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Martin Drive

Martin Drive

4.6
$212,475 Average Value
$132 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Martin Drive is rooted in history, yet moving forward

Two American icons were born in Martin Drive — one a beverage company, and the other a company for fast-moving machines. The area that gave rise to Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson remains historic and heavily industrial. Still, it's not just tied to the past. With new developments, high accessibility and an engaged community, the neighborhood is constantly improving and looking forward, with increasing home values to match.

Harley-Davidson is headquartered in Martin Drive.
Harley-Davidson is headquartered in Martin Drive.
Martin Drive is home to two industry giants and prominent employers.
Martin Drive is home to two industry giants and prominent employers.
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Home styles and increasing prices in Martin Drive

About 400 homes are in the neighborhood, taking up a small slice of its footprint. Still, the mostly one-way streets are packed with charm, with 1920s Craftsman-style homes behind tall trees and sidewalks. Tudor Revivals, bungalows, Cape Cods, American Foursquares and Victorian cottages are common styles, ranging from under $100,000 to the low $300,000s. Prices are lower than in nearby Milwaukee neighborhoods, such as Wick Field, Story Hill, Washington Heights and Concordia, and especially lower than in Wauwatosa. "It's an up-and-coming pocket that's great for homebuyers who can't find something in Wauwatosa within their price range," says Daniel Balderas, broker and owner of Modern MilwauKey Real Estate. He says that homes sell quickly and prices are going up. "If I were a buyer and came across a deal, I'd jump on it and hold onto it for a few years to build some equity." The area also has multifamily homes with two or three units, priced from the mid-$100,000s to the low $300,000s.

Tudor Revival and other early 1900s homes are standard.
Tudor Revival and other early 1900s homes are standard.
A cozy Bungalow in the neighborhood.
A cozy Bungalow in the neighborhood.
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Home to Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson

In 1855, German emigrant Frederick Miller purchased the existing Plank Road Brewery and founded Miller Brewing Company, which still operates in the neighborhood. Miller's beers grew in number and reputation to become the staples they're known as today. Visitors can tour the original location, which highlights the caves where kegs were kept cold before modern refrigeration, using ice blocks from Lake Michigan.

In 1906, William S. Harley and his childhood friends, Arthur and William Davidson, carried a toolbox and several crates of mechanical parts into a shed on what is today Juneau Avenue — and rode out on some of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The brand gained fame over the past century. Although the motorcycle manufacturing plants are located elsewhere, the Juneau Avenue location remains the company's headquarters and a prominent feature of Martin Drive.

Catch the Brewers play at American Family Field near Martin Drive.
Catch the Brewers play at American Family Field near Martin Drive.
Martin Drive is home to two industry giants and prominent employers.
Martin Drive is home to two industry giants and prominent employers.
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Commuting and transportation options around Martin Drive

Despite the high importance and production of Martin Drive businesses, "There's not a lot of foot traffic or regular traffic. So, it's a surprisingly quiet area," Balderas says. He also describes Martin Drive as a central location, close to West Vliet Street, Washington Park, a Milwaukee police station and the eastern border of Wauwatosa. To get around, head south on Route 175 to reach Interstate 94, or take Wisconsin Avenue directly east to downtown Milwaukee, about 3 miles away. Buses stop on West State Street, Highland Boulevard, Vliet Street and North 35th Street, and bike lanes are along some main roads.

Miller Brewing Company is one of the largest employees in area.
Miller Brewing Company is one of the largest employees in area.
Residents enjoy being close to Harley-Davidson.
Residents enjoy being close to Harley-Davidson.
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A neighborhood association organizes community events

Locals take advantage of the quiet area, maintaining their lawns, meeting with neighbors and enjoying the quiet roads. "You'll see kids riding bikes and families walking their dogs in the neighborhood," Balderas says. "There aren't a lot of stores, bars, gas stations and things of the sort. So, it's uncommon for people to drive through the area unless they live there." If you're looking for social connection, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association hosts community events and projects throughout the year:

  • The Bloom and Groom Plant Sale offers residents flowering plants at low prices in an effort to connect neighbors and beautify the community.
  • An annual picnic, called the Summer Sizzle, invites you to mingle with elected officials, Milwaukee police and learn about city resources.
  • A neighborhood-wide summer rummage sale provides residents with an opportunity to refresh their homes and connect with one another.

Martin Drive is close to both new and historic parks

Davidson Park on the Harley-Davidson campus is known as The Hub. It's a sunken multiuse amphitheater with a view of the old factory and features over 120 native plant species, walking trails and playgrounds. Washington Park, located north of the neighborhood, is one of Milwaukee's oldest green spaces, designed by the park architect who also designed Central Park in New York City. Amenities include trails, a bandstand that hosts summer concerts, a public pool and splash pad, sports courts and a fishing pond.

A community garden is maintained by the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association.
A community garden is maintained by the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association.
Known as The Hub, Davidson Park is a sunken multiuse amphitheater that includes over 120 native plant species.
Known as The Hub, Davidson Park is a sunken multiuse amphitheater that includes over 120 native plant species.
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Restaurants and grocery stores in the area

Fred's Frozen Custard & Grill has been a Milwaukee staple since 1967, serving cheeseburgers, fries and soft-serve ice cream. More frozen treats are available closer to home at Pete's Pops, which makes popsicles in unique flavors like avocado, horchata, salted watermelon and pineapple jalapeno. Fast Stop Food Market is a local convenience store, and Metcalfe's and Metro Market are a few miles in Wauwatosa.

Pete’s Pops serves unique flavor combinations.
Pete’s Pops serves unique flavor combinations.
Head over to Fred's Frozen Custard for a delicious burger.
Head over to Fred's Frozen Custard for a delicious burger.
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Schooling options near Martin Drive

Milwaukee Public Schools offers school choice, and parents can send their children to any public, charter or magnet school in the district with open space. Nearby options include Story School, James E. Groppi High School and Hawley Environmental School.

Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Clayton Hurst
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Dan Mack
Video By
Dan Mack

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

21 min drive

Bus

Highland & N35

Bus

Inactive Highland & N37

Bus

State & 4420

Bus

N35 & Wells

Bus

State & N46

Bus

State & N41

Bus

N35 & Juneau

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.6 6 Reviews
3.0 Nearby Resident
11/9/2019 Niche Review
Good neighborhood, it´s pretty good for kids not too far into Milwaukee but not too close to Wauwatosa, somewhere in the middle. Park right across the street great for dogs and community garden. I wish they would fix up the community garden some more but its pretty good now.
5.0 Current Resident
1/13/2022 Niche Review
By far my favorite neighborhood I have lived in in Milwaukee (lived here 28 years). People are friendly and good neighbors, the community events are great.
Are you familiar with the Martin Drive neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Martin Drive US
Homicide 6 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 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Martin Drive Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$232,400
Median Sale Price
$222,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$205,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$289,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$132

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
408
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1922
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,446
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,255
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,617
Median Age
38
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,569
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$45,296

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.5%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
25.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.9%
% Population in Labor Force
68.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
38''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

59 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

53 / 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.

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
Martin Drive