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Town of Lake

Town of Lake

Suburban Neighborhood in Saint Francis, Wisconsin

Milwaukee County 53207, 53235

Neighborhood Reviews
5.0
$270,094 Average Value
$242 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Suburban living in south Milwaukee

The Town of Lake neighborhood was once a 30-square-mile agricultural town south of Milwaukee. But over about 100 years, the town was chipped away — annexed in sections by the city until the town was no more. Today, Town of Lake is one of several suburban neighborhoods that make up the Garden District. Buyers choose from mid-20th-century homes, and residents walk to parks and restaurants. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Milwaukee is particularly desirable to commuters. "I like to say that Town of Lake is five minutes away from everything," says Del Darga, a Milwaukee real estate broker and owner of Apex Realtors. "It's near the water, the airport is right next door and there are plenty of local businesses in the area."

Town of Lake is a tight-knit community in Milwaukee, WI.
Town of Lake is a tight-knit community in Milwaukee, WI.
A perfect Cape Cod-style home shines in Town of Lake.
A perfect Cape Cod-style home shines in Town of Lake.
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Ranch styles, Minimal Traditionals and Cape Cods

South Howell Avenue has bike lines and divides Town of Lake. The neighborhood is laid out in a grid pattern with sidewalks, well-maintained lawns and mature trees. "This area is called the Garden District for a reason," says Dawn Riegel of the Garden District Neighborhood Association. "People take real pride in their yards, and we are always giving plants away to encourage residents to beautify the area.” Most homes include detached garages with private driveways or alleyways, and there is also ample street parking. Houses were built between the 1920s and '50s, and architectural styles include ranch, Minimal Traditional and Cape Cods. Prices range from $200,000 for single-story homes to $385,000 for two-story homes.

This classic brick home looks charming under a blue sky on a summer day.
This classic brick home looks charming under a blue sky on a summer day.
Rows of homes and garages are bookended by green lawns.
Rows of homes and garages are bookended by green lawns.
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Whittier Elementary, Burdick School, Bay View High and more

Because of Wisconsin's school choice policy, parents apply to send their children to schools throughout Milwaukee. John Greenleaf Whittier Elementary in the neighborhood's western section, within walking distance for most residents. The elementary school has a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus Niche rating. The Burdick School is on the neighborhood's east side, also within walking distance for many students. The C-minus Niche-rated public school teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade. Children learn about gardening using the school's greenhouse, and students participate in forensics and book clubs. Some students move on to the C-minus Niche-rated Bay View High, which offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum. The high school's ninth-grade students enroll in the freshman academy, a program where teachers help facilitate students' transitions from middle to high school. Two miles southwest of the neighborhood, Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School is the district's only International Baccalaureate School. It receives an A Niche rating, and students must pass an admissions exam to attend.

Burdick School 2
Burdick School 2
Whittier School is a lovely place for Milwaukee youngsters.
Whittier School is a lovely place for Milwaukee youngsters.
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The Packing House, Clock Bar & Grill and retail shopping

There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the neighborhood. A cluster of eateries lines Layton Avenue just west of Mitchell Airport Park. In Plane View is a pub that serves fried fish and burgers, and lives up to its name with large windows and an outdoor patio where patrons can watch airplanes take off. There are also flatscreen TVs usually showing sporting events. Open since 1974, The Packing House is a supper club with award-winning steak dishes, cocktails and live jazz. The business maintains a classy atmosphere with white tablecloths and a warmly lit wood-furnished interior. Their Friday fish fry includes a drive-up, cash-only window. Other options line South Howell Avenue, like Hawthorne Coffee, serving caffeinated brews and breakfast fare out of a renovated bowling alley. Built in 1903, On the Clock Bar & Grill serves wings, sandwiches and mixed drinks under classic neon beer signs. There are several chain restaurants on the neighborhood's southwest corner along Layton Avenue, including KFC, Dunkin' and Golden Corral. For shopping and groceries, residents drive 2 miles north to a Piggly Wiggly and a Target or head 3 miles west to Point Loomis Shopping Center, which has a Walmart, Ross, and Marshalls. Larger malls and a wider variety of restaurants are available in the heart of Milwaukee, 9 miles away.

