Signing a Lease For a New Apartment, Moving to Milwaukee, Questions (Brown Deer: low income, apartment complexes)

[Master Jay]

mkemove1111, good day.

I can only hope you have better luck than I do with dating.

As a Milwaukee resident, if I had to break it down, I'd say in the last 10 years of being divorced, I typically date:


10% Wisconsin (mostly Milwaukee Co.) women

90% Illinois women.

Wishing you the best!

[DannFrankenstein]

Originally Posted by SkyWriting

Your news stories on individual crimes are anecdotal evidence. If you consider my wife and I and our pasty white daughters have lived in the city limits for a total of 150 years, I'd say we know as much about street safety as anyone. And a few of those years at 10th and Capitol. As a building manager I interfaced with drug dealers, prostitutes, apartment squatters and thieves as part of my job. I've never felt in danger. As for driving on the north side, your life in in your hands for sure. Stay awake.

I love hearing from immortals in unexpected places like this.

I agree with the idea that this area is very safe. Like, it was always quiet and mellow over there on the Lower East Side. I used to walk around over there a lot during the day and night last Summer. Probably get one of those steering wheel locks for your car, and if you do explore across the River, don’t go West of Holton

[Master Jay]

DannFrankenstein, right on!

P.S. When you would walk around on the Lower East Side with someone, would you instruct them to, "Walk THIS way!" ???

Brady Street is in the 53202 area, and historically I was a fan of it. It has, however, in my humble opinion changed somewhat.

In particular, when I have gone to Brady Street Fest the last few years, it has a different "vibe" than what I remember from when I was younger.

I would not discourage someone from moving to the area code region, however.

[DannFrankenstein]

Brady St is quintessential Wisconsin. I love it. I can’t say I’ve noticed it change, however. But I only spent time on it once before 2021. That was during a quick visit in January 2017

[brrabbit]

Originally Posted by mkemove1111

I am moving to Milwaukee in the Fall. I signed a lease on an apartment that is brand new. My family is giving me negative feedback on this move.

The zip code is 53202. A few blocks from the lake. I am uncertain of the area. A few people have told me lower east side, another few people called it Juneau town or Yankee Hill.

Is crime that bad for a female in this area?

Can I walk my dog at night?

Can I go out for dinner or drinks by myself?

Also, I kept hearing it was affordable, but I don't think $1615 plus parking fees of $174 for a one bedroom is affordable. The other options seemed awful. One man told me I had to bring my own refrigerator! The alternatives seemed older, worn, and lacked amenities. I live in AZ now, in a brand new complex, and pay $1200 a month. I took a new job, thinking it would be affordable in Milwaukee, but that seems pricey to me?

What are costs in general?

Again, my main questions are housing costs/area and safety crime.

I had a look at a crime map and it gave me anxiety. This zip was primarily car theft and break ins... I am high up and have underground parking so I am hoping to not worry about that; but I did see some murder, rape and assault- although lower than other areas of the city.

thank you in advance!

53202 is a nice place to be.



I don't think the crime is bad there at all, but there are plenty of bars in the area and bars have drunk people and fights. The ladies are less likely to have that problem, but then there could be rape attempts. I think you will be fine though.


Depending on the size of the dog. I'd stay inside after midnight till say 4am, but been out too and nothing bad ever happened to me or that I witnessed towards ladies. Having said that, 2AM is when lots of drunk people are out on the streets.


Totally, there are plenty of ladies in restaurants and bars.



$1615 seems very high for Milwaukee. It must be a really nice place to charge that amount. I could find a single or double bedroom in Shorewood / Whitefish Bay for $1000. But then it won't be walkable to the city and all the night life there.



As far as prices go, gas is at 4.35 (I think about National Average). State sales tax is 5.5. Food and everything else is about average as anywhere in the national chains, but sales tax is lower than in the neighboring states. Real Estate is very cheap here comparing to either coast (but the cheapest areas are not where you want to live, still even the best areas are cheaper than bad areas in California).
Don't worry, people live here and they are doing great. Use normal caution and you'll be fine. It is not the cheapest state, but I find it cheaper than many when I travel.

[brrabbit]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

DannFrankenstein, right on!

P.S. When you would walk around on the Lower East Side with someone, would you instruct them to, "Walk THIS way!" ???

Brady Street is in the 53202 area, and historically I was a fan of it. It has, however, in my humble opinion changed somewhat.

In particular, when I have gone to Brady Street Fest the last few years, it has a different "vibe" than what I remember from when I was younger.

I would not discourage someone from moving to the area code region, however.

Many things changed since Covid started and BLM riots ran through the country. People are less relaxed and much more cranky and suspicious of each other than they used to say in 2018 maybe.

[Master Jay]

Good day all, regarding Brady street when I think of the last 2 times I went to their street fests:

2018: Must have been around 5:00 p.m. As soon as I parked, I saw a guy running and 4 guys caught him, tripped him, and started beating him with fists and feet.... I ran across the street, yelled, "Hey" and they all ran away. I helped the man to his feet.

2019: The smell of marijuana was way too strong. I'm not a smoker of anything, so it turned me off.

But, that's just ME. And those were my memories of that particular street party, those particular years, after not being around that side of town for a few years.

And it certainly does not represent the whole 53202 area. I was just sharing some memories.

Enjoy.

[mkemove1111]

I am not sure when the last time any of you looked at rent, but there definitely are not one bedrooms for rent for $1000 or less. There literally is no housing! Shorewood had some sort of duplex for $1400 that hadn't been updated in 30 years, but they wouldn't allow a dog. Whitefish Bay has some sort of townhomes Bayside or something like that, but they wanted $1500 plus $150 for parking. All the other units start somewhere around $1500 for a one bedroom. I'd have a look to see for yourself. I have seen some awful looking places, but then they have outdoor parking, no laundry or shared laundry and they are still very high. All that will even speak to me are apartment complexes, private owners don't respond as I am out of state.

[brrabbit]

Originally Posted by mkemove1111

I am not sure when the last time any of you looked at rent, but there definitely are not one bedrooms for rent for $1000 or less. There literally is no housing! Shorewood had some sort of duplex for $1400 that hadn't been updated in 30 years, but they wouldn't allow a dog. Whitefish Bay has some sort of townhomes Bayside or something like that, but they wanted $1500 plus $150 for parking. All the other units start somewhere around $1500 for a one bedroom. I'd have a look to see for yourself. I have seen some awful looking places, but then they have outdoor parking, no laundry or shared laundry and they are still very high. All that will even speak to me are apartment complexes, private owners don't respond as I am out of state.

As of the time of this writing this 2 bedroom apartment is available (for July 1st move-in date) for $885.

https://www.baycolonyapt.com/rentalo...nDate=7/1/2022

[mkemove1111]

Just used that link and nothing available. I viewed them and they look nothing like the photos either, either that or I was shown a model not updated.

Also, parking is an extra $150 for indoor which is a remote garage, and outdoor has a waiting list.

They list them as "call and check" which I have done, yet the units they have available are all well over 1k, is a click bait.

There is no laundry in the unit. I will not go to a laundry mat or use coin laundry.

And dogs are not allowed.