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Riverwest

Riverwest

Urban Pioneer Neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County 53212

Neighborhood Reviews
4.8
$278,171 Average Value
$206 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

Building a front porch, know-one-another type of community

Riverwest is a centrally located neighborhood where weekends are noisy with activity, and residents feel connected by a shared identity and the love of the Milwaukee River flowing nearby. Historically, Riverwest has been an immigrant community, factory town, counterculture hotspot and the center of the area's civil rights movement. Today, the neighborhood blends a thriving artistic scene with intimate restaurants, community events and shared ideals. "Riverwestians are holding to the front porch, know your neighbors and build a community type of atmosphere," says neighborhood resident Zac Higgins. Because of its many attractions and contagious energy, Riverwest has become one of Milwaukee's most densely populated neighborhoods. "But with that close living comes an energy that's palpable," says Peter Adams, a lifelong Milwaukee resident and local realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. "This is a bustling neighborhood; it's not the suburbs."

Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a history of arts and is a hub for restaurants and breweries.
Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a history of arts and is a hub for restaurants and breweries.
Many cafes are available in Riverwest such as the Riverwest Co-Op café.
Many cafes are available in Riverwest such as the Riverwest Co-Op café.
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Energized and brought together by the Milwaukee River

Riverwest got its name by occupying the stretch of land just west of the Milwaukee River. Just as it shaped the neighborhood's name, the river also shapes its community. Many waterside parks connect via the Oak Leaf Trail, a 135-mile paved multi-use trail that meanders around the city. Kern Park and Gordon Park have sports courts, fields and play equipment, but it's the trails that run along the water that stand out. "I walk along the river every day," says Phoebe Odegaard, a Riverwest resident. "I run into people I know on the trail all the time and make new friends on my walks, too." For a stretch of the Milwaukee River Greenway that runs through Riverwest, no manmade structures are visible, and those kayaking, canoeing or hiking in the area are "transported into the wilderness," Higgins says. "You're not in Milwaukee while on that trail." Deer, birds and rabbits are often on the trail, and hiking boots are encouraged for anyone trekking after heavy rain and flooding. The neighborhood has a big canine community, and many owners enjoy letting their dogs run loose at the aptly named Roverwest Dog Park.

Roverwest Dog Park in Riverwest is where Milwaukee residents take their furry friends for fun.
Roverwest Dog Park in Riverwest is where Milwaukee residents take their furry friends for fun.
Bring your best friend to Roverwest Dog Park in Riverwest.
Bring your best friend to Roverwest Dog Park in Riverwest.
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Supporting local businesses and local artists

Known for its creative and energetic residents, Riverwest has a stock of gathering places like cozy coffee shops, quirky bars and breweries. "When you have freezing winters, you have to find a way to huddle together and share your warmth somewhere indoors," Higgins says. Art Bar is just as it sounds – a bar that highlights art. Whether that art comes in the form of poetry readings, live music or paintings hanging on the walls, the collection is as much a mishmash as the patrons that swing by. Colectivo Coffee helps to keep the energy high. The coffee shop started in Riverwest before expanding to multiple locations throughout the city. Students and young professionals work on laptops in the dining section, which opens to the area with industrial-sized roasters. Pick 'n Save is in the southern part of the neighborhood, while Walmart, Aldi and Dollar Tree are north along Capitol Drive. Unsurprisingly, many residents support local shops and do their grocery shopping (and even volunteer at) the vegan-friendly Riverwest Co-Op Grocery. Shopping at the small market is as much a social outing as it is an errand.

Company Brewing in Riverwest houses a brewery, restaurant, live music venue and event space.
Company Brewing in Riverwest houses a brewery, restaurant, live music venue and event space.
Locals in Riverwest can enjoy wine and live music at Bar Centro in Milwaukee, WI.
Locals in Riverwest can enjoy wine and live music at Bar Centro in Milwaukee, WI.
Gathering Place Brewery is another great option RIverwest has available for its locals.
Gathering Place Brewery is another great option RIverwest has available for its locals.
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From strangers to friends at Riverwest 24

Weekends are full of energy between live music at local watering holes, art shows at restaurants and clubs gathering in the parks. The event that brings the community together the most is Riverwest 24. Whether participants are volunteers, spectators or team members, or decide to brave the 24-hour bike race alone, this annual summer event unites the whole neighborhood. "The amount of community spirit that comes out for Riverwest 24 is unbelievable," Adams says. "Streets shut down for all-night block parties, people come from around the country to watch, and participants get bonus points for getting tattoos or doing theatrical stunts during the race." The event began in 2007 and encourages new friendships, connections, and neighborhood discovery. When signing up, bikers can be part of a "Perfect Stranger" team and connect with another solo rider they don't know. Locals looking for more frequent events can check fliers on coffee shop bulletin boards or join the noisy Riverwest Facebook page, where they'll find events like street fairs and the Locust Street Beer Run, which has mandatory drinking spots along the course.

The Daily Bird Coffee shop is a local favorite for Riverwest residents in Milwaukee, WI.
The Daily Bird Coffee shop is a local favorite for Riverwest residents in Milwaukee, WI.
Colorful and vibrant neighborhood signage can be found throughout the Riverwest community.
Colorful and vibrant neighborhood signage can be found throughout the Riverwest community.
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Houses as tight as the community

Except for a few mid-century builds and modern homes that have been built on older lots, houses are from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Single-family bungalows, Victorian cottages and small Colonial Revivals sell between $100,000 and $525,000, but most sit around the median price of $260,000. Multi-family homes and duplexes are in a similar price range as single-family homes, from $150,000 for a small duplex cottage to $400,000 for a Queen Anne Victorian four-unit property with off-street parking spots. Most of the lots have similar features: steps leading right out to the sidewalk and backyards with detached garages accessible via alleyway. Lots are small, averaging less than one-tenth an acre. "Most of the houses in Riverwest are so close together that the windows look right into each other," Odegaard says. "The bedrooms, if they're in the middle of the house, don't get much natural light." The condos are at the neighborhood's southern end, across the river from Lower East Side. Units in brick Colonial-inspired buildings sell for $120,000, while contemporary and modern units along the Riverwalk reach upwards of $600,000.

Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a section of newly developed riverfront condos.
Riverwest in Milwaukee, WI has a section of newly developed riverfront condos.
Single family homes sit on beautiful well maintained lawns in Riverwest located in Milwaukee.
Single family homes sit on beautiful well maintained lawns in Riverwest located in Milwaukee.
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Walking and biking are encouraged

North Holton Street and North Humboldt Boulevard are Riverwests's two main roads, heading north and south and across the Milwaukee River into the city's downtown area. Capitol Drive has on-ramps to Interstate 43, a main connective freeway of eastern Wisconsin. While the neighborhood is accessible by car, "There is a big community ethos or that you should walk or bike instead of drive," says Riverwest resident Marlo-Aaron Yelk. "Riverwest feels like one of the last walkable areas of Milwaukee, so we take advantage of that." The neighborhood has designated bike lanes and other lanes where drivers share the road with cyclists. Biking along the area's paved paths is welcomed and encouraged, and it's rare to see a bike rack with any space free from locked-up bicycles. More than 25 bus stops are in the neighborhood and along its borders, heading in every direction, including southeast to Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital - Milwaukee Campus. With so many ways to get around without personal vehicles, many residents choose not to own cars. However, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is less than 15 miles away for longer trips.

The Milwaukee public bus system runs throughout the Riverwest neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI.
The Milwaukee public bus system runs throughout the Riverwest neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI.
The Oak Leaf and Beerline trail help make Riverwest a great place for commuters.
The Oak Leaf and Beerline trail help make Riverwest a great place for commuters.
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Learning a new language through immersion

Students living in Riverwest are in the Milwaukee Public Schools district, which offers school of choice. Nearby options include Riverwest Elementary School and Fratney Elementary School, which teach prekindergarten through fifth grade and receive a score of C-minus by Niche. Fratney Elementary School, or La Escuela Fratney, focuses on multiculturalism. English-speaking students learn Spanish, and Spanish-speaking students learn English through the dual-language immersion program. Rufus King International Middle School is nearby and receives a C-minus score. Riverside High School is across the Milwaukee River in Riverside Park and rated a C. More advanced placement and honors classes are taught at Riverside than any other Milwaukee Public Schools area high school. Two private, faith-based schools are in the neighborhood: Messmer Saint Mary Preparatory School and St. Philip's Lutheran School.

Riverwest Gaenslen Elementary Entryway is welcoming to all students.
Riverwest Gaenslen Elementary Entryway is welcoming to all students.
Parents in Riverwest can send their kids to Carmen Middle/High School of Science and Technology.
Parents in Riverwest can send their kids to Carmen Middle/High School of Science and Technology.
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Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Richard Ebbers
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Zoe Sarris
Video By
Zoe Sarris

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 William Lauer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

20 min drive

Bus

Humboldt & Singer

Bus

Holton & Center

Bus

Humboldt & Burleigh

Bus

Humboldt & North

Bus

Locust & Bremen

Bus

Humboldt & Capitol

Bus

Humboldt & Garfield

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.8 4 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
3/22/2018 Niche Review
Riverwest is a thriving, diverse, affordable neighborhood less than 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. There are ample opportunities for nightlife, creative pursuits, and healthy living, and residents are devoted to maintaining a close-knit community.
Are you familiar with the Riverwest neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Riverwest US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$282,500
Median Single Family Price
$283,000
Median Townhouse Price
$297,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$298,700
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$240,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$206
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
115
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$290,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,579
Median Year Built
1909
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,351
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,119
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,300
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    528 E Glover Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212

    $425,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,606 Sq Ft
    • 528 E Glover Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a Glover Ave home with truly unparalleled city and river views!! With a finished room in the basement and lofted 3rd floor, you have sweeping, priceless views across four floors! Just steps from Kadish Park and Brady Street, this location cannot be beat. Private fenced yard is ideal for entertaining. Maintenance free siding with precious off street parking

    Paul McKenna McKenna Real Estate LLC

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    528 E Glover Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212

    $425,000

    • 2,606 Sq Ft
    • 528 E Glover Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a Glover Ave home with truly unparalleled city and river views!! With a finished room in the basement and lofted 3rd floor, you have sweeping, priceless views across four floors! Just steps from Kadish Park and Brady Street, this location cannot be beat. Private fenced yard is ideal for entertaining. Maintenance free siding with precious off street parking

    Paul McKenna McKenna Real Estate LLC

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 2:30pm

    1902 N Commerce St Unit 110, Milwaukee, WI 53212

    $349,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 961 Sq Ft
    • 1902 N Commerce St
    • Unit 110
    • New 17 days ago

    Welcome to The Edge, a stunning riverfront condo with breathtaking downtown views! This 1BR/1BA unit features floor-to-ceiling windows for abundant natural lighting and a rare, sprawling 28x20 private patio. The updated kitchen and bath features white cabinetry and granite countertops, while the spacious bedroom offers water views and a walk-in closet. Custom sliding barn doors, Restoration

    Brittany Sprinkman Keller Williams-MNS Wauwatosa

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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 William Lauer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
10,978
Median Age
35
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,666
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,202

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.3%
College Graduates
46.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.1%
% Population in Labor Force
75.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

97 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

55 / 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

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
Riverwest