$173,129Average Value$109Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Harambee’s history and pride keep the community strong
Named after the Swahili word for "pulling together," Harambee has been a Milwaukee stronghold of African American culture and pride for decades. The area has faced challenges over the past half-century, including failing infrastructure, closed businesses and dilapidated homes. However, social and civic projects, community events and deep-rooted neighborhood pride have helped Harambee regain its footing to celebrate its history and heritage.
Harambee is a tight‑knit community just north of downtown Milwaukee with strong block clubs.
Harambee’s murals along King Drive and side streets celebrate local history and pride.
1/2
Harambee’s past and present as an African American neighborhood
Many African Americans moved to the area after World War II and following the disruption of the nearby neighborhood known as Bronzeville with the construction of Interstate 43 through its center. Harambee was quickly seen as a refuge for African American families and remains predominantly Black to this day. Since the 1970s, local parks and streets have been renamed after influential African American public figures, and still-active block clubs organize cleanups and beautification projects. "I'd say it's an area that's on the upswing," says Bret Duer, a Realtor with The Real Estate Edge, LLC. "It's just waiting for some more money to come in and more people to fix houses." Festivals celebrating the area's culture fill the calendar, including Bronzeville Week and Juneteenth Day, one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country, which has been happening since 1972.
Harambee neighbors sustain civic life through active block clubs and community events.
Harambee’s Juneteenth Day, held June 19, draws tens of thousands across Milwaukee.
1/2
Who lives in the neighborhood, and who is buying houses
Harambee has a diverse age group, with young families, college students and multigenerational residents, and most people rent their homes. "It's more of an investor-friendly area for landlords," Duer says. "You'll get tenants from [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee] and stuff like that." He explains that homes aren't as expensive as those in nearby Riverwest or Downer Woods, but units rent for a similar price. "Out-of-state investors are targeting that area right now… They feel there's plenty of room to grow on the property values," he says.
Harambee has many renters in duplexes and triplexes near transit and neighborhood schools.
In Harambee, bungalows, workers’ cottages, and Victorian homes are common across the grid.
1/2
Home styles and prices in Harambee
Bungalows, workers' cottages and simple Victorian homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s make up the area's gridded streets. Some properties are well-maintained, others are in poor condition, and prices are well below the Milwaukee Metro area median and in nearby neighborhoods like Brewers Hill or Riverwest. "Harambe is basically a cheaper alternative to Riverwest," Duer says. "It's right in that neck of the woods, but the houses in Harambe sell for lower prices." Single-family homes sell for less than $100,000 to the high $300,000s, and multifamily properties, usually duplexes or triplexes, range from below $100,000 to the low $500,000s.
Bungalows and cottages line Harambee’s gridded streets from the early 1900s.
In Harambee, single‑family homes appear amid duplexes and triplexes across the grid.
1/2
Projects and grants are bringing new life to the community
To fix up local houses, Harambee Neighborhood Improvement District #7 collects taxes for home repair grants. Riverworks Developments Corporation is another local non-profit organization that funds repairs, community beautification projects and safety improvements. Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, called just King Drive by locals, saw some recent upgrades, with new planted trees, benches, trash cans and markers for prominent locations on the historic street.
An ongoing concern for Harambee has been its aging infrastructure, especially lead pipes in many homes. The Milwaukee Water Works' lead service line replacement programs are replacing the pipes. While progress is slow, the City of Milwaukee plans to replace all remaining lines by 2037.
Harambee sees new builds alongside grants from Neighborhood Improvement District #7.
The Martin Luther King Library anchors Harambee’s King Drive corridor with public resources.
1/2
How to get around Harambee and the surrounding neighborhoods
Harambee is less than 2 miles from UWM, and less than 3 miles from downtown Milwaukee and Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital. There are some parking rules, like no overnight parking along some main roads and alternate-side parking from December through March. Still, the regulations are not as restrictive as in neighborhoods close to campus. Getting around without a car is possible thanks to improved infrastructure, including:
Regularly repaired and painted sidewalks and crosswalks.
Milwaukee County Transit System buses that stop along King Drive, Holton Street, Burleigh Street, Center Street and others.
