Best places to live in Milwaukee | A Realtor's personal favorites

[@lauramaass8098]

I’m very surprised there was no mention of Bay View. One of the most in demand neighborhoods in all of Milwaukee. Farmers markets, great restaurants, coffee shops, multiple beer gardens and, a park that hosts ice skating in winter and weekly music performances in summer. Then also South Milwaukee, which is a city about a 20 minute drive from downtown. Very close to the airport, and has arguably the best park in the entire county, Grant Park. You can take the bike path from South Milwaukee all along the lake north towards downtown.

[@MarcusMKE]

Could not agree more! It is one of my fav's and totally should have been mentioned! But that's why I made a video just about Bayview last year! You can find it in the Playlist "Living in Milwaukee" on my channel!

[@lauramaass8098]

@@MarcusMKE Oh! You did? This is the only video I've seen so far, I'll check it out!

[@scotthilberg8894]

Finally got around to subscribing. Some videos on Riverwest, Harambee, and around Brady Street would be great😉

[@cat_daddy]

I grew up on the far west side between W. Allis and Wauwatosa, a "Leave it to Beaver" neighborhood if there ever was one

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks for your comment! Had to ask my wife about the beaver, she is a born Wisconsinite and clarified for me it's a really good thing. Learn something new every day

[@milwaukeetweed4843]

Glendale is sitting over here like, "you include Brown Deer but not Glendale?" 🤔

[@MarcusMKE]

I probably should have! Glendale has some very nice neighborhoods! There are quite a few municipalities I did not mention, and then you have some great pockets - as you know Milwaukee has a lot of hidden gems!

[@jamesr1703]

Bravo Marcus! I'm impressed, but not surprised, that an Austrian immigrant, here just about 15 years, speaks American English like a native and is an expert on the Milwaukee real estate market. You describe the area like you were born and raised here. Well done. New subbie.

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks James! I still sound like a Schnitzel sometimes... You should hear me on Friday night when I am exhausted and had a beer - not good!! But in some ways I feel it benefits me that I had to learn Milwaukee from scratch and did not grow up here.

[@judylange3572]

What about South Milwaukee, West Allis, Greenfield, Hales Corners? You only highlighted very expense areas.

[@MarcusMKE]

Good point Judy! I just highlighted some of my personal favorites, Milwaukee alone has 19 municipalities and there are many good ones that I have not mention here. But my goal for the summer is to catch up on that, West Allis is probably the first one I will tackle of the 4 you have mentioned - they have a very good economic plan and that will be great for the area!

[@jekku4688]

I moved away from Wisconsin to Texas 35 years ago because there was absolutely NOTHING going on up there. Fast forward, and if things in the Milwaukee area had been back then like they are today (i.e., ON FIRE!) I might never have left. It's taking the Mke area 25-35 years to get it's act together, IMO. Now I am contemplating moving back (family), possibly even living right in the downtown Mke area.

[@MarcusMKE]

I don't blame you! It was not very awesome when I moved here, but the last years have brought some interesting changes and it seems gaining momentum!

[@marivega3294]

Before graduating from University I had the amazing opportunity to do 10 weeks of summer research At Marquette in 2018. Being from California, everyone forgets that Wisconsin exists. So of course I didn't think much of it. However On my Taxi ride from the airport I was amazed at how beautiful the city was. On the last day of my summer research I didn't want to leave. The people are much nicer than in California. People Have much higher standards for themselves than in California. People actually enjoy their lives. I knew California was a poop hole before I left but I didn't know it was that deep lol. It is 2021 and I still miss Wisconsin. I have even thought about moving there in the future but not sure I can handle the winters

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks for sharing! A lot of people are surprised when they visit. I was not a fan when I first got here 14 years ago, but it's amazing to see the transformation of the last years! Where do you live now?

[@marivega3294]

@@MarcusMKE Hello there! Unfortunately I still live in California lol. The summer research in Marquette really helped me When it came to Looking for jobs after graduating. I am working now And have been saving a little bit each month to move one day, though not still sure it would be Wisconsin. But all I know is that I, like many California's, have grown tired of the mismanagement of the state and how the people in power don't care about fixing it. Wisconsin is bit far from family who are mostly In California as well, and I have personally never lived in the snow. Why were you not a fan when you 1st got there? What's it like to live there in the Winter? Are tornados a big concern?

