Cream City is one of the oldest major metropolitan areas in the country, and that means that it comes with a lot of local, historic flavor. Boasting both luxurious modern developments and historic landmarks, Milwaukee has a little bit of everything. In fact, in early 2017, the city placed in the top three for up-and-coming cities in the U.S. — and young professionals are enjoying the benefits and seeking apartments, condos, and townhouses for rent in Milwaukee. If you’re a YP in Milwaukee, here’s where you should focus your apartments search to make sure you land a rental in a spot with tons to offer.
Murray Hill
Just a few blocks south of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee campus on the city’s east side, Murray Hill is popular with young professionals and students alike. Its western boundary brushes Riverside Park, plugging you into the Oak Leaf Trail, a 118-mile collection of loops and tours of some of the most scenic and green parks in the city. In addition to the easy access to recreation, Murray Hill is also bordered by North Avenue, which is one of the area’s main drags for nightlife and eateries.
Riverwest
Across the Milwaukee river from Murray Hill — and spanning a swath of the riverfront — is Riverwest, one of the most tight-knit communities the city has to offer. With a neighborhood bar on nearly every corner and ready access to farm-fresh food by means of co-ops and restaurants, Riverwest was named one of the best neighborhoods in the country for . Riddled with eclectic shops and cafes, this area draws artists and creative types, fueling a youthful, friendly, and energetic atmosphere.
Historic Third Ward
The home of the beloved Milwaukee Public Market and the center of Milwaukee’s arts and fashion scene, the Historic Third Ward is on the southeastern edge of downtown. Nestled near the confluence of the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers and Lake Michigan, the Third Ward is filled with unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and apartment buildings that take advantage of the bounty of waterfront property. Enjoy modern American fare at Water Buffalo, in a renovated warehouse space, and then head down the street for a cup of artisan coffee at Kickapoo — in that three-minute walk, you’ll pass a half-dozen galleries.
Walker’s Point
Bordered by the Kinnickinnic River on the east and Mitchell Park — home to the ever-popular Mitchell Park Domes — Walker’s Point has its roots in the fur trade, so it’s one of the oldest distinct areas of Milwaukee. Many of the area’s restaurants and shops have a Latin flavor, and it’s also a hotbed for LGBTQ nightlife, leading to one of the most diverse atmospheres in the city.
Bay View
Often described as Riverwest for an older crowd, Bay View is south of downtown and spans miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. It used to be a core for worker’s rights activities, and there are still hints of the area’s industrial past, such as at popular watering hole Frank’s Power Plant. If you stick on Kinnickinnic Avenue, you’ll pass dozens of tempting local cocktail stops — such as Tonic Tavern, the Vanguard, and Frank’s — and restaurants — such as Cafe Centraal, Cafe LuLu, and Honeypie, which is a cousin to the east side’s widely renowned Comet Cafe.
