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
Sean Lentz,
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.
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On average, homes in Brookfield, WI sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Brookfield, WI over the last 12 months is $495,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bright, beautifully maintained 2-bed, 2.5-bath condo with an attached garage and a finished lower level perfect blend of comfort and convenience! Enjoy an open-concept living and dining area, a primary suite with an ensuite bath, and a peaceful outdoor deck made for relaxing or entertaining. Located in desirable Brookfield within the Elmbrook School District. Welcome home!
This classic rambler ranch has low maintenance brick & vinyl siding with a large backyard & patio for family fun & entertaining. Value priced, this 4-bedroom home is ready for a new owner to make it sparkle! The step-saving kitchen has oak cabinets, stainless appliances & oak wood floor. The living room with a large picture window also features a natural fireplace. All bedrooms have parquet wood
Homes in Arrowhead Lake Estates don't come along often & you'll see why! Privacy, beautiful lake, park & tennis courts all conveniently located near fabulous schools & shopping make this a very special retreat. Mid-century flare greets you at the front door & continues to the sun drenched Living Room w/NFP. Chef sized eat-in Kitchen & comfy Dining Room are perfect for entertaining friends and
Rare 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Stone Ranch on almost an acre in the heart of Brookfield! Beautifully updated and incredible lot w/ Inground Pool for Summer Fun. Mid Century Modern Contemporary with walls of windows, HWF's and open floor plan. New custom white Kitchen w/ Quartz, CT, SS appliances. Large LR w/ corner NFP plus Formal DR. 2 Bedrooms w/ updated Bath and 3rd BR doubles as Officew/ BIBC.
Beautiful 1st Floor Ranch unit with 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths. Open concept floor plan! Big Kitchen with raised snack Bar, Granite counters, Stainless Steel appliances and Ceramic Tile. Open to Dining Rm and Great RM with GFP and patio doors to Private Patio and Treelined backyard. Primary Suite w/ Walk in closet and private Bath. 2BR and 2nd Bath w/ SOT. In unit Laundry. Attached 1.5 Car
This is the one Brookfield home that checks every box. Nearly 2 acres, 2,700 sq ft on the main floor, and expansion potential below. A huge primary suite with spa bath, a walk-in pantry that's truly oversized, plus a mudroom/laundry with locker baysfeatures you won't find anywhere else at this price. Expanded and rebuilt in 2005, it offers the comfort of ''new'' with timeless design. Peace,
Live. Work. Thrive.Welcome to the Flats at Bishop's Woods, your Pathway to Elevated Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Be the first to enjoy luxury affordable housing featuring smoke-free, pet-friendly 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes, some with private entrances. Unique to the Flats are a limited number of "Live-Work" units suitable for those who work from home and need an in-home office with
Well maintained Brookfield Cape Cod with fantastic room sizes. Hardwood floors throughout main floor with granite countertops and new refrigerator. Fantastic centralized location close to everything.
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 couldnt be more
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
