Franklin Heights is rebuilding on its industrial legacy
Today's Franklin Heights emerged from the remnants of A.O. Smith, a car frame manufacturer that drew many of its employees to the area for decades before closing in 2006. Those 84 acres of vacated industrial land tell the story of Franklin Heights' history, a legacy the city of Milwaukee is attempting to rebuild through the development of Century City Business Park, an industrial corridor for manufacturing companies. "Fixing up this neighborhood is a focus of this city," says Realtor Alex Chou, a Milwaukee local. "They're trying to bring jobs to the area and stitch the city back together again." Century City Business Park is actively expanding, an incentive to those looking for a home in Franklin Heights.
Compact homes with vintage charm and concrete walkways
Early 20th-century bungalows and wood-frame duplexes make up the vast majority of Franklin Heights. House prices typically stay below $100,000 with a few exceptions. These tightly spaced homes are separated by slender concrete walkways that adjoin the sidewalks to the back alleys where residents have access to private parking.
Wood-frame duplexes are a popular residential style in Franklin Heights.
Franklin Heights has several bungalows with lush front yards scattered throughout.
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A former industrial site brings jobs and fresh food to the area
The industrial area that once held A.O. Smith — now Century City Business Park — is often an easy walking distance for many of the neighborhood's houses, though bus stops are dotted along the residential streets every few blocks. Century City Business Park tenants are creating job opportunities for Franklin Heights residents, jobs you'll have no trouble reaching thanks to seven major bus lines that all stop there. The number of tenants continues to grow, but currently includes the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Good City Brewing Company and Hundred Acre, an urban farm working to solve food insecurity in Milwaukee. Fresh greens are grown here year-round inside a controlled environmental system without pesticides or GMOs, then sold to stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Century City is a growing business park in Franklin Heights.
City of Milwaukee has a large Department of Public Works facility in Franklin Heights.
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Dive bars, pizza joints and a vibrant marketplace nearby
Beyond the increasing number of amenities at Century City Business Park, you'll also find a few Franklin Heights staples. You can order a beer and basic bar eats at Warren's Lounge, which has been housed in an unassuming cinderblock building since 1970. Shoot pool while you sip a drink at Murray's Bar just down the block. For that late-night pizza craving, Pizza House is open until midnight most nights. A little further out, you’ll reach Milwaukee-favorite Sherman Phoenix Marketplace just four blocks away. A former BMO Harris Bank, once damaged by fire, was transformed into a multi-vendor shopping destination hosting small businesses-of-color. Here, you'll find something to eat at restaurants like Junior’s Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul, clothes to buy at Queen’s Closet, pampering to be had by 9th Cloud Massage Therapy and much more.
Students explore wellness and leadership beyond class
Franklin Heights is served by Milwaukee Public Schools, which earns an overall grade of C from Niche. Students can start at Auer Avenue Elementary, which earns a D-plus, and continue on to Wedgewood Park School, which earns a C-minus. High schoolers can attend Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School, which earns an A-plus. The high school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, a highly rigorous course of study geared towards educating the whole student, with a particular focus on critical thinking .
Auer Avenue Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.
The highly esteemed Reagan High School serves students on the north side of Franklin Heights.
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Parks honor local history while offering room to relax and play
For green space, check out Moody Park. This four-acre city park includes open fields bordered by a community garden and basketball courts. Or for something a little more low-key, kick back at Carter Park, a cute gap between blocks named after Dr. Lester Carter Jr. Carter, founder of one of the city's first Black-owned pharmacies before he passed away in 2022 at the age of 90. Whimsical sculptures at Carter Park spell out "Amani," — Swahili for “peace” and Arabic for “wishes”— an alternative name for Franklin Heights and a vibrant representation of this neighborhood's brightening trajectory forward.
Locals frequent Moody Park for its green-spaces and basketball courts.
