take a bus or drive. If you don't want to commute, live by Marquette - but the area is slightly seedier and much more boring.

Temple area is much seedier than Marquette area.