[@MarcusMKE]

@@marivega3294 I have made a video about Winter in Milwaukee, check it out. Milwaukee was economically depressed when I got here. Still many challenges like every larger city, but so much progress and investment! We just go on vacation in March, love the rest of it, x-mas time with snow is cozy and summers are great!

[@Lifefullofvibes]

Hey I appreciate your videos I’ve been watching them for a few months to gain information on Milwaukee. I’m an real estate investor I plan on buying some duplex’s and properties with multiple units to invest and house hack it as well. I was wondering if maybe we talk about some of the neighborhoods that I should stay away from, zip codes will help the most.

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi DeAnte, sure thing - we work with a lot of house hacking clients and also investors. I also coach new investors through a few local organizations. Send me an email with a little background what you are looking to accomplish, we will get you started! [e-mail]

[@CARLOTTAZAIREFerguson]

Thank you for your informative video!

[@mikefriedman5635]

Great video Marcus! I grew up in Glendale, but moved to the suburbs of Philly in the early 90's. I'm currently the TL of KW Bucks County South.. Maybe I'll see you at family reunion some day!

[@MarcusMKE]

Yeah, when it's not virtual!

[@mikeverhasselt5976]

The video was disappointing. The title is misleading to me. Except for downtown it was all suburban. The north shore is urban, but separate from the city. I would have appreciated more in city neighborhoods. Many are great values. Neighborhoods near Marquette University, the Mlwaukee and Menomonie river areas, and NW milwaukee near Madison Park for example. I wanted some ethnic and less valued neighborhoods as well. Milwaukee is a great city and a good value. Thanks for making the video.

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi Mike, you are right, whenever I talk about Milwaukee it's about the MKE metro area, not specifically about the city. Thanks for the feedback!

[@kschreihart]

You missed New Berlin, but that's ok we have enough people out here.

[@MarcusMKE]

Yes I did, but not forgotten! I'll catch you guys in spring 2022!!

[@maria_caitlin]

Excellent video. Have shared with many of my Illinois friends and family. They are tired of the corruption and high taxes down there, thanks for including the western suburbs in the discussion. I think people forget the property taxes in MKE county are out of control and the western suburbs offer some relief.

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks for the feedback Maria! Property taxes in Milwaukee are higher than in the surrounding suburbs, but part of the reason is that Milwaukee has a very low sales tax (5.5%) compared to Chicago 10.5% - if you spend 100k a year combined as a household that is a 5k difference per year you save in sales tax! Because the sales tax is low MKE relies more on property taxes. And they are reasonable up to 300k assessed value, say 3k to 5k per year, but over 500k they get Chicago style expensive, so then it's better to move to the suburbs. Hope that helps!

[@northbay4619]

That's because cities west of Milwaukee tend to be more conservative. Expect to see a lot of Trump support out there. Don't know how Chicago libs feel about that so I recommend they stick with Milwaukee or surrounding suburbs like TOSA and Whitefish Bay. The last thing New Berlin and Pewaukee needs are libs changing the politics and corrupting their cities. There is a reason why their cities are safe while maintaining low property taxes. Nothing I hate more than libs who don't want to live in crime-ridden Dem control city but won't put their money where their mouth is and live in high property tax Dem control city.

[@billbirkett7166]

Nice videos! I have a question: in your opinion, what are the nicest inner city, walkable neighborhoods (outside of the lower and upper east side, and also the 3rd Ward)?

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi Bill, good question - "nice" os a little different for everyone, depends what you personally value in a neighborhood. For example kids. But if you want to give me a quick call and can tell me a little more about what you like, I'll give you some suggestions!

[@kschreihart]

He missed Bay View completely and that is one of the nicest neighborhoods, it is directly south of downtown on the south end of of the Hoan Bridge. It has a slight San Francisco vibe to it. It is a middle class to upper middle class neighborhood. It is one of the lowest crime neighborhoods in Milwaukee.

[@mariafajardo7110]

Can you assist me with finding a rental In a family friendly neighborhood for a reasonable price

[@christinaduran8598]

What is the best way to get around in Wisconsin? I use public transportation here in Los Angeles, CA and it is terrible compared to New York, but it is slowly improving. Is it preferable to have a car in Wisconsin? I use Amazon Prime for deliveries so I don't need to leave my house so much, especially during quarantine. Do you find that many people use Amazon Prime delivery service in Wisconsin? The shipping and deliveries are pretty quick here in L.A. and many people have Amazon Prime deliveries in my area.

