Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its brewing traditions, lakefront beauty, and vibrant arts scene. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. Whether you're looking for a historic district with classic architecture or a modern urban area with all the conveniences, Milwaukee neighborhoods provide a range of options for residents. The city's blend of old-world charm and modern amenities creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
A Milwaukee neighborhood map is essential for exploring the city's diverse areas. The map highlights neighborhoods such as the Historic Third Ward, Bay View, and Riverwest, each offering unique attractions and amenities. Whether you're drawn to the artsy vibe of the Historic Third Ward, the eclectic atmosphere of Bay View, or the community feel of Riverwest, a Milwaukee neighborhood map can help you navigate and choose the perfect place to live. This resource is particularly helpful for new residents or those looking to explore different parts of the city.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Schlitz Park | 719 | 0.2 | 88 |
| 2 | Hawthorne Glen | 223 | 0.26 | 88 |
| 3 | Upper East Side | 3,081 | 0.75 | 86 |
| 4 | Marquette | 1,764 | 0.33 | 85 |
| 5 | Lake Park | 0 | 0.47 | 85 |
The best Milwaukee neighborhoods are typically identified based on livability scores, which take into account factors such as local amenities, crime rates, cost of living, and school quality. These neighborhoods are recognized for their high quality of life, offering access to parks, dining, cultural attractions, and excellent schools. The best Milwaukee neighborhoods attract a diverse population, including families, professionals, and artists, all looking for a community that balances urban living with a strong sense of community.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | North Meadows | 3,764 | 0.92 | 51 |
| 2 | Bradley Estates | 1,898 | 1.52 | 52 |
| 3 | Ridgeview | 651 | 0.62 | 52 |
| 4 | Dretzka Park | 540 | 1.9 | 54 |
| 5 | Maple Tree | 2,128 | 0.72 | 56 |
Certain neighborhoods in Milwaukee may not rank as highly in livability due to issues such as higher crime rates, fewer amenities, or limited access to quality schools. While these areas might be considered some of the worst Milwaukee neighborhoods, they can still offer unique characteristics that could appeal to specific residents. Evaluating these neighborhoods requires careful consideration of personal preferences and priorities, as they may still offer potential benefits depending on your specific situation.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Bay View | 15,979 | 6.35 | 82 |
| 2 | Lincoln Village | 12,542 | 1.71 | 66 |
| 3 | Riverwest | 11,993 | 3.26 | 77 |
| 4 | Silver Spring | 11,822 | 4.38 | 64 |
| 5 | Old North Milwaukee | 11,544 | 4.18 | 63 |
| 6 | Lower East Side | 11,469 | 1.55 | 72 |
| 7 | Historic Mitchell Street | 11,356 | 1.59 | 76 |
| 8 | Harambee | 10,669 | 3.17 | 68 |
| 9 | Muskego Way | 10,306 | 1.39 | 70 |
| 10 | Layton Park | 9,233 | 2.1 | 71 |
Beautifully situated on Lake Michigan's western shore, Milwaukee is one of the largest cities in the Midwest and has seen a major construction boom not observed since the 1960's. It has seen a major economic upturn and is known as the city of festivals for its events throughout the year, whether they be theatrical, musical, or sports related. The city is known for its brewing traditions and the water sports that occur regularly on Lake Michigan including sailing. Henry Maier Festival Park is where many of these festivals occur, and luckily for its residents, one could easily walk to the local events as it is known as one of the most walkable cities in the United States.
A very livable neighborhood, Downer Woods lies north of downtown Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan. It's got parks and dining galore and right in the center of the neighborhood is the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The university is home to many theaters and entertainment arenas, as well as coffee shops and restaurants. The cost of living, however, is pretty high, and unfortunately the crime is some of the worst in the city. The amenities, however, are good, and employment opportunities are better than average. The weather of Milwaukee doesn't get the highest rating--it is one of the coldest cities in the United States--but the charm of the city more than makes up for it. And with the kinds of cultural events you find in Downer Woods, you can be assured that living here is worth it, if you are single. We recommend not living here as a family because of the crime issues.
The neighborhood lying south of Downer Woods is Northpoint, home to Riverside Park and Lake Park, both beautiful areas on either side of the neighborhood. It is considered a very livable place, despite the high crime and high cost of living. The amenities, as they were in Downer Woods, are quite good, with educational opportunities reasonably good but not as impressive as Downer Woods. Quality of employment is average at best for the city of Milwaukee, and the same goes for their cost of living. This would be a good place for singles and young couples as well because it is still near the university, but pass if you are a family.
Murray Hill is in the same general vicinity as these other neighborhoods. Educationally, they are doing better than Northpoint, but the crime is still high, as it is in this general area of Milwaukee. There are several theaters and fun things to do in this area, and it is a short walk to the shore of the lake. Plenty of coffeehouses as well for those cold winter days. Employment looks pretty bleak in this area and the cost of living is high, but it could work as a neighborhood for a young single person or couple, as long as they stay safe.