With numerous parks, museums, restaurants, bars and entertainment hubs squeezed into just over half a square mile, East Town presents the most bustling and exciting version of Milwaukee city life. This neighborhood between Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River is also called Juneau Town after Solomon Juneau, one of Milwaukee’s founding citizens. Over 7,200 Milwaukeeans live there today. “It feels very urban, but it brings you down to the level of the water and brings you closer to nature,” says former East Town resident and Milwaukee Economic Development Specialist Alyssa Remington.
Skyscrapers reflect the sunset in East Town.
Juneau Park and Veterans Park sit side-by-side near Lake Michigan in East Town.
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Some of Milwaukee's best nightlife
Perhaps the best part of living in East Town is having some of Milwaukee’s best food, drinks, public spaces and events within easy walking distance. Water Street runs north to south in the western section of the neighborhood and is one of the city’s major hubs for nightlife. It features eateries like local favorite AJ Bombers, where famous menu items like the Milwaukee Burger arrive at tables via miniature bomber aircraft. Café at the Plaza lets customers enjoy an elegant breakfast or lunch against the backdrop of an ivy-covered courtyard or an art deco-laden dining room from the 1920s. The restaurant has maintained its appearance for the past century, including its original countertop and chairs. Farther east is Harbor House, best known for its seafood items, brunch buffets and Lake Michigan views. Residents can walk to grab groceries at neighborhood supermarkets like Metro Market.
Enjoy the nightlife on Water Street in East Town.
Come to The Swingin' Door Exchange in East Town for lunch or before a show downtown.
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Lake Michigan and Milwaukee River views
The Milwaukee River runs alongside East Town to the west and is flanked by the Milwaukee RiverWalk. This public path offers up-close water views while connecting some of the neighborhood’s most iconic hotspots. “The Riverwalk was how I got to work every day,” Remington says. “It’s calm, but at the same time, you still feel like you’re in the mix.” About a half dozen parks can be found around East Town, including Cathedral Square Park at the heart of the neighborhood. During the summers, it hosts the Jazz in the Park program every Thursday night, featuring local food and drink vendors and dance-friendly jazz performances. Veterans Park is the largest green space in the area and offers up-close views of the Lake Michigan shoreline, fishing spots and a sailing school. Several museums also operate in East Town, though none are as iconic as the Milwaukee Art Museum. Whether for the stunning architecture, the well-maintained Cudahy Gardens or the extensive collection of paintings by Wisconsin’s own Georgia O’Keeffe, design lovers of all kinds enjoy spending hours here.
Rowboaters often navigate the Milwaukee River alongside East Town.
East Towns own Bronze Fonz is always up for a selfie.
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Live music, comedy, theater and more
East Town is home to a thriving theater district. Venues include the historic Pabst Theater, an 1800s playhouse where musicians and other artists perform under a crystal chandelier. Legendary ventriloquist Jeff Dunham even recorded a comedy special there. A few blocks north, Red Rock Saloon welcomes local and national country and rock acts and invites patrons to ride a mechanical bull.
The historic Pabst Theater has been an East Town landmark since the 1800s.
An artist performs for visitors to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
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From 1800s houses to high-rise condos
Property in East Town doesn’t run cheap, especially in high-rise condominium developments. The closer to Lake Michigan, the better the view — and the higher the price tag. Full-floor condos in luxury buildings like Kilbourn Tower Condominiums can cost over $3 million for four bedrooms and 7,000 square feet. Less expensive properties include studio condos under $100,000 in The Knickerbocker on the Lake, a circa-1929 hotel. The average property is valued in the high $400,000s, which might buy a two-bedroom, 25th-floor condo nearing 1,800 square feet. Detached homes and townhouses are less common than elsewhere in Milwaukee. However, homebuyers can still find some that have stood since the 19th century. These mostly feature Tudor, Victorian and Italianate architecture and generally range from $300,000 to $700,000.
A few lovely homes in East Town neighborhood.
The Breakwater Condominiums in East Town have views of the lake and Burns Commons Park.
