A top Milwaukee suburban city with more room to spread out
Brookfield was once so small that Al Capone bought property there in the 1920s for its low population and police presence to hide one of his illegal distilleries. Since then, the city has grown to the point that space for new home construction is limited. Fortunately, "Brookfield has a minimum lot size for new builds, so no one is piled on top of one another," says John Klose Jr., broker and owner of Klose Realty LLC, who lives in the city. The city's over 40,000 residents take advantage of proximity to Milwaukee, employers in the surrounding county and an excellent public school system. Unlike nearby Milwaukee suburbs like Waukesha, West Allis and Wauwatosa, Brookfield homes have spacious, tree-filled backyards and wildlife. "There are woodpeckers in my yard all the time and deer passing through lawns," Klose says. "The Brookfield flag even has a deer on it."
Brookfield homes range from single-level condos to nearly $2 million custom mansions.
Proximity to downtown Milwaukee is a huge draw for Brookfield residents.
Niche calls Brookfield East High School the No. 1 high school in Wisconsin.
The Brookfield Flag flies proudly in front of the police department.
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Rising prices to match a high demand
Some townhouses, condos and multi-family homes are around the city, but the area is known for its seemingly endless and winding subdivisions of single-family homes. Colonial Revivals, Tudor Revivals, Modern Craftsman, New Traditional and sprawling raised ranch-style homes are popular designs. Prices range from $225,000 for smaller, older homes to $1.9 million for the largest homes in new subdivisions. The median price is $485,000, up 6% from the previous year, and sales average 19 days on the market, less than half the national average. According to Klose, "People can't really be first-time homebuyers in Brookfield because they are being priced out. But there are a lot of young professionals and young families here, usually on their second home."
Brookfield has seemingly endless winding subdivisions of single-family homes.
Colonial Revivals are a popular home style in Brookfield.
A newly built Tudor-Revival stands proudly in Brookfield.
Sprawling ranch-style homes have large yards throughout Brookfield.
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The best school district in Wisconsin
The Elmbrook School District is one of the city's biggest draws and main bragging points. "We have the best school district in the state, and it shocks people that our taxes are as low as they are," Klose says. The district and all but two of its schools receive overall A-plus grades on Niche, which also rates the district the best in Wisconsin. Daniel Ertl, director of communications for the City of Brookfield, says the "strong curriculum, retention of educators, continuity in administration and community support through foundations" account for the notoriety. A high level of education is prevalent throughout Brookfield, and 62% of residents are college graduates – almost twice the national average.
Niche calls Brookfield East High School the No. 1 high school in Wisconsin.
The Brookfield East Spartans football team rivals the Brookfield Central Lancers.
The beautiful stone signage of Brookfield Elementary school.
Wisconsin Hills Middle School provides public education in the neighborhood of
Brookfield.
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The Greenway Trail System keeps connecting the city's parks
Over 1,800 acres make up Brookfield's 25 parks, many connecting through the Greenway Trail System. "The city has a 20-year plan to connect each community with a bike path, and they're really doing it," Klose says. "I see them working on it all the time. You can hop on a bike and get just about anywhere in the city now." Mitchell Park is among the largest with over 400 acres with trails, Little League diamonds, an archery range and canoe access to the Fox River. Mitchell Park is also home to the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, a nonprofit and cultural hotspot that has welcomed locals to enjoy stage productions, concerts and art classes since 2002.
Events occur in the city's parks and plazas, including an Independence Day fair and parade and the German Holiday Market that includes a tree-lighting ceremony. During the winter, nine locations take advantage of snow and freezing temperatures with an ice-skating area and sledding.
Bike paths connect Brookfield's 25 parks.
On a summer night, the ball park in Mitchell Park is the place to be in Brookfield.
The Sharon Lynn Wilson Center in Brookfield features stages and studios for performances.
Brookfield families can have a blast at one of many ice arenas in the area.
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Commuting to West Allis, Waukesha and Milwaukee
Warehouses, offices, industrial parks and business centers are along the city's easternmost boundary, near the train yard. Most residents of Brookfield, however, work elsewhere. "It's all commuting around here," Klose says. "There's not a lot of industry in Brookfield, but there's plenty around it like in Milwaukee." Brookfield Medical Center and Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus are two large employers in the city. Waukesha and downtown Milwaukee are under 15 miles away via Interstate 94. "Local corporations in Waukesha and Waukesha County offer a wide range of opportunities from early career options to CEO opportunities," Ertl says. Waukesha operates the Waukesha Metro Transit, which has bus routes servicing Brookfield. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is the closest with scheduled flights and is 19 miles southeast.
