Why Live in Riverwest
Riverwest is a vibrant, central Milwaukee neighborhood known for its strong sense of community and energetic atmosphere. Historically a hub for immigrants and counterculture, it now blends a thriving arts scene with cozy cafes, bars and breweries. The area attracts University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students, young professionals and long-term residents, making it one of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods. Housing consists mainly of late 19th- and early 20th-century homes along with some modern condos. Many older homes require renovation, but the neighborhood’s charm and location keep demand high. Riverwest offers an abundance of activities and events, including live music, art shows and the renowned Riverwest 24, a 24-hour bike race and festival. Other highlights include the Riverwest Market, Locust Street Festival and the quirky Locust Street Beer Run. Parks along the Milwaukee River, like Kern and Gordon, provide trails, sports courts and river access for kayaking and fishing. Transportation is a major perk: the neighborhood is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with Bublr Bike stations, paved trails and over 25 bus stops. Many residents forgo cars thanks to easy access to the university, hospitals and downtown. Schools in the area belong to Milwaukee Public Schools, with options like Riverwest Elementary and Fratney Elementary. Riverwest’s mix of arts, nightlife, green spaces, and accessibility creates a lively, close-knit urban vibe that appeals to those seeking community and city living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverwest a good place to live?
Riverwest is a good place to live, receiving 4.8 stars from its residents. Riverwest is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise with good transit options. Riverwest is an urban pioneer neighborhood. Riverwest has 9 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 13.6 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $73,202 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 46.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Riverwest are renters, with 69.1% of residents renting and 30.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Riverwest can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Riverwest neighborhood guide.
Is Riverwest, WI a safe neighborhood?
Riverwest, WI is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Riverwest?
The median home price in Riverwest is $265,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $53,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.11%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,290 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $55K a year to afford the median home price in Riverwest. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Riverwest is $73K.
What are the best public schools in Riverwest?
The best public schools that serve Riverwest are:
What are the best private schools in Riverwest?
The best private schools that serve Riverwest are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Riverwest, Milwaukee, WI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Riverwest, Milwaukee, WI?
Home Trends in Riverwest, WI
On average, homes in Riverwest, Milwaukee sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverwest, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $273,700, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$273,700
Median Single Family Sale Price
$266,200
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$271,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$176,750
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$242,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$223
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
68
Median List Price
$265,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%