The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s cradle of reinvention. When an 1892 fire destroyed nearly every building in the then-predominantly Irish-immigrant neighborhood, it was rebuilt as a warehouse district to take advantage of its location at the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. Just over a century later, it returned to its residential roots as those warehouses were converted into condos and commercial businesses where creativity often flourishes. USA Today now considers Historic Third Ward to be one of the top 10 arts districts in America. “I didn’t know a lot about Milwaukee when I moved here – I just knew this was a neighborhood that was up and coming, and safe,” says Stephen Cohn, a Historic Third Ward resident and producer for WISN-TV. “I’m able to go out. It’s very walkable. It’s just a good vibe.”
Head to the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward for a one-stop foodie adventure.
The Engine Co. #10 statue in the Historic Third Ward is a natural for selfies.
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A place where creativity flourishes
The arts are practiced and supported in all forms here. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), a private art college, calls the neighborhood home. The Milwaukee Arts Resource Network (MARN) is a space created to support up-and-coming artists. The Broadway Theatre Center is home to the stages of Skylight Music Theatre and the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Radio Milwaukee’s hip broadcasts emanate from its Historic Third Ward studio. Culinary arts are celebrated here, as well: Over a dozen local food vendors are found in Milwaukee Public Market, an anchor of this revitalizing neighborhood since 2005. Cafe Benelux, celebrating the flavors of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, is among the market’s distinctive eateries. Historic Third Ward nightlife reflects the creativity around it, varying from relaxing rooftop views of the neighborhood at The Outsider to the energy of the indoor wiffleball field at Broken Bat Brewing Company.
The Historic Third Ward is a shoppers delight.
Come to the Tied House in the Historic Third Ward for incredible drinks.
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Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s front door
Thousands of annual visitors get their motor running at the Harley-Davidson Museum, which celebrates the history of the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer on its 20-acre campus. Things are a bit more whimsical at the National Bobblehead Museum, which features the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads. More than 6,500 bobbling figurines depicting athletes, mascots, politicians and other well-known figures are in the collection. Milwaukee’s premier summertime music event, Summerfest, comes to Henry Maier Festival Park every June and July; popular events like German Fest, Irish Fest, Festa Italiana, Polish Fest and Pride Fest are also held at this lakefront locale. “It gets very busy in the spring and summer,” Cohn says. “There’s always something to do. It’s not a place where you’re ever bored.”
The Skylight Music Theatre is the place for musicals in the Historic Third Ward.
At the Historic Third Wards eastern edge you'll find the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse.
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Former warehouses turned living spaces
Many of the Historic Third Ward’s original warehouses have been repurposed as condos, and since 1999, the neighborhood has seen construction of some new buildings, as well. One-bedroom units can range from $172,500 to $450,000; multi-bedroom condos range from $450,000 to $950,000; and penthouses range from $1 million to $1.6 million. The median sale price in the neighborhood is $377,450.
New Condos in the Historic Third Ward along the Milwaukee River.
Historic Third Ward residents can enjoy some of the best views Milwaukee has.
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Let’s go to The Hop
The Hop is a free-to-ride streetcar system that connects the Historic Third Ward to the Yankee Hill and Lower East Side neighborhoods. Streetcars run every 15-20 minutes. The neighborhood’s location at the elbow of the Interstate 794 loop, just as it merges back into I-94, makes it convenient to reach the rest of Milwaukee or travel to Madison, Chicago or Green Bay. Those looking to visit Chicago or the Twin Cities can skip the drive, thanks to the neighborhood’s Amtrak station.
Lakeshore State Park: An urban oasis
The Historic Third Ward is only a short walk to Lakeshore State Park, which like Wisconsin itself, is a place for all seasons. Hikers, bicyclists and joggers take advantage of Hank Aaron State Trail, which stretches 3.5 miles from the lakefront to the Brewers’ home at American Family Field, and the Oak Leaf Trail, which is part of a 135-mile loop around Milwaukee County, at all times of the year. In the summer, kayakers utilize the park’s lagoons. In the winter, those same lagoons are used for ice fishing when conditions permit.
In between the Historic Third Ward and Lake Michigan you'll find Lakeshore State Park.
An art student sketching at the Third Wards Catalano Square Park.
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MIAD is the only neighborhood school
Aside from MIAD, there are no schools in the Historic Third Ward. The nearby Maryland Avenue Montessori, rated B by Niche, serves kindergarten through eighth grade Catholic, all-girls and A-minus-rated St. Joan Antida is the closest high school, while nearby public options include the C-plus-rated Tenor High.
A view of Maryland Avenue Montessori School on Milwaukee's eastside.
Tenor High School is in the heart of Milwaukee and close by the Historic Third Ward.
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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Welcome to your Bright & Beautiful Corner Condo in Milwaukee's Vibrant Third Ward! This beautifully updated, sunlit two-bedroom + den, two-bathroom corner unit offers expansive city views through oversized windows. The open-concept kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and a gorgeous breakfast barperfect for entertaining. The primary suite includes two closets and a
Bright & spacious 1BR + den condo on the 7th floor of Point on the River with stunning southern exposure & floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Interior features include hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, large kitchen island, & convenient in-unit laundry. The oversized private balcony offers the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining or
Enjoy urban living along the Milwaukee River in this updated two bedroom, two bathroom top floor unit at the Waterfront! Open floor plan boasts 10' timber ceilings, 2-way gas fireplace, chef's kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, granite counters, custom cabinets and 2-tier breakfast bar and skylight. Spacious living room with doors to your oversized patio overlooking the river,
Start living the downtown Milwaukee lifestyle on the Milwaukee River at The Point on the River Condos! Indulge in the Historic Third Ward & Walker's Point neighborhoods with plenty of local dining, shopping & entertainment. Spectacular river & city views from this East-facing, 4th flr condo. Features: Dark HWFs, maple cabs, SS appls, granite, newer in-unit LG stacked W/D, new disposal, 10'
- South Water Works offers 3 unique apartment sites within Milwaukee's Historic Fifth Ward - Oregon, Bridgeview and Building 6. Historic lofts and newly constructed apartments with abundant natural light and modern finishes. We offer studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Each apartment home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, kitchen islands with seating, contemporary
Luxury riverfront living in Walker's Point! This sleek west-facing 1BD/1BA condo on the 8th floor of Point on the River features hardwood floors, granite counters, maple cabinets, large island, and in-unit laundry. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning sunsets and fill the space with natural light. Enjoy a spacious private balcony, heated garage parking, private storage, and an additional
Brix Apartments Lofts is a classic Cream City brick structure with 99 open concept apartment lofts that reflect Milwaukee’s rich heritage, authentic culture and bold character. Brix is located on the 400 block of West Florida Street adjacent to the Iron Horse Hotel and just south of the Harley Davidson Museum. The Brix began its life as a candy factory. Built in 1907, it was the one of
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,292
Median Age
35
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$132,362
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,659
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.7%
College Graduates
79.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
84%
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®
86/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
68/ 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.