Brookfield Medical Center employs thousands of Brookfield residents.
Residents of Brookfield can commute 20 minutes to Milwaukee and work for Komatsu Mining.
Milwaukee is under 15 miles away from Brookfield via Interstate 94.
Town of Lake is directly across the street from Milwaukee's Mitchell Airport.
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New businesses setting up shop along Bluemound Road
National chains and locally owned restaurants and retailers are throughout Brookfield, most prominently in and around Brookfield Square. Bluemound Road and the businesses around it, known locally as "Bluemound Corridor," have an ever-growing collection of places to visit. "Our taxes have actually gone down in recent years because so many businesses, restaurants and shops are funding our economy," Klose says. Grocery stores are in the area, and Waukesha and West Allis have additional dining and retail options on either side of the city.
Find the best shoe for you at Journeys in Brookfield.
Kopp's Custard features delicious desserts for Brookfield locals to enjoy.
Aldi in Brookfield is a great place to pick up some fresh produce.
Grab dinner from one of many food trucks and enjoy West Allis on a warm, summer night.
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Programs to keep the crime rates low
According to information provided by the FBI, Brookfield reports violent and property crimes at a significantly lower rate than the national average with property crimes about one-third of the national average and violent crimes less than one-fifth.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Brookfield, WI sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Brookfield, WI over the last 12 months is $491,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WOW! This beautifully updated, move right in, 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch w/a 2-car garage, located in a quiet Brookfield neighborhood, yet close to every convenience, including freeways, shopping & great nearby restaurants. Kinsey park across the street is a hidden gem, offering so many outdoor options! NEW roof on both the home & the garage, as well as new water heater, spell peace of mind for a
Charming Ranch with Expansive Yard! Welcome to this beautiful ranch home on a spacious lot with an oversized yard perfect for outdoor living, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Featuring 3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms upstairs and a half bath downstairs. Comes with first floor laundry as well! This home offers comfort, functionality, and room to grow. Don't miss your chance, come see it today!
Jay SchmidtKeller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore
Serene Ranch in Brookfield's Rolling Meadows Subdivision awaits you! Beautifully maintained and updated home with newer LG appliances in the kitchen. Hearth room features a NFP with a warming oven. LL includes a spacious rec room with dry bar/beverage cooler/cabinets and a half bath for your entertaining. Plenty of storage space in unfinished section of the LL. Home updates include LG
Don't miss this must-see, well maintained and tastefully updated mid-century modern ranch, nestled on almost a full acre in desirable Brookfield. At the heart of the home is a gorgeous Chef's Kitchen, seamlessly open to the living and dining areasperfect for everyday living and effortless entertaining. A sliding glass door leads to an expansive backyard, ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings
Welcome home to this adorable 3 bed, 1 bath home in Brookfield in Elmbrook School District! Main level includes spacious eat-in kitchen and sunlit living room. Upper level features extra living space with a 3rd bedroom, office, or game room. The concrete patio is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful, but manageable yard all summer long. This home features today's colors and neutral flooring
Improved price for this first floor open concept Condo with Wooded Views from your private back patio area. The open living space has a gas fireplace and looks into the eat-in kitchen. The primary Suite has wooded views and a large closet, just across from the 2nd bedroom. An attached garage and in unit laundry are added conveniences, along with a large extra storage room just off the foyer.
The neighborhood of tomorrow offers everyday needs within reach, without having to rely on a car to navigate locations for work, wellness, shopping, dining and entertainment. Restaurants and boutiques create a vibrant street life, all at the threshold of a wide selection of luxury living options. And with the Poplar Creek Preserve at your doorstep, biking, hiking and dog walking couldn't be
Wonderful Brookfield location, in the smaller, quiet development of Woodridge Condominiums. Ground floor, no steps convenience. Bright and light, 2 BR, 2 Bath unit, with all appliances, and attached one-car garage. Additional parking outside. ELMBROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT! Enjoy all the green space, woods, and wildlife! One year minimum lease. OWNER OFFERING! $500.00 off first month's rent.
Robin McCormickKeller Williams Realty-Lake Country
Sutter Creek offers a variety of spacious one, two and two bedroom + den apartment homes. Equipped with gourmet kitchens that come complete with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliance package, and two cabinet color schemes to choose from. You'll find 9 ft ceilings, brushed nickel fixtures, hard surface flooring and carpeted bedrooms, full size washer/dryers, walk-in closets, open living
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.
