$597,428Average Value$217Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
An academic tone both on and off campus
Downer Woods buzzes with the energy of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee college students, professors and graduates. Founded in 1956, the university takes up half of the neighborhood's footprint and offers hundreds of degree programs. The nationally recognized research university educates more than 22,000 students, most of whom live in dorms or rentals surrounding the 277-acre campus. While students rent floors in duplexes and multi-family homes, there is no shortage of owner-occupied, single-family homes, many over a century old. Whether among the regal university halls or on the stately residential streets close to Lake Michigan, Downer Woods has an academic atmosphere and deep pride in its educational anchor.
Downer Woods also has a good selection of multi-family homes to choose from.
Downer Woods Is homes to the UWM university.
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Modest rentals and grand estates
While most of Downer Woods was developed between the late 1800s and early 1900s, there is a diverse array of housing styles and a diverse group of people who live in them. "There are big differences not only between neighborhoods but from block to block in Milwaukee," says Ibree Stewart, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Metro Realty, who grew up in the area. "The mansions along Lake Michigan are usually home to retired lawyers and doctors, while the houses more inland are filled with college students renting single floors." The two- to four-unit homes sell between $330,000 and $575,000 and have simple bungalow, American Foursquare or workers' cottage designs. Some smaller, single-family homes have similar designs and sell for as low as $300,000. However, single-family houses towards the eastern part of the neighborhood, near Lake Michigan, have striking architecture and high prices to match. Colonial Revivals, Mediterranean Revivals, Tudors and French Provincial-inspired homes with four or more bedrooms often reach $1 million, with the highest prices at around $2.5 million. Downer Woods properties are, on average, $300,000 more expensive than the Milwaukee Metro average, and the area has a median income well above the national average. Some condos are available between $215,000 and $730,000.
A lovely Colonial Duplex home in the Downer Woods neighborhood.
Downer Woods has many Mediterranean Revivals homes, making you feel a world away.
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Wood-fired pizzas in a Sicilian oven
North Oakland Avenue is the main shopping and dining thoroughfare on the east side, and it has many fast-casual chains near the university. Domino's Pizza, Noodles and Co. and QDOBA are all within walking distance of most rental units and dorms. For a more upscale meal, locals can check out SALA. The modern Sicilian restaurant plates delicious Italian cuisine using fresh herbs from the restaurant's private greenhouse out back. Carini's is another Italian date-night spot – this one with wood-fired pizza from a specialty oven brought over from Naples. Sendik's grocery store has been on Downer Avenue since 1926. The family-owned store has pantry staples, fresh produce and pre-made, grab-and-go meals. "There are locations all over the city, but the one on Downer was the original," explains Desty Lorino, a practicing agent and lead of Desty's Team for Keller Williams. Shopping plazas with grocery and department stores are northwest on Capitol Drive, but some quirky stores are right in the neighborhood. Selling new and used guitars and parts since 1989, Wade's Guitar Shop is a neighborhood favorite, and SayWerd provides shopping for an eclectic mix of vintage goods and collectibles.
Enjoy a great Italian meal or an impromptu Italian lesson at SALA in Downer Woods
Wade's Guitar Shop features various styles of guitars and music.
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A forest in urban Milwaukee
The university is proud of The Downer Woods Natural Area, its 11-acre urban conservancy area. The fenced forest has many species of trees, shrubbery, bugs and birds, which those walking through can observe along the many well-kept trails. Lake Park has tennis courts, a playground and sports fields along the lake. The Oak Leaf Trail is Milwaukee's 135-mile multi-use trail that passes through Lake Park and Riverside Park, Downer Woods' neighbor to the west. "The Oak Leaf Trail evolved from a spooky place where you wouldn't want to walk alone to this vibrant communal area," Lorino says. "My wife and I go for walks all the time, and we often have to step aside because there are so many people biking and running." Those who would rather mountain bike than stay on the trail can hop off the Oak Leaf onto the East Side Bike Trail, which runs alongside the Milwaukee River.
You can find active tennis courts at Riverside Park.
You'll find both grand walkways and secluded trails at Lake Park in Murray Hill.
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A biking paradise
Sidewalks along every street, crosswalks and bike lanes provide a safe path for those walking or biking to class. Biking is a popular mode of transportation on the east side, especially in Downer Woods, where there are ample bike racks and stations with bikes part of Milwaukee's non-profit bikeshare, Bublr Bikes. "The city is even increasing the number of bike commuters by taking away parking on one side of a few roads to make room for more bike lanes," Lorino says. Residents who work in downtown Milwaukee have only a 4-mile commute, and bus lines are along most main roads. Traffic within Downer Woods is light, but since main thoroughfares border it, there can be some congestion around the perimeter during peak hours. The nearest hospital, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, is a large employer just over a mile south, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 14 miles south.
Biking to downtown from Downer Woods is and easy ride.
Lake Park near Murray Hill, is the perfect place to hang out for the day.
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Film festivals and musical Mondays
The university holds many annual events at the campus' Union Cinema, including the French Film Festival and the Student Film and Video Festival. The festivals are free for students and the public, and tickets are available for art workshops, discussion forums and concerts. While Downer Woods has a warm atmosphere where students and permanent residents coexist, it's "Not a popular spot for families with young children because of the noise and action brought by the college campus," Stewart says. However, nearby Lake Park provides many family-friendly events like free outdoor ice skating in the winter and 'Musical Mondays' in the summer. There is also a large Fourth of July celebration with music, fireworks and games.
UWM
UWM takes up the majority of Downer Woods, giving it academic and residential flare.
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Primary school learning on a college campus
Parents can send their children to any Milwaukee Public Schools district school. While some select schools with specialized programs or language immersion, many send their students to locations with the shortest commute. Hartford Avenue Elementary School is on the university campus and a very convenient drop-off location for parents working or studying there. The school teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade and is rated a C-minus on Niche. Riverside University High School has a long history of being a strong, community-based school that all East Side students attended before the district transitioned away from designated zones. While students can now attend any high school across the city, many still choose Riverside for its location, honors program and AP courses. The school is rated a C.
Hartford University School
Riverside University High School is a fantastic public high school located in Milwaukee.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannon Combs,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Riverside Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Football
Kern Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Beerline Trail
Bike Trails
Trails
Lake Park
Pleasant Valley Park
Trails
Hubbard Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
General Mitchell International
24 min drive
Bus
Oakland & Hampshire
Bus
Downer & Hampshire
Bus
Kenwood & Prospect
Bus
Hartford & E1921
Bus
Kenwood & Stowell
Bus
Downer & Newport
Bus
Maryland & Edgewood
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downer Woods
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downer Woods, Milwaukee sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downer Woods, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $606,976, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This owner-occupied only duplex offers the perfect mix of historic charm and modern updates, located near local amenities, shops, parks, and UWM. Original woodwork and HDWD floors flow throughout both levels, adding timeless character. The main floor features an updated kit with granite counters and open floor plan, while preserving the original built-in hutch for added charm. The upper unit
Beautifully renovated Tri-level townhouse.Located on a tree lined residential neighborhood walking distance to Lake Park, Lake Michigan, bike and running paths. Fully updated kitchen with new appliances, subway tile backsplash Dishwasher,Granite counter-tops, Beautifully refinished hardwood floors, Formal dining room,Spacious living room, Powder room on main level,Master bedroom with his and hers
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shannon Combs,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,263
Median Age
24
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$124,999
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$150,802
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.3%
College Graduates
76%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
58/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