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Public and charter schools within blocks
Milwaukee Public Schools operates several schools in and near East Town with application-based enrollment. The nearest elementary school, Cass Street School, is about three blocks north and has a C-minus from Niche. Middle-school students can walk or bike to the centrally located Lincoln Center of the Arts, which is also rated a C-minus. Also in the neighborhood is Tenor High School, rated a C-plus. This charter school offers free senior-year enrollment in Milwaukee Area Technical College, which is a few blocks northwest. Another nearby upper-grade option is the public Golda Meir School, whose Upper Campus accommodates grades six through 12. Niche gives it an A-minus and calls it Wisconsin’s fourth-best magnet high school.
Cass Street School on the Lower East Side has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
Golda Mier School, located in Halyard Park, serves grades 3-12 and receives an A- from Niche.
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Walkable to downtown workplaces
East Town has a Walk Score of 93 out of 100; nearly ¼ of residents walk to work. The neighborhood also features several light rail stations and is immediately north of Interstate 794.
Residents of East Town are able
to enjoy walkable streets.
The Hop runs through the East Town neighborhood making stops at Milwaukee's attractions.
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Lower crime risk than other downtown neighborhoods
CAP Index says East Town is at a slightly higher risk of crime than the U.S. average, with an overall Crime Score of 6 out of 10. Larceny is the most likely criminal activity in the area. However, neighboring communities like the Historic Third Ward and Westown have higher Crime Scores.
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Completely refreshed... top to bottom! Live the East Side lakefront lifestyle in this spacious 2-bedroom + den, 2-bath home at Lake Bluff Condominiums. With 1,474 sq ft, this unit features Lake Michigan views from the living room, den and primary suite. Highlights include new wood flooring throughout main living areas and den with new carpet in bedrooms and fresh paint throughout. Other features
Soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown Milwaukee from this 12th-floor luxury penthouse in the historic Blatz Brewery Building. Enjoy an open layout with plank flooring, new hypoallergenic carpet in the primary suite, and ceiling fans in the living room and bedrooms. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite breakfast bar, pantry, and new in-unit washer/dryer. The primary
Embrace elevated downtown living at the prestigious Breakwater. This 10th-floor 1BR, 1.5BA residence offers breathtaking views of the Milwaukee skyline. The open-concept layout features a spacious kitchen with an expansive breakfast bar, flowing seamlessly into the bright living area and out to a private balconyperfect for entertaining or relaxing above the city. The serene bedroom includes a
Jay SchmidtKeller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore
Experience true urban charm in this stunning 1 bed, 1 bath condo located in one of Milwaukee's most iconic historic buildings. Bursting with character, this open-concept unit features exposed Cream City brick, soaring lofted ceilings, original timber beams, and oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. Enjoy a vibrant city lifestyle in a prime downtown locationjust blocks from
Simply stunning downtown condo. Historical Van Buren City Lofts, 4th floor with amazing corner views! Lovely private foyer area, perfect to welcome guests. Gorgeous open floor plan. Beautiful kitchen w/maple cabinetry, wine cubbies, SS appliances and plenty of prep space. Kitchen is fully open to dining area and great room. Stunning HWF's,GFP, exposed cream city brick, 12 foot ceilings and loads
Sensational updated 2 bedroom 2 full bath open concept stairless unit. Large kitchen with breakfast bar, spacious living room and dining room. Both bedrooms with large closets and private full baths. Convenient in-unit laundry. Association amenities include a fitness room, heated underground garage and private courtyard. Located within walking distance to the lake, restaurants and shopping!
Juneau Village Towers is downtown Milwaukee's premier residence when it comes to location! We offer low security deposits and no amenity, application, or move-in fees. We are literally in the middle of everything! The views from our apartments are breathtaking! Our staff is extremely accessible and happy to help our current and future residents in any way possible. We are conveniently located
Fantastic 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Blatz Condo unit with 1 garage parking space (2nd space optional) and storage locker. Available for rent Sept 1st. Amazing views from this 10th floor, 2 story unit! Open concept first level includes Kitchen with snack bar, half Bath and living/dining space. Two large Bedrooms and a full Bath are on the second level. Floor to ceiling windows flood the living space
Gracing the Milwaukee Skyline with alluring glamour, The Couture is a catalytic part of the Lakefront Gateway Project coming soon. This 44-story skyscraper has been designed from the ground up to serve as a key thoroughfare connecting our lakefront and cultural amenities with our downtown. The project includes public plazas and parks, pedestrian bridges and a new lakefront stop for the proposed
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,197
Median Age
34
Population Density
25 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,896
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,969
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
64.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
69/ 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.
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.