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi Christy, I know LA traffic - no comparison. Most people prefer their own car here! And yes Amazon Prime works great, sometimes it shows up so fast that it creeps me out a little LOL

[@christinaduran8598]

@@MarcusMKE That's great to know! I am thinking of renting a pet friendly apartment when I move to MKE, but I would love to buy a house when I am able to in MKE. I have family in MKE and I have been there before in October 2016. I saw the most beautiful autumn colors I have ever seen. I found it very hard to leave. I still feel that Wisconsin has my heart. I can't wait to return!! :)

[@Karhel2903]

Im moving to Milwakee for a short term job offer, I'm looking to rent an apartment. ¿ Where are good places to rent apartments or which apartments are nice, cozy and affordable ?

[@MarcusMKE]

I just posted a video about renting apartments!

[@michaelsullivan7637]

“Milwaukee is known for a Lower cost of living compared to the east coast and the west coast” Plug- Also compared greatly to The Madison area! Middleton,Oregon,booklyn,wanakee,Madison west side,Sun prairie l,cottage grove,cross plains,Verona,Fitchburg,McFarland,shore wood and maple bluff are all pretty expensive to live in! Places like middleton,Oregon,wanakee and sun prairie are 3 time as much as a place like Glendale or tosa! It’s so flipping expensive out here! UWs great though!

[@MarcusMKE]

Madison is great, as well as a lot of the other towns you mentioned, and you are right also higher priced! Milwaukee is larger and with that you have a wide range of prices and neighborhoods

[@tiago161]

Your video is well done. But when will people stop referring to the suburbs as Milwaukee? People in the suburbs don’t want to live in Milwaukee. They want to see concerts and plays and go to the festivals but want to be 100% sure they have their butts in their suburban homes when night falls. They don’t want to contribute to Milwaukee’s tax base. They don’t want their kids to go to Milwaukee schools. In short, they want nothing to do with Milwaukee except when it suits their social calendar.

[@ColieBear18]

That's not entirely fair. I would love to buy a house in Milwaukee city because i love the city but I can't afford it and it's cheaper in the country/suburb. I also have a dog who doesn't handle dog parks well so I need a spacious yard. If I could afford the home I'd need in Milwaukee I absolutely would because I love the city.

[@jeannerountree952]

I don’t see it that way. I’m in the suburbs but I’m from Milwaukee. I was born in Milwaukee. I work in Milwaukee.

[@NaturalNumi]

I'm moving there for residency

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi Numi - when are you moving?

[@NaturalNumi]

@@MarcusMKE Hi I have to be there by the 3rd week in June. Residency starts July 1. Please email me at [e-mail] we can talk more if you provide your number

[@MarcusMKE]

@@NaturalNumi that's coming up quick! Just emailed you! - PS my email is [e-mail] and you can call/text me at 262 671 6868

[@pediatron4371]

Where would you live if you want to be close to Medical College of Wisconsin?

[@MarcusMKE]

Easy choice. Wauwatosa if you like the historic urban feel. Brookfield if you like suburban, larger house, larger yard. Menomonee Falls could be an option. I have several clients who work there and all chose one of these three. Feel free to email me for a customized MLS Portal! [e-mail]

[@certifiedforkliftdriver9987]

Calling downtown not kid friendly is really not fair. High schools aren't the best, but close to very prestigious private and magnet schools (Rufus King, Ronald Reagan, Marquette University)

[@MarcusMKE]

Those are great schools! I should clarify, when I meant kid friendly I am thinking about elementary and middle school. And there is more to kid friendly than good schools, for example the make up of the neighborhood, parks and playgrounds, backyards etc - it's all relative: compare downtown for example with Foxpoint-Bayside. People move there because they want the best for their kids. You can make it work downtown, but you would not move downtown because of your kids!

[@certifiedforkliftdriver9987]

@@MarcusMKE Of course everything is subjective, but I know so many people who moved around downtown (lower east side, third ward, walkers point, etc) because they didn't want their kids to grow up in a sterile suburban enviroment. Walkability and neighborhood character is becoming a lot more valued in the U.S. for children.

