Garden Homes - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

Garden Homes began in the early 1920s as the nation's first city-funded housing development for the purpose of creating affordable housing. The homes were cooperatively owned and fashioned on previous housing developments in England. Unlike other neighborhoods, Garden Homes was designed as a set piece and remains the only American municipally-funded neighborhood that was cooperatively owned. However, the cooperative ownership system petered out during the late 1930s. The neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 in recognition of Wisconsin's progressive innovations during the early 20th century. The nearest museum, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum, is located about 2.5 miles south of the neighborhood. Being so close to downtown, your Garden Homes apartment will provide easy access to a variety of festivals and events. Milwaukee Riverwalk hosts art displays like RiverSculpture Check the information kiosks for a self-guided walking tour. This event is held annually, when new sculptures are unveiled during the three-day RiverSplash festival. This is one of Milwaukee's largest events, attracting roughly 170,000 people. The festival features 10 music stages, boat rentals, a fireworks display, live performances, and a marketplace. RiverSplash Is held during the summer and is just one of many Milwaukee events -- this is the "City of Festivals," after all.

West Capitol Drive hosts a variety of restaurants. Here you'll find some terrific soul food restaurants that serve fried chicken, collard greens, and other Southern classics.

Local favorite Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant serves up classic soul food and draws diners from all parts of the city. For dozens of years, famous Milwaukee residents have frequented the restaurant, including Hollywood actors and platinum-selling rap artists. For a filling lunch, try the chicken pot pie with tender all-white chicken and carrots, pearl onions, celery, and peas in a rich cream sauce, baked fresh daily. If you're still hungry, grab some fried green beans served with spicy chipotle ranch dressing.

For soulful fried chicken and battered fish, head on over to JJ Fish & Chicken, across the way from Mr. Perkins on West Capitol Drive. The restaurant began as a humble fresh fish shop, offering to fry the catch on the spot in a secret batter for only one dollar. Today, JJ's is a jumping spot with many locations. To feed an army, or a large hungry family, pick up a 21- or even 50-piece fried catfish platter. Crab and fruit salads are also available for those looking for lighter fare.

Garden Homes contains an abundance of local watering holes, taverns, and lounges. For cocktails, dancing, and DJs, check out Zarko's Lounge. For convenience, North Teutonia Avenue features no less than five taverns in a four-block stretch, including Young's Bar, the Catfish Lounge, and Shenanigans.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include walking, biking, public transit, and personal automobile. The neighborhood allows for some walkability, and residents do run errands on foot. Bike lanes remain few, but biking in the area can be safe and efficient on back roads.

Several bus lines serve the area, making for an easy commute to downtown Milwaukee and other neighborhoods within the city. Hailing a cab can be difficult here, but several local companies provide pickups in the Garden Homes area. Uber also offers service in the neighborhood.

Public parking can be found easily and with no charge. Interstate 43 and highways 145 and 51 are accessible within a short drive.

Garden Homes has a neighborhood green space and several nearby parks. Parks are free to enter, and dogs may visit if on a leash.

Garden Homes Park contains two baseball diamonds, a large sports field, and a small soccer field. The park can be found in the northeast section of the neighborhood. Two major parks lie north and east of Garden Homes. Meaux Park to the north features basketball and soccer areas in addition to a cricket pitch, nature paths, and a softball field. Estabrook Park to the east features expansive natural areas, an off-leash dog park, a disc golf course, a beer garden, and more along the scenic Milwaukee River.

Barktoberfest is an annual event in Estabrook Park featuring live music, beer, a dog costume contest, and a dog training course.

The cost of living in Garden Homes remains lower than the city average with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment costing around $700. A one-way bus ticket to downtown Milwaukee costs $2.25, and the typical price of a beer at a local pub costs from $3 to $5. Gas prices are about eight percent lower than the national average.

The Midtown Center shopping mall sits due west of Garden Homes. This large shopping plaza offers a variety of shops and restaurants, including a Foot Locker, Rue 21, GNC, and a Cosmo Beauty Supply.

For that special someone, weddings, and occasions, make sure to visit Abbey's Flower Nook along West Capitol Drive. Abbey's carries an extensive range of flowers, orchids, small trees, and more. Inquire about her baskets and gift sets, or make a custom order by price, color, and other attributes. Deliveries are free for online local orders, and daily specials feature new designs and arrangements.

For hot urban wear and trendy women's clothing at low prices, head over to Citi Trends in the Midtown Center mall. Citi Trends features shoes, clothing, bags, and accessories for nights on the town or casual daywear. Make sure to check out the dress collection, including a wide range of options from evening dresses to business attire. Shoe selections include boots, heels, flats, and booties.

Grocery stores can be found to the east and west of the neighborhood, with mini marts available within the neighborhood bounds. Options near the neighborhood include Outpost Natural Foods, featuring local and organic items, and chain groceries like Piggly Wiggly, Pick N Save, and ALDI. Nearby, the huge Milwaukee Public Market on Water Street and St. Paul Avenue is open every day of the week.