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Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County 53202, 53203, 53204

$544,163 Average Value
$390 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

The heart of art in Milwaukee

The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s cradle of reinvention. When an 1892 fire destroyed nearly every building in the then-predominantly Irish-immigrant neighborhood, it was rebuilt as a warehouse district to take advantage of its location at the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Just over a century later, it returned to its residential roots as those warehouses were converted into condos and commercial businesses where creativity often flourishes. USA Today now considers Historic Third Ward to be one of the top 10 arts districts in America. “I didn’t know a lot about Milwaukee when I moved here – I just knew this was a neighborhood that was up and coming, and safe,” says Stephen Cohn, a Historic Third Ward resident and producer for WISN-TV. “I’m able to go out. It’s very walkable. It’s just a good vibe.”

Head to the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward for a one-stop foodie adventure.
Head to the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward for a one-stop foodie adventure.
The Engine Co. #10 statue in the Historic Third Ward is a natural for selfies.
The Engine Co. #10 statue in the Historic Third Ward is a natural for selfies.
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A place where creativity flourishes

The arts are practiced and supported in all forms here. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), a private art college, calls the neighborhood home. The Milwaukee Arts Resource Network (MARN) is a space created to support up-and-coming artists. The Broadway Theatre Center is home to the stages of Skylight Music Theatre and the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Radio Milwaukee’s hip broadcasts emanate from its Historic Third Ward studio. Culinary arts are celebrated here, as well: Over a dozen local food vendors are found in Milwaukee Public Market, an anchor of this revitalizing neighborhood since 2005. Cafe Benelux, celebrating the flavors of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, is among the market’s distinctive eateries. Historic Third Ward nightlife reflects the creativity around it, varying from relaxing rooftop views of the neighborhood at The Outsider to the energy of the indoor wiffleball field at Broken Bat Brewing Company.

The Historic Third Ward is a shoppers delight.
The Historic Third Ward is a shoppers delight.
Come to the Tied House in the Historic Third Ward for incredible drinks.
Come to the Tied House in the Historic Third Ward for incredible drinks.
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Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s front door

Thousands of annual visitors get their motor running at the Harley-Davidson Museum, which celebrates the history of the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer on its 20-acre campus. Things are a bit more whimsical at the National Bobblehead Museum, which features the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads. More than 6,500 bobbling figurines depicting athletes, mascots, politicians and other well-known figures are in the collection. Milwaukee’s premier summertime music event, Summerfest, comes to Henry Maier Festival Park every June and July; popular events like German Fest, Irish Fest, Festa Italiana, Polish Fest and Pride Fest are also held at this lakefront locale. “It gets very busy in the spring and summer,” Cohn says. “There’s always something to do. It’s not a place where you’re ever bored.”

The Skylight Music Theatre is the place for musicals in the Historic Third Ward.
The Skylight Music Theatre is the place for musicals in the Historic Third Ward.
At the Historic Third Wards eastern edge you'll find the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse.
At the Historic Third Wards eastern edge you'll find the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse.
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Former warehouses turned living spaces

Many of the Historic Third Ward’s original warehouses have been repurposed as condos, and since 1999, the neighborhood has seen construction of some new buildings, as well. One-bedroom units can range from $172,500 to $450,000; multi-bedroom condos range from $450,000 to $950,000; and penthouses range from $1 million to $1.6 million. The median sale price in the neighborhood is $377,450.

New Condos in the Historic Third Ward along the Milwaukee River.
New Condos in the Historic Third Ward along the Milwaukee River.
Historic Third Ward residents can enjoy some of the best views Milwaukee has.
Historic Third Ward residents can enjoy some of the best views Milwaukee has.
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Let’s go to The Hop

The Hop is a free-to-ride streetcar system that connects the Historic Third Ward to the Yankee Hill and Lower East Side neighborhoods. Streetcars run every 15-20 minutes. The neighborhood’s location at the elbow of the Interstate 794 loop, just as it merges back into I-94, makes it convenient to reach the rest of Milwaukee or travel to Madison, Chicago or Green Bay. Those looking to visit Chicago or the Twin Cities can skip the drive, thanks to the neighborhood’s Amtrak station.

Lakeshore State Park: An urban oasis

The Historic Third Ward is only a short walk to Lakeshore State Park, which like Wisconsin itself, is a place for all seasons. Hikers, bicyclists and joggers take advantage of Hank Aaron State Trail, which stretches 3.5 miles from the lakefront to the Brewers’ home at American Family Field, and the Oak Leaf Trail, which is part of a 135-mile loop around Milwaukee County, at all times of the year. In the summer, kayakers utilize the park’s lagoons. In the winter, those same lagoons are used for ice fishing when conditions permit.

In between the Historic Third Ward and Lake Michigan you'll find Lakeshore State Park.
In between the Historic Third Ward and Lake Michigan you'll find Lakeshore State Park.
An art student sketching at the Third Wards Catalano Square Park.
An art student sketching at the Third Wards Catalano Square Park.
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MIAD is the only neighborhood school

Aside from MIAD, there are no schools in the Historic Third Ward. The nearby Maryland Avenue Montessori, rated B by Niche, serves kindergarten through eighth grade Catholic, all-girls and A-minus-rated St. Joan Antida is the closest high school, while nearby public options include the C-plus-rated Tenor High.

A view of Maryland Avenue Montessori School on Milwaukee's eastside.
A view of Maryland Avenue Montessori School on Milwaukee's eastside.
Tenor High School is in the heart of Milwaukee and close by the Historic Third Ward.
Tenor High School is in the heart of Milwaukee and close by the Historic Third Ward.
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Alex Hickey
Written By
Alex Hickey
Richard Ebbers
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Mark Barakat
Video By
Mark Barakat

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Sarah Gabrielse, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

16 min drive

Bus

S1 & Pittsburgh

Bus

Summerfest Chicago & Harbor

Bus

Water & St Paul

Bus

Water & Chicago

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic Third Ward US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$421,000
Median Single Family Price
$330,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$705,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$332,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$390
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Last 12 months Home Sales
79
Months of Supply
3.00
Median List Price
$425,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
672
Median Year Built
2004
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,508
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,513
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
950
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sarah Gabrielse, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,292
Median Age
35
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$132,362
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,659

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.7%
College Graduates
79.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
84%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

86 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

89 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

67 / 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.

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Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Historic Third Ward
Sarah Gabrielse
Devout Real Estate Group, LLC
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