Wauwatosa

Milwaukee, WI

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$415,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
70–75 (Very walkable in East Tosa and Village areas; more car-dependent in western sections)
Walkability Score
Consistently above average (GreatSchools ratings 7–9/10). Highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Wauwatosa is a suburb located just west of Milwaukee proper, bordered by Milwaukee to the east, Menomonee River Parkway to the north, West Allis to the south, and Mayfair Road (Highway 100) to the west.

Zip Codes

53213532225322653225

Market Data Summary

Price Range$325,000–$650,000+ depending on size, location, and condition
Price per Sq Ft~$225–$275/sq ft (2025)
Inventory LevelsInventory is up compared to 2024, with a 15%+ increase in available homes in the Milwaukee metro. More options for buyers, but still below pre-pandemic levels[2].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesCondosTownhomes

Architectural Styles

Tudor RevivalColonialCraftsman BungalowMid-century ModernCape Cod

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres (6,500–11,000 sq ft)
Home Age RangeMost homes built 1920–1960, with pockets of newer construction (1980s–present)
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many well-maintained historic homes and some recent renovations.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Median age ~39. Well-educated, with high rates of college degrees.

Community Vibe

Active, walkable, and engaged. Strong neighborhood associations and pride in local heritage.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Medical and academic professionals (due to proximity to hospitals and universities)

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly, with excellent schools, parks, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Hart Park
  • Hoyt Park & Pool
  • Menomonee River Parkway
  • Oak Leaf Trail

Dining Options

  • Le Reve Patisserie
  • BelAir Cantina
  • Cafe Hollander
  • Il Mito

Shopping Centers

  • Mayfair Mall
  • The Village (local boutiques)
  • MidTown Center

Local Businesses

  • Colectivo Coffee
  • Ruckus & Glee Toy Store
  • Tosa Yoga
  • Cranky Al's Bakery

Education & Schools

Consistently above average (GreatSchools ratings 7–9/10). Highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • McKinley Elementary
  • Lincoln Elementary
  • Roosevelt Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Longfellow Middle School
  • Whitman Middle School

High Schools

  • Wauwatosa East High School
  • Wauwatosa West High School

Private Schools

  • St. Jude the Apostle
  • St. Bernard School
  • Wisconsin Lutheran

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus lines
  • BRT (East-West Bus Rapid Transit)

Major Roads

  • I-94
  • Highway 100 (Mayfair Rd)
  • Bluemound Rd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–20 minutes to downtown Milwaukee; 20–30 minutes to airport or major employment centers.
WalkabilityHigh in Village/East Tosa; moderate elsewhere.
ParkingGenerally good, with street and driveway parking common. Some congestion near Village and Mayfair Mall.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up families
  • Young professionals
  • Medical/academic staff
  • Relocators from Chicago and Madison

Key Selling Points

  • Historic charm with modern updates
  • Top-rated schools
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Proximity to Milwaukee and hospitals

Pricing Considerations

Price slightly below recent comps to attract offers quickly; be prepared for negotiations as buyers have more leverage in 2025.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide pre-listing inspection, highlight recent upgrades, and offer home warranty.

Objection: Property taxes are higher than in some suburbs.

Response Strategy:

Show value in schools, amenities, and stable appreciation.

Objection: Concerns about rising inventory and price drops.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term stability, strong rental demand, and quality of life.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate, with 4–5% annual appreciation forecast for 2025. Historically stable, with less volatility than urban Milwaukee[1].

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for single-family homes and duplexes near hospitals and universities.

Buyer Competition

Less intense than 2021–2023, but still competitive for move-in ready homes in top school zones.

Best For

  • Families seeking schools and amenities
  • Medical professionals
  • Investors targeting stable rental income

Potential Concerns

  • Older home maintenance costs
  • Property taxes higher than some suburbs
  • Inventory may increase further, impacting short-term appreciation

Professional Recommendations

1

Price competitively and be ready for negotiations as buyers gain leverage.

2

Invest in professional photography and virtual tours to stand out.

3

Highlight walkability, schools, and local businesses in all marketing.

4

Educate buyers on the value of older homes and available incentives.

5

Stay updated on local inventory trends and new developments.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Shorewood
  • Whitefish Bay
  • Brookfield
  • Elm Grove

Market Positioning

Ideal for buyers seeking urban-suburban blend, walkability, and top schools at a lower price point than North Shore.

Competitive Advantages

  • More affordable than North Shore suburbs
  • Better walkability and local business scene than Brookfield/Elm Grove
  • Historic homes with character

Price Comparison

Wauwatosa median price ($415K) is lower than Whitefish Bay ($525K) and Shorewood ($495K), but higher than West Allis ($295K).

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.5% for well-located duplexes and single-family rentals
Cap Rates
~6% gross yield for updated homes near hospitals/universities
Rental Yields
18–20
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-bought properties with strong tenant demand
Cash Flow
4–5% annual appreciation expected through 2025[1].
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Good selection of starter homes, but may face competition for updated properties. Education on older home maintenance is key.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong options for larger homes and top schools. Focus on lifestyle upgrades and community.

Downsizers

Limited new construction; best fit are updated ranches or condos near Village.

Investors

Solid rental demand, especially for duplexes and homes near hospitals. Focus on turnkey or light rehab properties.

Relocators

Popular with Chicago/Madison transplants. Highlight commute, amenities, and schools.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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