The Packing House is a Milwaukee institution in Town of Lake.
The Packing House is a Milwaukee institution in Town of Lake.
The Loomis Shopping Center is 5 minutes from Town of Lake.
The Loomis Shopping Center is 5 minutes from Town of Lake.
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Mitchell Airport Park, Bradford Beach and more

Mitchell Airport Park has a playground and grassy expanse popular for watching the airplanes take off within walking distance on Town of Lake's eastern side. The city is in the process of removing the park's playground equipment, which was built in 1995, and replacing it with two ADA-compliant playsets and a swing set. Immediately south of the park, along Layton Avenue, there is an observation area for aviation enthusiasts to watch planes take off and land. Just northwest of the interstates, the Garden District Community Garden has rentable garden plots. In warmer weather, residents enjoy taking the 8-mile drive up to Bradford Beach to relax on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Less than 6 miles southeast of the neighborhood, the 381-acre Grant Park also borders the lake and has an 18-hole golf course as well as miles of hiking trails.

Watch the planes take off from Mitchell Airport Park in Town of Lake.
Watch the planes take off from Mitchell Airport Park in Town of Lake.
Take a walk on Grant Beach near Town of Lake.
Take a walk on Grant Beach near Town of Lake.
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Holiday lights at the community gardens

The Garden District Neighborhood Association hosts events mostly at the Garden District Community Garden, which is within walking distance of the Town of Lake. These events include holiday celebrations, movies in the garden and plant sales. The biggest event is in December, when the garden is decked out in holiday lights, creating a walkable winter wonderland. In the summer at Humbolt Park, 2 miles north, locals gather every Tuesday to hear live music. Residents are also only 9 miles from events held in Milwaukee's city center, like Summerfest, an annual music festival that attracts up to 800,000 people annually. In 2024, the lineup included acclaimed musicians like Carly Rae Jepsen, Lil Uzi Vert, Maroon 5, Lil Yachty and Tyler Childers. Milwaukee residents are also passionate about the city's sports teams. The Bucks play basketball at Fiserv Forum, just over 7 miles north of the neighborhood, and the Brewers play baseball games at American Family Field, less than 9 miles northwest of the neighborhood. Pabst Theater is located downtown and hosts touring comedians and musicians.

There is work to be done in every season at the community garden in Town of Lake.
There is work to be done in every season at the community garden in Town of Lake.
There is always something blooming at the community garden in Town of Lake.
There is always something blooming at the community garden in Town of Lake.
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Just north of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Interstates 43 and 94 run across the neighborhood's northwest corner, providing access to the city center, 9 miles north. The Milwaukee County Transit System GreenLine passes through Town of Lake along South Howell Avenue. The bus system offers direct access to the city center and the airport. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport connects residents to anywhere in the world, but not without some cost. "The neighborhood's location between highways and the airport means it's not what I would call quiet living," Darga says. "But the noise level is not that noticeable in daily life, and there's a real sense of being connected to everything." Residents can catch the Amtrak at South Milwaukee Station, about 6 miles southeast of the neighborhood, via South Howell and East Rawson avenues. In case of emergencies, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is less than 4 miles northwest of the neighborhood. It is the only hospital in Wisconsin with a 24/7 on-site heart care team, and "U.S. News & World Report" names it the top hospital in southeastern Wisconsin.

The sign in front of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is surrounded by green space.
The sign in front of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is surrounded by green space.
A view of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport under a blue sky.
A view of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport under a blue sky.
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William Palicia
Written By
William Palicia
Hayley McCormick
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Ryen Harris
Video By
Ryen Harris

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 Darchell Rauter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

5 min drive

Bus

Layton & W204

Bus

Brust & S4551

Bus

Howell & Bolivar

Bus

Layton & S6

Bus

Howell & Van Norman

Bus

Layton & Pine

Bus

Howell & Layton

Reviews

Niche Reviews
5.0 2 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
6/6/2019 Niche Review
Great neighbors and local businesses. The community has had a great outreach event recently called "Howl on Howell" which really made me feel more connected with the community. My favorite business in the area is Second Hand Purrs Cat Shelter. I love that we have a no kill shelter in the neighborhood and love volunteering to help the cats.
Are you familiar with the Town of Lake neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Town of Lake US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 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

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$272,000
Median Single Family Price
$270,000
Median Townhouse Price
$325,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$242
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
78
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$272,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,874
Median Year Built
1949
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,177
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,959
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
956
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

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 Darchell Rauter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,959
Median Age
41
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,115
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,819

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.9%
College Graduates
29.5%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
% Population in Labor Force
70.6%
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

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

51 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

42 / 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
Town of Lake