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Historic Third Ward

Historic Third Ward

$528,654 Average Value
$424 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

Why buyers are drawn to the Historic Third Ward lifestyle

Just outside downtown between the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, the Historic Third Ward combines its industrial roots with a modern arts and entertainment scene. Buyers who want an active community are drawn to its galleries, theaters and cultural attractions, along with popular spots like the Milwaukee Public Market. Converted warehouse condos and convenient connections to The Hop streetcar and major highways are a few other neighborhood perks.

Head to the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward for a one-stop foodie adventure.
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.
The Engine Co. #10 statue in the Historic Third Ward is a natural for selfies.
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Loft-style condos blend historic charm with urban living

The Historic Third Ward is known for its early 20th-century industrial buildings that have been converted into loft-style condos. Features like exposed Cream City brick, high ceilings and heavy timber beams are common, while large windows and open floor plans help showcase the original architecture. Some homes also offer views of the Milwaukee River or Lake Michigan from private balconies or oversized windows. Median sale prices typically land in the mid-$400,000s, with homes ranging from the lower $200,000s to about $1.6 million. That generally makes the Historic Third Ward more expensive than nearby neighborhoods such as East Town, the Lower East Side and Walker’s Point.

Stephen Cohn, a Historic Third Ward resident and producer for WISN-TV, says the area is easy to get to know. “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,” he says. “I’m able to go out. It’s very walkable. It’s just a good vibe.”

New condos in the Historic Third Ward along the Milwaukee River.
New condos in the Historic Third Ward along the Milwaukee River.
Historic Third Ward residents can enjoy lake and river side views.
Historic Third Ward residents can enjoy lake and river side views.
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Milwaukee Public Market anchors dining and boutique shopping

The Historic Third Ward has a diverse dining scene anchored by its indoor market and surrounding restaurants. You can find a meal at these spots:

  • Milwaukee Public Market, an indoor hall with independent vendors selling fresh cheese curds, prepared meals and local produce
  • The Wicked Hop, a tavern in a historic building known for award-winning Bloody Marys and pub fare
  • DanDan, creative dumplings, noodles and Peking duck from two James Beard-nominated chefs
  • Café Benelux, a grand café with an extensive Belgian beer list and a rooftop patio
  • Onesto, a modern Italian restaurant with handmade pasta and a curated wine list
The area features independent boutiques and specialty stores housed in converted warehouses. A few of the more popular ones include:
  • NL Suits, a boutique offering made-to-measure suits and tuxedos
  • Unfinished Legacy, a Milwaukee-born streetwear brand with skate-inspired designs
  • MODA3, an independent retailer carrying sport and lifestyle clothing since 2004
  • Broadway Paper, a specialty shop with greeting cards, gift wrap and custom wedding invitations
  • Milwaukee Public Market, an indoor market with vendors selling artisan cheeses, sausages, gourmet spices and specialty oils

The Historic Third Ward has plenty of locally owned stores.
The Historic Third Ward has plenty of locally owned stores.
The Tied House in the Historic Third Ward.
The Tied House in the Historic Third Ward.
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A Milwaukee hub for visual arts and live theater

The arts are part of everyday life in the Historic Third Ward. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, a private art college, is based here, while the Milwaukee Arts Resource Network gives emerging artists a place to connect, create and grow. The Broadway Theatre Center hosts performances from Skylight Music Theatre and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Radio Milwaukee broadcasts from its Historic Third Ward studio.

Live music, public art and seasonal events draw visitors

The Historic Third Ward keeps a busy calendar, with everything from art festivals to seasonal celebrations bringing people to the neighborhood every year. Here are some of the events that draw locals and visitors alike:

  • Christmas in the Ward, a holiday celebration in Catalano Square with a tree lighting and fireworks
  • Third Ward Art Festival, a juried street festival along Broadway featuring artists from across the country
  • Third Ward Moon Festival, an open-air celebration featuring a large-scale illuminated moon installation and live performances

The Skylight Music Theatre.
The Skylight Music Theatre.
At the Historic Third Ward's eastern edge you'll find the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse.
At the Historic Third Ward's eastern edge you'll find the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse.
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Walkable streets and transit links support daily travel

The Historic Third Ward has a walkable street layout and bike infrastructure throughout the neighborhood. The Hop streetcar provides connections to East Town and the Lower East Side, while Milwaukee County Transit System bus stops are located throughout the area. Interstate 794 borders the neighborhood and offers direct access to Interstates 94 and 43.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Richard Ebbers
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Mark Barakat
Video By
Mark Barakat

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Mitchell International

16 min drive

Bus

S1 & Pittsburgh

Bus

Water & Chicago

Bus

Water & St Paul

Bus

Summerfest Chicago & Harbor

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic Third Ward US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
286
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Median Year Built
1895
Months of Supply
4.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,437
Significantly below the national average
1,934
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,424
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
893
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
17
Median Rent
$3,495
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,465
Median Condo Rent
$3,400
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,396

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
$79,597
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

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Good public transit

Transit®

60 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Historic Third Ward