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Oak Creek

Oak Creek

Located in Milwaukee County

$416,683 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
37 Homes For Sale

One of the fastest-growing cities in the state

Along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and just south of Milwaukee, Oak Creek offers a compromise between natural beauty and urban convenience. "Milwaukee has everything that a normal large city can offer, but what's nice is I can drive 15 minutes in the other direction and reach farm fields," says lifetime resident Peter Schumacher, the President of the Oak Creek Historical Society. The city, which had a population of less than 5,000 residents in 1955, is now one of Milwaukee County's and the state's fastest-growing cities. Over 36,000 people live in Oak Creek, relishing its access to major employers, scenic landscapes and a highly rated school system.

Oak Creek was a farming community until the middle of the 20th century but has rapidly expanded with shopping, dining and employment options. The state's first IKEA, an Amazon fulfillment center, and the Astronautics Corporation of America are in the city. Froedtert Community Hospital – Oak Creek and Aurora Health Center have also contributed to the city's economic and industrial growth.

Oak Creek is next to beautiful Lake Michigan.
Oak Creek is next to beautiful Lake Michigan.
The brewer is hard at work everyday making delicious beer at Water Street Brewery in Oak Creek.
The brewer is hard at work everyday making delicious beer at Water Street Brewery in Oak Creek.
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Housing developments expand into the area's farmlands

Growing as fast as it is, Oak Creek must keep up with demand. Houses sell after only 17 days on the market, and new subdivisions continue to pop up in the farmlands that once dominated the city's southern and western ends. "The development I live in was built in the late 90s, and there are some developments that are even newer than that," says Katie Murphy, Realtor at Shorewest Realtors – South Metro. Bungalows, cottages and ranch-style homes outside the subdivisions are smaller and more affordable, while new traditional and Modern Craftsman homes from the past few decades in developments fetch the highest prices. Prices range from $200,000 to $750,000, with a median price of $375,000 – not far from the country's $406,000 median.

There are many different shapes and sizes of homes in Oak Creek.
There are many different shapes and sizes of homes in Oak Creek.
A modern ranch-style home shines in Oak Creek.
A modern ranch-style home shines in Oak Creek.
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Buses take students to highly rated schools

Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District is rated an A-minus on Niche, which also names it as a top school district for athletes within the state. Unlike Milwaukee and other surrounding suburban cities, Oak Creek's school district is divided into designated school zones and has a bus system that provides children with rides before and after class. "I'm very happy with the school district, and my daughter is thriving there," Murphy says.

Cedar Hills Elementary is a wonderful public school in Oak Creek, WI.
Cedar Hills Elementary is a wonderful public school in Oak Creek, WI.
Oak Creek Performing Arts is located in Oak Creek High School.
Oak Creek Performing Arts is located in Oak Creek High School.
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Shopping and events at Drexel Town Square

Restaurants and shops are along some of the main roads of Oak Creek, and Drexel Town Center has the largest assortment of retail and dining options. "The city never really had a downtown until about 20 years ago when they built up Drexel Town Center," Schumacher says. The old industrial site was converted into mixed-use space and now offers a modern take on the concept of an old-fashioned Main Street. Restaurants, apartments and grocers are within walking distance of one another in the main shopping area of an otherwise industry-heavy city. During the summer, Oak Creek pays homage to its agricultural roots by hosting a farmers' market at the town square.

Craft vendors set up booths at the Oak Creek Fall Festival, and visitors who donate a non-perishable food item receive a free pumpkin to decorate. The beer garden is open June through August and has live music and entertainment.

Drexel Town Square is Oak Creeks' newest development filled with much to do.
Drexel Town Square is Oak Creeks' newest development filled with much to do.
Opening day of the Oak Creek Farmer's Market is a happy day.
Opening day of the Oak Creek Farmer's Market is a happy day.
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Outdoor fun during all four seasons

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, residents enjoy the beach, fishing piers and watersports at Lake Vista Park and Bender Park. Inland, parks have sports courts, fields, a skate park and a disc golf course. The Oak Leaf Trail System and Forked Aster Hiking Trail System pass through the city and are enjoyed during all seasons, with biking in the warmer months and cross-country skiing in the winter. "We pride ourselves on having every extreme of all the seasons, with typical winters bringing 40 to 45 inches of snow from late December into March," Schumacher says. Snowfall can come in bursts, as the city experiences lake-effect snowstorms due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. Minor flooding occurs along the small rivers and streams at the southern end.

