Section Image

Metcalfe Park

Metcalfe Park

Urban Core Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County 53210

$102,010 Average Value
$44 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Overcoming adversity and building a strong community

Named after Black Olympian Ralph Metcalfe, Metcalfe Park is a neighborhood proud of the people who call it home. Metcalfe ran the 400-meter relay with Jesse Owens during the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, bringing home a team and individual medal from the games. Metcalfe overcame racism at home and overseas to achieve his Olympic dreams, and the neighborhood that shares his name has had to do the same. According to Metcalfe Community Bridges’ website, the area has experienced the effects of systemic racism since the 1950s. Today, the nonprofit group says it supports initiatives, organizations and goals to overcome the neighborhood’s challenges. City grants are available, and residents work hard to improve their homes. Though most residents rent, many of the neighborhood's 3,000 residents have stayed in place for decades. Despite a history of struggles, their love of the community has contributed to the "front-porch" atmosphere that comes from neighbors who know one another, celebrate life's events together and work towards a better future together.

Explore a range of homes, from beautifully explored to those awaiting TLC in Metcalf Park.
Explore a range of homes, from beautifully explored to those awaiting TLC in Metcalf Park.
Located near downtown, Metcalfe Park is a perfect blend of city and suburban living.
Located near downtown, Metcalfe Park is a perfect blend of city and suburban living.
1/2

Tenant-occupied duplexes and multifamily homes

Most of the homes in Metcalfe Park are duplexes and multifamily built in the 1920s. Some houses date back to 1880 and, given their age, need major renovations. Milwaukee offers $5,000 for first-time homebuyers throughout the city, but Metcalfe Park is a Community Development Block Grant Area, meaning grants can reach up to $7,000. Listings in the neighborhood often show workers' cottage duplexes and simple Victorians that tenants currently occupy. These listings attract many landlords and investors who can begin earning income immediately after buying without the need to search for renters. Houses usually sell between $30,000 and $100,000, but a few foreclosures have sold for as low as $5,000 in recent years. Though rare, some homes in very good condition with ample square footage are valued at $150,000. Front porches, often as wide as the house's footprint, are up a few cement steps from the streets. The lots, which sit on small hills, are narrow and sometimes have detached garages accessible by alleyways that intersect the gridded streets. At an average of $26 per square foot, Metcalfe Park is one of the least expensive places to buy a house in all of Milwaukee.

Homes in Metcalfe Park offer price ranges of $30-$100k.
Homes in Metcalfe Park offer price ranges of $30-$100k.
Metcalfe Park homeowners can access grants of up to $7,000.
Metcalfe Park homeowners can access grants of up to $7,000.
1/2

Buses along every main road

Public buses are plentiful in the area and run on North 35th Street, West Center Street, North Avenue and North 27th Street. Downtown Milwaukee is about 4 miles southeast, and the nearest hospital, Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, is 2 miles northwest. Though occasionally cracked and overrun with weeds or debris, sidewalks are along every road in the neighborhood and shaded by tall trees.

An aerial shot of Metcalf Park captures the neighborhood's tree-lined streets.
An aerial shot of Metcalf Park captures the neighborhood's tree-lined streets.
Electric scooters can be used to get around the Metcalfe neighborhood.
Electric scooters can be used to get around the Metcalfe neighborhood.
1/2

Making parks out of blight

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson created Raze & Revive, an initiative that removes buildings in the city that are beyond repair. Metcalfe Park has faced this issue for many years, and empty lots from demolished houses remain. Through the assistance of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges and additional financial aid, a number of these empty lots have been transformed into pocket parks and community gardens. Metcalfe Park Rising is one of those with picnic benches, shade structures and spots for locals to plant flowers and vegetables. Butterfly Park is at the neighborhood's southwestern edge and has a new playfield with updated, colorful play equipment, rubber flooring and newly paved walking trails. Washington Park sits a few blocks southwest. In addition to having 120 acres filled with athletic facilities, a public pool and a large pond, the park hosts a live music series every summer. "Our neighborhood is extremely diverse, and the neighborhood is reflected in our concert series," says Washington Park Neighbors President Melissa Muller, who organizes the yearly event. "We do mostly local bands but try to get them on the upswing."