[@MarcusMKE]

@@certifiedforkliftdriver9987 yes for sure and I think that is great! When I was a kid I had a bike and the only rule was I had to be home before the street lights came on ;-)

[@bageltv3489]

Nice job. TY

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks Craig! Be sure to check out the Wauwatosa video! More to come!

[@ginaramirez5383]

New Berlin Wisconsin in the house

[@awoodmann1746]

You left out a lot. The south and south west suburbs are a little more blue collar, but have many exclusive areas also. New Berlin is neck & neck with Whitefish bay and Elm Grove as the best schools in Wisconsin. Franklin, Muskego and Oak Creek are booming as well. And you can go out further to what I call the third generation suburbs Wales, Mukwanago and many more.

[@marcusbluedanubeproperties5964]

Yes I sure did - that's why I keep making more neighborhood videos! Elm Grove is a hidden gem, but tiny and home to some of the wealthiest families in the area. New Berlin is also on my make-a-video list, however I believe most people in WFB would probably say that it's quite different, but on the other hand some of them are offended when you confuse WFB with Shorewood lol - so it's all relative and yes, the list is not complete, more to come..

[@MohamedAhmed-wl3tn]

Is Glendale diverse?

[@MarcusMKE]

Depends how you understand diverse. I always try to look at data and a good resource is usa.com, just enter Glendale, or Brookfield or Mequon, you'll see the numbers!

[@MauiTheBengalCat]

Vielen Dank for the detailed review! Greetings from Muskego😉 New sub here.

[@MarcusMKE]

Sehr gerne! And thanks for subscribing!

[@MauiTheBengalCat]

@@MarcusMKE Gern Geschehen und Frohes Neues 2021 Jahr! 🎄🤗

[@MarcusMKE]

@@MauiTheBengalCat es kann nur besser werden! Where did you learn German?

[@MauiTheBengalCat]

What do you think of the real estate in Austria? Is it realistic for US citizens to relocate there? BTW I was engaged in Wien. Enjoying Milwaukee area but Europe still seems very attractive.

[@MauiTheBengalCat]

@@MarcusMKE At school overseas. My friends are from Germany 🇩🇪

[@elmer6586]

Hi sir how about the cost of living . I am from philipines and my wife is currently preparing the papers for j1 visa as teacher in melwaukee, may i ask the cost of living and if theres job fit for me i am a machine operator in taiwan for 9 yers.. yhanks

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi El Mer, we have a shortage of construction workers in the US and a lot of infrastructure to rebuild, it should not be a problem for a skilled machine operator to find a job. What machines do you run? Teacher's are not getting rich in the US, but they get good health insurance. As long as you are both working you should do just fine - typical middle class. Here is a video about cost of living: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXSXpXeeepWfp7s

[@elmer6586]

Wow thanks for this sir.. i am cnc machine operator.,

[@MarcusMKE]

@@elmer6586 - even better, Milwaukee has a lot of manufacturing jobs, and cnc operator pays probably better then construction machinery; look on indeed dot com or monster dot com for jobs, that will give you an idea!

[@elmer6586]

Thank you so much sir ..

[@camcam7212]

How do you feel about River Hills?

[@MarcusMKE]

Well, very small and exclusive community, I believe population is under 2000 and on average older. Median price about half a million, very high property taxes. What do you think?

[@camcam7212]

@@MarcusMKE I am looking for a nice apartment between the $800-$1500 range. I am 22 transitioning into my professional life and hopefully be moving to Milwaukee within the next few months granted that things go as planned. I am not really sure about River Hills myself, but I asked because I found an apartment I really like and it’s only about 10 minutes from my potential job.

[@camcam7212]

@marcus Auerbach My potential job is with Kohls Studio near Granville. 11300 W Heather Ave to be exact. Any suggestions/recommendations for surrounding neighborhoods within a 30 minute radius?

[@MarcusMKE]

@@camcam7212 could it be that you mean River West??

[@MarcusMKE]

@@camcam7212 yes: stay west - Menomonee Falls, Wauwatosa or Brookfield.

[@cameronamat3284]

Good Video!

[@MarcusMKE]

Thanks Cameron! Will be making more neighborhood videos when I get back from vacation! What was most valuable to you?

[@cameronamat3284]

@@MarcusMKE The coverage of downtown Milwaukee and the east side made me seriously consider as a place to relocate too!

