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Polonia

Polonia

Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County 53207, 53215

$205,253 Average Value
$137 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A diverse community on Milwaukee's South Side

About 3 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Polonia got its name from the many Polish immigrants who called it home during the 1800s and 1900s. Today, it’s developed into one of Milwaukee’s most diverse communities. “Historically, Milwaukee is one of the most segregated cities in the country,” says Ricky Heldt, a Polonia Neighborhood Association member and 15-year resident. Conversely, Polonia has “people that are African American, people that are Latino and people that are Caucasian all living in the same neighborhood together.” Heldt adds that the neighborhood’s location near Bay View, between downtown and the airport, adds to its appeal.

The Polonia neighborhood is a festive melting pot of diversity.
The Polonia neighborhood is a festive melting pot of diversity.
At Attari Supermarket in Polonia you can find Middle Eastern, Indo-Pak & Turkish Foods.
At Attari Supermarket in Polonia you can find Middle Eastern, Indo-Pak & Turkish Foods.
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From Polish butcher shops to Latin-American bakeries

Polonia is part of Milwaukee’s Crisol Corridor, a business improvement district with a diverse collection of shops and restaurants. The neighborhood’s international character is on display on the centrally located South 13th Street. “You could go to a Polish butcher shop, an Indian grocery store, a Mexican grocery store, so many different Latin-American bakeries — all within a few blocks of each other,” Heldt says. Among the local offerings is Taqueria Arandas, home to what some consider Milwaukee’s best tacos. Groceries are available at international retailers like Monterrey Market and Attari Supermarket; other day-to-day needs are available across the street at Family Dollar. Nightlife options in Polonia include downhome-style bars like Nick’s Anvil Inn and Brown’s Place. “Bars that have been boarded up for years are now being renovated into restaurants and cafés,” Heldts adds.

Stop into Wioletta's Polish Market, near Polonia to pick up Polish treats.
Stop into Wioletta's Polish Market, near Polonia to pick up Polish treats.
The smells from the El Rey bakery, near Polonia, will bring your in from outside
The smells from the El Rey bakery, near Polonia, will bring your in from outside
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Blocks and blocks of bungalows and duplexes

Bay View’s increasing property values have recently drawn many Milwaukee homebuyers to Polonia. “The houses are selling fast and getting all revitalized,” Heldt says. Many Polonia homes were built in the early 20th century when Polish immigrants settled en masse (hence the neighborhood’s name). Alleys with detached garages and sheds flank virtually every property, while sidewalks line the front yards. Bungalows dominate the single-family housing stock, while wood-framed duplexes also appear frequently. Less common detached home styles include Craftsman, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes. Single-family homes start at around $70,000, which could buy a three-bedroom fixer-upper bungalow on an overgrown lot. Turnkey houses range from $130,000 for two bedrooms to $230,000 for an updated three-bedroom home. Meanwhile, duplexes can cost between $100,000 and $350,000, depending on upkeep and size.

Bungalows are the most common type of single-family home in Polonia.
Bungalows are the most common type of single-family home in Polonia.
Spacious Duplexes are an affordable option in the Polonia neighborhood.
Spacious Duplexes are an affordable option in the Polonia neighborhood.
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The future home of Polonia Peace Park

Many Polonia residents can easily walk to robust green spaces and recreation spots. Pulaski Park to the northwest fills 26 acres with winding trails, sports facilities, a sledding hill and an indoor pool with diving boards. About half a mile south of Pulaski Park is the 20-acre Kinnickinnic Sports Center. This 20-acre space features two baseball diamonds and a pair of basketball courts. It also hosts youth flag football in the fall and connects to the 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail system. The Polonia Neighborhood Association expects to open Polonia Peace Park in the neighborhood’s north-central section in July 2024. According to Heldt, it will span five grassy lots where locals will host yoga and tai chi classes, among other community events.

Three public schools within a few blocks

Clement J. Zablocki School operates in Polonia’s southern section, accommodating kindergarten through fifth grade. It welcomes about 330 students and has a C-minus from Niche. Morgandale School — less than 1 mile south — also has a C-minus and enrolls around 500 K-8 students. The neighborhood is just east of Casimir Pulaski High School, which has a C from Niche. Over 900 teens attending Pulaski High can enroll in its International Baccalaureate curriculum and its automotive trade program. Another Milwaukee Public Schools location in the neighborhood, Grandview High School, accommodates teens at risk of not graduating high school.

Morgandale is a K-8 public school in the Polonia neighborhood.
Morgandale is a K-8 public school in the Polonia neighborhood.
Polonia is just east of Casimir Pulaski High School.
Polonia is just east of Casimir Pulaski High School.
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Downtown commutes via bus and I-94

The Milwaukee County Transit System services bus stops along Polonia’s most prominent streets. Interstate 94 runs alongside the neighborhood to the east, offering a quick drive north to downtown Milwaukee. Employees of Ascension St. Francis Hospital are within blocks of work. Travelers are also about 4 miles from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

I-94 will take you from Polonia to downtown Milwaukee in minutes.
I-94 will take you from Polonia to downtown Milwaukee in minutes.
Hop on the 15 from Polonia and be in downtown Milwaukee in 15 minutes.
Hop on the 15 from Polonia and be in downtown Milwaukee in 15 minutes.
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Polonia's puddle-prone pockets

According to Risk Factor, a few streets in Polonia’s southeast section are at a high risk of flooding. Noise levels in the neighborhood are moderate to high, with the most activity occurring along Oklahoma Avenue to the south.

John Battiston
Written By
John Battiston
Hayley McCormick
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Marcus Rosendoll
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll

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 Jennifer Luna, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

11 min drive

Bus

S13 & Dakota

Bus

S6 & Oklahoma

Bus

S6 & Rosedale

Bus

S20 & Oklahoma

Bus

S13 & Manitoba

Bus

S6 & Dakota

Bus

S13 & Oklahoma

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Polonia US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$225,000
Median Single Family Price
$194,000
Median Townhouse Price
$235,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$139,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$137
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
21
Months of Supply
1.10
Median List Price
$222,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,090
Median Year Built
1921
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,240
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,881
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
897
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,487
Median Age
31
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,367
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,207

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
69.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

66 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

78 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

48 / 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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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
Polonia
Jennifer Luna
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