You never know who you will find driving through Oak Creek.
You never know who you will find driving through Oak Creek.
Oak Creek is right next to lovely Lake Michigan.
Oak Creek is right next to lovely Lake Michigan.
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Living in Oak Creek and working elsewhere

Four Milwaukee County Transit System buses run through the city, and those who commute north to Milwaukee along Interstate 41 and Interstate 94 can expect about a 12-mile or 20-minute drive. Murphy says, "Milwaukee is so accessible that it's not necessary to live right next to where you work. Most people are willing to drive 20 to 30 minutes to work – especially since the school system here is so great." Train tracks go through the city but are mostly kept active by freight deliveries. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is just beyond the city's northern reaches, and residents will see and hear regular flights using the north-south runway. An Amtrak train connects the airport and downtown Chicago in a 90-minute-long trip, with seven roundtrips daily.

Important to know

Oak Creek Police Department states in their 2023 yearly report that crime was down 4% overall over 2022. According to FBI crime data, violent crime rates decreased in the period and are well below the national average. While property crimes increased, they sit at a similar rate to the national average, with the police department noting that most are theft-related and happen in the city's retail areas.

Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Hayley McCormick
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Rebecca Askin
Video By
Rebecca Askin

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Julia Jansky, an experienced agent in this area.

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

Oak Creek Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$399,900
Median Sale Price
$390,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$419,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$255,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
283
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,731
Number of Homes for Sale
37
Median Year Built
1968
Months of Supply
1.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,037
Above the national average
1,929
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,600
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,424

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, Dec 23
    Open House 12/23

    9378 S Alder Place Unit 105, Oak Creek, WI 53154

    $445,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,696 Sq Ft
    • 9378 S Alder Place
    • Unit 105

    This home is located in one of Oak Creek's finest communities. It boasts incredible features including an open concept living space, quartz countertops, LVT flooring, double vanity sink in the master bathroom, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plenty of closet space for storage, and so much more! This home features ample natural lighting and is perfect for entertainment. Amenities include a Clubhouse that

    Holly Speranza Keller Williams-MNS Wauwatosa

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  • Thursday, Dec 18
    Open Thu 1PM - 2:30PM

    9352 S Alder Place Unit 104, Oak Creek, WI 53154

    $495,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,696 Sq Ft
    • 9352 S Alder Place
    • Unit 104

    This home is located in one of Oak Creek's finest communities. It boasts incredible features including an open concept living space, quartz countertops, LVT flooring, double vanity sink in the master bathroom, 2 bedrooms both w/ ensuite bathrooms, balcony + front porch, 2.5 baths, plenty of closet space for storage, and so much more! This home features ample natural lighting and is perfect for

    Holly Speranza Keller Williams-MNS Wauwatosa

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  • Sunday, Dec 14
    Open Sun 1:30PM - 3PM

    4192 E Lake Vista Blvd, Oak Creek, WI 53154

    $749,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,063 Sq Ft
    • 4192 E Lake Vista Blvd
    • New 26 days ago

    Located in one of Oak Creeks finest communities, this home offers an open concept living space, electric fireplace, quartz countertops, LVT flooring, a master bath with double vanity, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, built in shelving, and a large back patio. Bright natural light fills the home, making it perfect for entertaining. Community amenities include a clubhouse with pool, tennis court, gym, golf

    Holly Speranza Keller Williams-MNS Wauwatosa

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Oak Creek Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
35,499
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$86,340
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$104,087

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.7%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
37.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.2%
% Population in Labor Force
76%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
50''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

9 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
Oak Creek