Carter Park is the perfect place for an art-filled, relaxing walk.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Franklin Heights
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Franklin Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $120,000, up 50% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
In the lovely Franklin Heights neighborhood lies a great Investor's special or owner-occupy opportunity! An income producing affordable 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is awaiting your ownership. Whether you are an investor looking to expand your portfolio, a homeowner wanting to generate extra income, or a new homebuyer wanting to live in this beautifully updated property, this is for you! You can
Opportunity meets potential in this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering room to grow and instant equity upside. Inside, you'll find a functional layout with generous living space plus a finished rec room--perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or creating a home office or gym. Step outside to enjoy a fenced yard ideal for pets, play, or summer gatherings, along with a patio deck ready for
This stylish 3 bed, 1.5 bath bungalow showcases a modern aesthetic exterior and thoughtfully updated interior spaces. The main level features a welcoming living room that flows into a charming dining area, creating a warm and functional layout for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features new cabinets and a new countertop and full bath has been updated with contemporary tile and
2/2 duplex property, ready for your rehab vision. Each unit features 2bd/1ba, kitchen, living room, dining room, lower unit has a pantry and extra cabinet space. Upper unit has rear porch access. There's a 2c detached garage and fenced backyard. Full basement with laundry hookups, storage lockers and separate mechanicals. Bring back the luster and shine with this diamond in the rough. Property
Attention investors! This versatile property, previously used as a single-family home, can be effortlessly converted back into a lucrative duplex. Featuring two inviting units, each with 2 cozy bedrooms and 1 bathroom, it offers comfortable living spaces designed to attract quality tenants. Ideally located near public transportation, schools, and shopping centers, this investment opportunity
Jason FernhaberJason Scott Realty & Management, LLC
Classic Milwaukee Bungalow that is perfect for an owner occupant or addition to your rental portfolio. Well maintained 2bdrm 1 bathroom lower with an occupied spacious 1Bdrm 1Bath upper. Timeless preserved wood trim, hardwood floors and updated windows. Dry basement and 2 car garage complete the package. Don't miss out on this opportunity.
Investor opportunity in a well-connected Milwaukee neighborhood. This duplex offers a 1-bedroom, 1-bath main floor unit and a 2-bedroom, 1-bath upper, plus a rear parking slab. Currently boarded and is a blank canvas for your next project. Unfinished attic and basement provide added potential. Located near Lincoln Park, Rufus King High School, and the Hampton Ave commercial corridor with access
This duplex is a no brainer. Fully occuppied bringing in almost $1800 per month. On top of that the most reasonable taxes in Milwaukee. Perfect candidate for a DSCR Loan. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom up and down with extensive inteior updates in the last 5 years. Hurry up and run the numbers then book your showing.
2/2 bedroom aluminum-sided duplex offering a great opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants to add to your portfolio. Each unit features spacious living areas with hardwood floors and formal dining rooms, providing a comfortable and functional layout. Solid structure with separate living spaces makes this property ideal for rental income or multi-generational living. Convenient design
Fully occupied income-producing duplex with strong cash flow. Property features two leased units with stable tenants already in place. Ideal opportunity for investors looking for a turnkey rental property. Weekend showings only due to tenant occupancy. Room dimensions are approximate - buyer to verify if important. Buyer has option to buy portfolio which includes two other duplexes. MLS numbers
2/2 duplex being sold in the 'as-is' condition. Room sizes are estimated. Please provide pre-approval or proof of funds with all offers. The lower unit is occupied and shows very well. Tenant is on an MTM lease.
Calling all current and future investors! This *Double Lot* is a great addition or start to your portfolio. Full of additional potential with already finished 3rd floor, and Commercial space available in the basement. Fully rented 2/1 lower unit and 3/1 upper.
Affordable 2-Bedroom Home for Rent – 3263 N 26th St, MilwaukeeThis 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit offers a comfortable and affordable living space in a convenient Milwaukee neighborhood. With a practical layout and plenty of natural light, this home is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families.Key Details:Rent: $1,275/monthBedrooms: 2Bathroom:
This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom upper unit property located at 3118 N 21st St offers a total of 900 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and is connected to the kitchen area. Each bedroom is designed for comfortable living, with sufficient closet space. The bathroom features standard fixtures and is easily accessible from the main living areas. Additional
Live & Work in One Place! Spacious 3BR Home with Storefront – Perfect for Entrepreneurs ????Discover the perfect setup for live-work convenience in this unique rental featuring a spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with a high-visibility storefront. Ideal for entrepreneurs, this property offers endless potential for your small business — whether it’s a barbershop, hair/nail salon, small
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