$214,503Average Value$262Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
A diverse community on Milwaukee's South Side
About 3 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Polonia got its name from the many Polish immigrants who called it home during the 1800s and 1900s. Today, it’s developed into one of Milwaukee’s most diverse communities. “Historically, Milwaukee is one of the most segregated cities in the country,” says Ricky Heldt, a Polonia Neighborhood Association member and 15-year resident. Conversely, Polonia has “people that are African American, people that are Latino and people that are Caucasian all living in the same neighborhood together.” Heldt adds that the neighborhood’s location near Bay View, between downtown and the airport, adds to its appeal.
The Polonia neighborhood is a festive melting pot of diversity.
At Attari Supermarket in Polonia you can find Middle Eastern, Indo-Pak & Turkish Foods.
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From Polish butcher shops to Latin-American bakeries
Polonia is part of Milwaukee’s Crisol Corridor, a business improvement district with a diverse collection of shops and restaurants. The neighborhood’s international character is on display on the centrally located South 13th Street. “You could go to a Polish butcher shop, an Indian grocery store, a Mexican grocery store, so many different Latin-American bakeries — all within a few blocks of each other,” Heldt says. Among the local offerings is Taqueria Arandas, home to what some consider Milwaukee’s best tacos. Groceries are available at international retailers like Monterrey Market and Attari Supermarket; other day-to-day needs are available across the street at Family Dollar. Nightlife options in Polonia include downhome-style bars like Nick’s Anvil Inn and Brown’s Place. “Bars that have been boarded up for years are now being renovated into restaurants and cafés,” Heldts adds.
Stop into Wioletta's Polish Market, near Polonia to pick up Polish treats.
The smells from the El Rey bakery, near Polonia, will bring your in from outside
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Blocks and blocks of bungalows and duplexes
Bay View’s increasing property values have recently drawn many Milwaukee homebuyers to Polonia. “The houses are selling fast and getting all revitalized,” Heldt says. Many Polonia homes were built in the early 20th century when Polish immigrants settled en masse (hence the neighborhood’s name). Alleys with detached garages and sheds flank virtually every property, while sidewalks line the front yards. Bungalows dominate the single-family housing stock, while wood-framed duplexes also appear frequently. Less common detached home styles include Craftsman, Colonial Revival and ranch-style homes. Single-family homes start at around $70,000, which could buy a three-bedroom fixer-upper bungalow on an overgrown lot. Turnkey houses range from $130,000 for two bedrooms to $230,000 for an updated three-bedroom home. Meanwhile, duplexes can cost between $100,000 and $350,000, depending on upkeep and size.
Bungalows are the most common type of single-family home in Polonia.
Spacious Duplexes are an affordable option in the Polonia neighborhood.
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The future home of Polonia Peace Park
Many Polonia residents can easily walk to robust green spaces and recreation spots. Pulaski Park to the northwest fills 26 acres with winding trails, sports facilities, a sledding hill and an indoor pool with diving boards. About half a mile south of Pulaski Park is the 20-acre Kinnickinnic Sports Center. This 20-acre space features two baseball diamonds and a pair of basketball courts. It also hosts youth flag football in the fall and connects to the 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail system. The Polonia Neighborhood Association expects to open Polonia Peace Park in the neighborhood’s north-central section in July 2024. According to Heldt, it will span five grassy lots where locals will host yoga and tai chi classes, among other community events.
Three public schools within a few blocks
Clement J. Zablocki School operates in Polonia’s southern section, accommodating kindergarten through fifth grade. It welcomes about 330 students and has a C-minus from Niche. Morgandale School — less than 1 mile south — also has a C-minus and enrolls around 500 K-8 students. The neighborhood is just east of Casimir Pulaski High School, which has a C from Niche. Over 900 teens attending Pulaski High can enroll in its International Baccalaureate curriculum and its automotive trade program. Another Milwaukee Public Schools location in the neighborhood, Grandview High School, accommodates teens at risk of not graduating high school.
Morgandale is a K-8 public school in the Polonia neighborhood.
Polonia is just east of Casimir Pulaski High School.
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Downtown commutes via bus and I-94
The Milwaukee County Transit System services bus stops along Polonia’s most prominent streets. Interstate 94 runs alongside the neighborhood to the east, offering a quick drive north to downtown Milwaukee. Employees of Ascension St. Francis Hospital are within blocks of work. Travelers are also about 4 miles from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
I-94 will take you from Polonia to downtown Milwaukee in minutes.
Hop on the 15 from Polonia and be in downtown Milwaukee in 15 minutes.
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Polonia's puddle-prone pockets
According to Risk Factor, a few streets in Polonia’s southeast section are at a high risk of flooding. Noise levels in the neighborhood are moderate to high, with the most activity occurring along Oklahoma Avenue to the south.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Luna,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Pulaski Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Pool
Kinnickinnic Sports Center
Holt Playground
Simmons Field
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Modrzejewski Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Kinnickinnic River Parkway
Bike Trails
Tennis
River
Transit
Airport
General Mitchell International
11 min drive
Bus
S13 & Dakota
Bus
S6 & Oklahoma
Bus
S6 & Rosedale
Bus
S20 & Oklahoma
Bus
S13 & Manitoba
Bus
S6 & Dakota
Bus
S13 & Oklahoma
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Polonia
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Polonia Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Polonia, Milwaukee sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Polonia, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $455,000, down 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful two story duplex. Large kitchens with walk-in pantries. HWF throughout most of the home. Newer easy to clean windows. Huge walk up attic for storage or convert to living space. Large 2nd floor balcony with exterior lighting. Nice backyard with patio off the 2 car garage. Separate utilities except water. New roof on house and garage in 2021. Both furnaces and hot water heaters apx. 5
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow featuring beautiful maple floors throughout and a new roof installed in 2022. This solid home is full of potential and ready for your personal touch and decorating ideas. Great layout, natural light, and original character offer a perfect canvas to make it your own. Conveniently located near schools, parks, and shopping. Don't miss this opportunity to create
Investor's Dream - Fully Rented Triplex Generating Immediate Income! This is a rare opportunity to acquire a cash-flowing triplex in a high-demand rental area. All three units are currently fully occupied by long-term tenants, providing steady and reliable rental income from day one. Whether you're looking to expand your portfolio or secure a low-maintenance, income-producing asset, this property
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Luna,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,487
Median Age
31
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,367
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,207
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
69.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 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.