Designated bike lanes on Holton Street and Center Street, with more shared lanes along intersecting roads.
From Harambee, MCTS buses reach downtown Milwaukee in under 20 minutes.
Harambee residents can spend the day exploring the attractions, restaurants, and cultural destinations throughout Downtown Milwaukee.
1/2
Public and private schools are within walking distance for kids
Walkable schools make a big difference to families living in Harambee, since almost one-third of the area's residents are under 18. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, Oliver Wendell Holmes School and Rufus King International Middle School are all in the neighborhood, and North Division High School is just west of Interstate 43. Clara Mohammed School, Milwaukee's first Islamic school, and HOPE Christian High School are private options in Harambee.
North Division High School sits just west of I‑43 and serves many Harambee families.
Dr. Martin Luther King School is an excellent public school option in Harambee.
1/2
Where neighbors gather for food, music and community in Harambee
Social spaces bring the community together over food, dancing and shared hobbies. Residents grab a meal from Rise & Grind Café or Sam's Place Jazz Café, two Black-owned businesses on King Drive. Green thumbs grow fruits and vegetables at All People's Garden, a community garden that went up in an empty lot. Music lovers check out the summer concert series at Clinton & Bernice Rose Park, which highlights musicians from various cultures and genres.
Sam’s Place Jazz Café serves breakfast favorites in Harambee’s historic King Drive corridor.
Rise & Grind Café on King Drive fuels Harambee mornings with coffee and breakfast.
Sam’s Place Jazz Café in Harambee pairs live jazz with soul‑food standards on King Drive.
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
Are you familiar with the Harambee neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harambee
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Harambee Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harambee, Milwaukee sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Harambee, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $174,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great home building site in Milwaukee's convenient and historic Harambee neighborhood. This lot is subject to the Development and Design Standards for the Brewer's Hill and Harambee Conservation Overlay. This land is available for 1-2 family residential new construction for owner occupancy only; however, builders may also purchase to construct a model/spec home to resell once completed to an
Step into timeless character with room to spare! This spacious historic home blends classic charm with everyday functionality, offering over 2,000 square feet of living space designed to fit a variety of needs. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms, beautiful hardwood floors, and abundant natural light throughout, this home delivers both warmth and versatility. The expansive layout provides
Great home building site in Milwaukee's convenient and historic Harambee neighborhood. This lot is subject to the Development and Design Standards for the Brewer's Hill and Harambee Conservation Overlay. This land is available for 1-2 family residential new construction for owner occupancy only; however, builders may also purchase to construct a model/spec home to resell once completed to an
Turnkey duplex fully rented at $1,860/mo with tenants paying all utilities. New roof, electrical, windows & upper furnace (2024). Hardwood floors, tiled kitchens & baths throughout. Drive-up tandem parking with a large yard. Nothing left to do but collect rent!
Fully remodeled Lower East Side home offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. This beautifully updated property features a spacious living room ideal for entertaining, a cozy family room for everyday relaxation, and a dedicated dining room perfect for gatherings. The modern renovation includes updated flooring, fresh paint, and contemporary finishes throughout. The open yet
Leandra WohnerGardner & Associates Real Estate and Investment Firm
ATTENTION INVESTORS! Excellent opportunity to build your rent portfolio. This rare and unique property comes in the form of 3 buildings on this Harambee double lot consists of 3/2 duplex, 2br cottage, and 2/1 duplex. The 3/2 duplex is ready to rent, creating instant income. The other buildings do need a little TLC to be rent ready. Market rents in the area presents the opportunity to bring in up
Great chance to occupy this spacious Victorian duplex just north of Brewer's Hill. Light filled units with open kitchens, tall ceilings, individual porches off of kitchens, in-unit laundry on first floor. Fresh exterior paint, rebuilt porches and chimneys, replacement windows, wide lot with side drive and surplus parking. Great access to East Side, Downtown and a quick hop to the highway. Long
A completely renovated single family home located in the Harambee neighborhood. This home has a large yard and plenty of new features. Nothing to do but move in this home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Also NEW flooring, light fixtures, paint, drywall, windows and plenty storage space throughout. Seller also installed NEW furnace, duct work, hot water heater, plumbing and electricity
Great home building site in Milwaukee's convenient and historic Harambee neighborhood. This lot is subject to the Development and Design Standards for the Brewer's Hill and Harambee Conservation Overlay. This land is available for 1-2 family residential new construction for owner occupancy only; however, builders may also purchase to construct a model/spec home to resell once completed to an
Opportunity knocks with this spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial full of potential! Featuring a classic layout with generously sized rooms, this home offers a solid foundation for your vision and updates.The main level includes a large living room, formal dining area, and functional kitchen space ready for renovation. Upstairs, you'll find four bedrooms with ample closet space and a full bath.