[@MarcusMKE]

@@cameronamat3284 stop by for a weekend! I just posted a video about Wauwatosa, that will give you a taste as well. Downtown will be one of the next videos. And I feel like I need to cover the Bucks party in the Deer District after they won - 100,000 celebrating on the street!!

[@cameronamat3284]

@@MarcusMKE That’s what made me start researching Milwaukee and come across your video was the genuine happiness that the whole deer district showed! 100k outside all celebrating that was so crazy. Such a nice change from the toxicity of California

[@MarcusMKE]

@@cameronamat3284 when I ask clients they always tell me that Milwaukee has a cool vibe. It's almost funny when I ask someone now and they use the exact words 🤣

[@goalsah5489]

I like your videos and appreciate your time making this! I have to say, though.... this could be entitled "Milwaukee: areas where the white people live." Unfortunately, this is the mindset for many people.

[@MarcusMKE]

Good point Andrew. Legally I can't really say much on the topic and refer clients to websites with demographic data.. A few areas are showing increasing diversity and I hope we will see more of that in the future!

[@goalsah5489]

@@MarcusMKE Understood, and appreciate the comment!

[@joeespo177]

Seeing everything through the lens of racism is the mindset for many people. Doesn't it get tiring?

[@joeespo177]

@Matthew Gray I guess for "many people" it does. As I suggested. Who's not understanding the dialog?

[@libbyrumary4939]

He's a realtor looking for business. Keller williams...

[@MarcusMKE]

Hi Libby, you are correct - I own a small team with full time staff under the KW umbrella. Most of my subscribers are actually past clients, and KZbin was initially my way to stay connected with them and provide market updates. But we do work a lot with relocation clients moving to Milwaukee. I put myself out there (and it is a lot of work) because what I find is that I get to work with people who are on my wave length - and frankly that's very important to me! KZbin has also become my creative outlet, if you like watch my new Milwaukee Downtown video - it's an homage to the city that has grown on me so much

[@kathycrawford4652]

what happened to actually talking about milwaukee and the county.

[@MarcusMKE]

There is so much to say, that's why I keep making videos... what would you like to know?

[@kathycrawford4652]

@@MarcusMKE the surrounding communities in the suburbs. there are alot of exciting things to see and do that makee milwaukee what it is. for example the wisconsin state fair. just saying. i still loved your video. im sad i dont live there anymore. you might have done one for worst cities in wisconsin. i unfortunately moved from milwaukee to one of those.

[@MarcusMKE]

@@kathycrawford4652 more to come!

[@kathycrawford4652]

love your shows!!!!!

[@pat1589]

That's near Jeffrey Dahmers house.

[@brooksellis3891]

I left the area in 1984 so I'm not certain but I think his house was demolished.

[@northbay4619]

The best places to live in Milwaukee are outside of the city of Milwaukee and basically outside of Milwaukee County. But then I don't want bring down Ozaukee and Waukesha county which tend to lean politically right. There is a reason why they are great areas with low property taxes. Want to keep it that way by keeping out left-leaning folks. So if you're a lib and you want to know which are the best places to live in Milwaukee County, I highly recommend sticking with Shorewood all the way to Bayside. You'll pay astronomically high property taxes but what else did you expect from libs? After all, lib leaders only know how to run to types of cities: crime-ridden or super high property taxes. I know because I lived in Milwaukee for two decades and then in Fox Point. I have to admit that Fox Point was a very nice and safe community but I was paying about $8,000 in property taxes for their school district - which happens to be one of the top in the state. It was that or move back to Milwaukee where I still paid at least $4,000 in property taxes for a failing school district and every other weekend some house in my neighborhood got a round of bullets. That was in addition to the cruising on Capitol Drive. Again, the best cities are outside of Milwaukee County, like Cedarburg. But I wouldn't want the libs to freak out and feel unsafe because of all the Trump signs. ROFL! Seriously, there are a lot of Trump signs in Ozaukee and Waukesha county. Best that libs stick to MIlwaukee county. If you get a chance to drive through Bayside, you will see BLM signs on almost every lawn.

[@Lovely_1One]

Wow, you’re very racist talking this way without shame.

[@charliekirksloosebutthole4104]

@@Lovely_1One , curious how you got RACCCIST out of this comment? The post never mentioned race once.