Kids can enjoy the playground at Butterfly Park.
Kids can enjoy the playground at Butterfly Park.
Washington Park is the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
Washington Park is the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
1/2

A food desert gaining grocery options

The non-residential part of the neighborhood is almost entirely industrial, with just a few small businesses and shops nearby. Bill the Butcher is just south of West North Avenue and has pantry staples, frozen meals, produce and snacks. The shop has in-house butchers who prepare fresh beef, pork, chicken and fish cuts. Half a mile south of the neighborhood's southern border is Amaranth Bakery & Café. Known for its cozy ambiance, savory soups and scones, the art-filled shop has a small garden next door where patrons can enjoy their food and drinks outside. Before Pick 'n Save was built at the western end of the neighborhood in 2017, the area was a food desert where corner stores were the only spot to buy groceries within walking distance.

Pick 'n Save offers fresh produce and affordable groceries for Metcalf Park locals.
Pick 'n Save offers fresh produce and affordable groceries for Metcalf Park locals.
Silver City BBQ & Fish is a local favorite for mouthwatering BBQ and fish.
Silver City BBQ & Fish is a local favorite for mouthwatering BBQ and fish.
1/2

Food pantries, diaper drives, campaigns and educational classes

Through Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, residents work to improve their health, gain individual and community wealth and improve safety concerning crime and safe living conditions. The organization holds regular events on healthy eating, eviction laws, legal support and recognizing danger at its office on West North Avenue. The We Outside – Metcalfe Park Campaign began in June of 2024 with training sessions, events and workshops to overcome issues and celebrate the neighborhood's history and culture. Many residents are under the federal poverty line, and with nearly 32% of residents under the age of 18, access to family services can be challenging. Milwaukee Diaper Mission hands out cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and diapers for free at Metcalfe Park Rising, a small pocket park in the area. The Jewish Community Pantry welcomes all and has free emergency food for those in crisis, available for collection on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Metcalfe Park locals love spending time at Metcalfe Rising Park.
Metcalfe Park locals love spending time at Metcalfe Rising Park.
Metcalfe Community Center offers resources and programs for Metcalfe Park residents.
Metcalfe Community Center offers resources and programs for Metcalfe Park residents.
1/2

Choosing schools within walking distance

Milwaukee students can apply to any school in the district, regardless of the neighborhood in which they live. Many residents take advantage of this system to send their children to highly rated schools, and many families living in Metcalfe Park choose nearby schools so that their students can walk to class. Clarke Street School is rated a C-minus and teaches kindergarten through eighth grade at the neighborhood's eastern edge. Washington High School of Information Technology is less than a mile west and is rated a D-plus.

Clarke Street Elementary School is a public school in Milwaukee, WI.
Clarke Street Elementary School is a public school in Milwaukee, WI.
The hallowed halls of Washington High have seen many great successes.
The hallowed halls of Washington High have seen many great successes.
1/2

Crime

Metcalfe Park's overall Cap Index score is 6 out of 10, only two points above the national average. However, the neighborhood's violent crime rate is significantly higher than average.

Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Aylin Reyna
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Wengel Abiy
Video By
Wengel Abiy

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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 Tonya Thomsen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

20 min drive

Bus

North & N29

Bus

N35 & Clarke

Bus

Center & N30

Bus

North & N33

Bus

N35 & Meinecke

Bus

Fond Du Lac & N27

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Metcalfe Park US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$60,000
Median Single Family Price
$60,000
Median Townhouse Price
$64,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$44
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$60,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
495
Median Year Built
1910
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,392
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,070
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,684
Median Age
31
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
33.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$29,708
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,340

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
78.2%
College Graduates
5.7%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.4%
% Population in Labor Force
51.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
38''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

66 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

56 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Metcalfe Park neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
Metcalfe Park
Tonya Thomsen
Modern Realty Partners LLC
Section Image