Great location and price for the right buyer! Duplex needing rehab in district 6. Open to owner and investor offers. $150,300 in essential repairs. Performance deposit required - buyer must complete essential repairs within 180 days and have City provide proof of completion for performance deposit return. Bring flashlights & use caution when entering. Note: City of Milwaukee Tax Foreclosure
Milwaukee duplex. This property is open to owner occupant and investor offers. $50,240 in essential repairs. This home may qualify for the City of Milwaukee home buyer assistance grant program or the Duplex Live Work Program. Ask for info. Performance deposit required - buyer must complete essential repairs within 180 days and have City provide proof of completion for performance deposit return.
Bronzeville Apartments is newly built apartment community, featuring high quality 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments at affordable rates. Income restrictions apply for select units. This property will feature a community service facility operated by Beyond STEM Inc, as well as a separate creative arts and technology hub. There are 3 flexible live/work units designed for creative work space and
Welcome to MLK Library Apartments, a brand-new living community nestled within the newest Milwaukee Public Library branch in the dynamic Harambee neighborhood, along the vibrant King Drive corridor. Offering a Walk Score of 84, you'll be within walking distance of everything you need—shops, dining, and entertainment are just around the corner. This bike and transit-friendly neighborhood makes
Property Id: 2244218This spacious unit has been fully updated with modern finishes throughout, offering a comfortable and stylish living space.The apartment features a brand new kitchen with updated cabinetry, countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The bathroom has been completely renovated with modern fixtures and finishes.With three bedrooms and a spacious layout,
Property Id: 2244216This beautifully updated unit features a brand new kitchen and bathroom, modern finishes, and stainless steel appliances throughout.The kitchen includes new cabinetry, updated countertops, and full stainless appliance package, creating a clean and modern space perfect for cooking and entertaining. The bathroom has been completely renovated with updated fixtures
Property Id: 2584406NOTE: ADDITIONAL $250 for utilities (water, sewer, garbage, electricity, and gas) required every 1st of the month with the rent. Total due every first of the month: $1550.00.First month's rent ($1300) and $1000 deposit due at signingSpacious 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Duplex (upper unit). Available June 6, 2026Looking for a long-term,
This beautifully renovated duplex offers two updated units with modern finishes, spacious layouts, and excellent natural light throughout. Each unit features a refreshed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and subway-tile backsplashes. Central air with new A/C systems provides year-round comfort. Tenants also enjoy off-street parking for two cars, a large front
Showing 6/13 @ 11:45Spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath lower unit located at 2438 N 1st St in the Harambee neighborhood of Milwaukee. This unit offers a comfortable layout with a bright living area, generously sized bedrooms, and a functional kitchen with ample cabinet space.Large windows provide plenty of natural light throughout the unit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The
This beautifully renovated duplex offers two updated units with modern finishes, spacious layouts, and excellent natural light throughout. Each unit features a refreshed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and subway-tile backsplashes. Central air with new A/C systems provides year-round comfort. Tenants also enjoy off-street parking for two cars, a large front
Showing 6/13 @ 11:45Spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath rear upper unit located at 2436A N 1st St in the Harambee neighborhood of Milwaukee. This unit offers a comfortable layout with a bright living area, generously sized bedrooms, and a functional kitchen with ample cabinet space.Large windows provide plenty of natural light throughout the unit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
