A stronghold of African American history and heritage
Named after the Swahili word for “pulling together,” Harambee — about a mile north of downtown Milwaukee —has been a stronghold of African American culture and pride for decades. “The area became known during the Civil Rights Movement and became organized as a block-club neighborhood,” says Berkshire Hathaway Metro Realty Owner Chris Slinker, a local history and demography expert. “The whole focus of the neighborhood was to fight against things like racial segregation.” Today, colorful public art celebrates the neighborhood’s history and heritage throughout its dozens of gridded blocks, which are home to over 12,000 people. It’s home to a sprawling annual Juneteenth celebration and multiple gathering spots where food, events and activities foster constant community. Locals also share the neighborhood with several public and private schools, over a dozen houses of worship and a 10-acre park. Meanwhile, its location alongside Interstate 43 and abundant bus stops are valuable for commuters.
Harambee has hosted a Juneteenth celebration, every year, since 1972.
Bring your family to see America's Black Holocaust Museum in the Harambee neighborhood.
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From 1800s workers cottages to Queen Annes
Harambee’s housing market is going through “what I would call a resurgence,” says Realtor Tim Weis of Shorewest Realtors, who’s lived in the Milwaukee area for decades. “There was a time when I would call it transitional at best, but it is starting to turn for the better.” Queen Anne-style houses, duplexes and triplexes from the turn of the 20th century dominate the neighborhood. American Foursquare designs, bungalows and 1800s workers cottages also appear occasionally. These generally sit on densely packed lots backing up to paved alleys. While many properties have been revitalized recently, others are dilapidated and designated for housing assistance. The average property value is about $137,000 — roughly ½ the Milwaukee area average and less than in adjacent neighborhoods like Riverwest. Some properties cost as little as $5,000. Duplexes and triplexes top out around $400,000, while single-family houses can reach $700,000.
There are various architectural styles throughout the Harambee neighborhood.
Harambee residents head to Rose Park to spend the day with neighbors.
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Sports fields, a senior center and more
Even when it isn’t hosting holiday celebrations or live music, Rose Park is a robust spot for outdoor activities. This green space features well-maintained sports facilities, including a softball field and two basketball courts. Trees dapple the park’s 10 acres, offering intermittent shade along a cluster of walking paths. Younger parkgoers can enjoy its playground, while older visitors can gather at the Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center. Community gardens punctuate the neighborhood, including The Peace Park and Garden, which has grown produce, herbs and flowers for residents since 2014.
There is always action on the courts of Rose Park in Harambee.
Play some basketball or baseball at Harambee's Rose Park.
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C-minuses for Harambee public schools
Three public schools operate in Harambee, all with C-minus grades from Niche. These include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School and Oliver Wendell Holmes School, both serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Rufus King International Middle School hosts an International Baccalaureate program for grades six through eight. The closest public high school, North Division High School, is a few blocks west of the neighborhood. It’s served the city’s youth since 1906 and also has a C-minus Niche grade. Private schools in the neighborhood include Clara Mohammed School, which Niche gives a B. It became Milwaukee’s first Islamic school in 1972 and currently serves all grade levels. HOPE Christian High School offers private schooling for grades nine through 12 and has no Niche score.
North Division is a public high school in Harambee.
Dr. Martin Luther King School is an excellent public school option in Harambee.
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Home to a massive Juneteenth celebration
Harambee is home to one of the United States’ longest-running Juneteenth celebrations, which has occurred annually for over 50 years. The festivities begin with the Jubilee Parade, which enters Harambee from the neighboring Arlington Heights community and continues down the central Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Marchers include local business owners, public servants and sports heroes, from Packers to Brewers to Bucks. After the parade, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive becomes home to hundreds of vendors. The centrally located Rose Park becomes a hub for military veterans and teens and includes a Teen Stage featuring young performers. The festivities continue until the mid-afternoon and typically attract over 50,000 people. After Juneteenth, Rose Park holds a summer concert series every Saturday through the end of August, with performers representing various cultures and genres.
Over 50,000 Milwaukeeans come to Harambee for the Juneteenth Celebration on June 19th.
Music fills the air throughout the Juneteenth Celebration in Harambee.
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Immediate access to I-43
Despite the noise levels that come with it, I-43 is a significant boon for local commuters, according to Slinker. “I-43 is a major freeway that runs north and south through Milwaukee,” he says. “It’s a very good place for people that need to travel for work or need quick access to other areas.” Bus stops punctuate the neighborhood’s most prominent streets.
Hop on the M19 bus in Harambee and be in downtown Milwaukee in under 20 minutes.
Harambee is a tight-knit community outside of downtown Milwaukee.
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Flavors and festivities at locally owned businesses
Local and big-name businesses operate throughout Harambee, with many appearing along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Some have operated for decades, including Savoy’s Night Club. Others are newer additions, like Rise & Grind Cafe, where customers enjoy breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes from smoothies and sandwiches to salmon croquettes. Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe opened in 2021 and serves coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch in an environment that pays homage to the owner’s affinity for jazz music. Customers can occasionally enjoy live jazz performances. Pete’s Fruit Market, part of a small, locally owned chain, sells groceries in the neighborhood’s southern section. Big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter can be found in the Riverworks Center shopping area immediately northeast of Harambee.
Wake up at the Rise and Grind Cafe in Harambee.
Sam's Place is a favorite among Harambee resident's.
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Slightly elevated crime risk
Like many neighborhoods in transitional phases, Harambee has an elevated crime risk. CAP Index gives it an overall Crime Score of 6 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4. Violent crime is considered more likely than property crime. Noise levels are also considerable in this urban neighborhood, spiking along I-43 to the west. Several streets carry a mild flood risk, while certain intersections — especially Dr. William Finlayson and Hadley streets — are at higher risk of flooding.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harambee
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Harambee Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harambee, Milwaukee sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Harambee, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $146,250, up 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Three total units fully rented with great tenants. The property consists of a 2/2 duplex and 3/1 single family home on the same lot. Current total monthly rent is $2,725. This property has a great deal of potential with some upgrades.
Totally renovated and revitalized Harambee neighborhood home. This home is positioned across the street and doors away from brand new built homes! Minutes from Brewers Hill, Halyard Park and the downtown entertainment district. Well thought out floor plan with spacious living room and dining room or family room with new LVP. Kitchen with new cabinets, countertops and brand new stainless steel
This charming and well-maintained home offers incredible flexibilityperfect as a two-family residence or easily converted into a spacious single-family home. Thoughtfully updated by the current owner, both units feature tasteful improvements that enhance comfort and functionality while preserving original character. With separate entrances and utilities, it's ideal for rental income,
Lynoshka Soto CorderoKeller Williams Realty-Lake Country
Introducing MLK Library Apartments, our newest addition to Milwaukee's nationally recognized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The MLK Library Apartments is a 93-unit project offering 1-, 2-, and 3-BR townhouse style apartment homes. The entire project consists of three buildings filling the entire block between Locust and Chambers Streets. MLK Library Apartments has unique apartment styles to
Come see this fully updated one bedroom upper apartment. This rental home comes with one spacious bedroom/ all new paint... and flooring. This property is located in the Harambee neighborhood near several schools, & public transportation. Easy access to E Burleigh St. **Professional Property Management by Renters Warehouse Milwaukee**Acceptance Criteria:Minimum Credit Score
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
11,161
Median Age
32
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,984
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,028
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
14.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
83/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
55/ 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.
