Murray Hill - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

Murray Hill has a rich history of education. The Scotsman James Murray came to the area before Milwaukee was even a city. Murray developed the land and created a neighborhood that catered to socially mobile classes. The neighborhood has hosted or been near a college since 1895. Columbia Hospital was founded in 1909 and quickly became a premier health treatment facility.

The Historic Downer Avenue Commercial District was built up between 1909 and 1936 and is still serving customers today. The Downer Theatre, built in 1915, is still entertaining residents of Murray Hill.

This East side neighborhood also hosts the ever-popular Tomato Romp. Celebrate the end of summer with live music, costume contests and tomato-throwing competitions.

Residents on Murray Hill enjoy eating at the establishments near E. Belleview Place and N. Downer Avenue. Hungry patrons can find breakfast, fish and better-than-average pub food, all within walking distance.

Stroll into the old-town decor of Cafe Hollander for breakfast, dinner and cold draft brews. This Belgian-style cafe features the best of German and Belgian beer, eggs how you want them, and hot sandwiches to keep you fueled throughout the day. Henry's stays up late with you on the weekend and presents a Sunday brunch with cheap bloody marys. Try the well-known Nader burger or the best tuna sandwich you've ever had, and true to Wisconsin, Henry's keeps an order of cheese curds handy to feed your appetite. Patrons can find the Black Rose Irish Pub and SoLo Pizza on N. Oakland Avenue and E. Locust Street. Satisfy your hunger and thirst with wood-fired pizza and Irish whiskey next door to each other. Have the Reuben at the Black Rose with a draught of Guinness, or try the California Trio at Solo Pizza.

There’s always a way to get around Murray Hill. Residents drive through the city streets to hop on nearby N. Lake Drive or take Locust Street and North Avenue west to access I-43. Murray Hill is a primarily residential neighborhood that offers drivers roadside parking. Local businesses and restaurants also offer parking for patrons. Some residents ditch the car altogether and walk on the city sidewalks to a neighborhood destination or take a bicycle to the university or Milwaukee’s massive lake. The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) connects Murray Hill to the greater Milwaukee region. If you don’t want to drive but need to get somewhere in a hurry, call the Yellow Cab co-op, Milwaukee’s original yellow cab. Lyft and Uber ride services are also available inside the Murray Hill neighborhood.

Prospect Triangle Park is a free green space one block northwest of Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. The Murray Hill neighborhood also has the benefit of being next to the Riverside Park on the Milwaukee River. The park is home to a baseball diamond, walking and biking paths, and several acres of green space. The Urban Ecology Center also makes its home in the park on Oak Leaf Trail. The center is a special organization that allows community members to directly participate in the health of their city’s environment. Parents are happy to learn that the center offers preschool and after-school programs for school children of all ages.

If the river doesn’t offer enough to see, residents can travel a short distance to the east for Lake Park. The park is home to the 18-hole Lake Park Golf Course and the iconic North Point Light House. The golf course celebrates summer with Nite-Glow Golf and provides lessons for golfers of all ages. Golf prices vary by size of party, while admission at the North Point Light House is only $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Milwaukee County Parks encourages all residents and their children to take advantage of their green spaces and community programs. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Lake Park Friends (LPK) invites the youth the volunteer with upkeep at the park. LPK hosts several events throughout the year, including the Christmas Bird Count, Yoga in the Park and the annual benefit, Cirque du Lake Park. Fun events are planned by the award-winning Milwaukee County Parks all year long. In fact, Lake Park was named the Best Public Park in 2012.

Living in Murray Hill is an excellent option for many students, families and individuals. The cost of living index for Murray Hill is 116. In comparison, the city of Milwaukee has a living index of 93. However, the peace of mind from living in Murray Hill is well worth the higher living costs. Crime is 59 percent lower than the city of Milwaukee.

A gallon of gasoline is usually two to three points below the national average. A craft beer usually costs $6 to $7, but happy hours exist in abundance, allowing the thrifty drinker to find good brew for much less. The average renter in Murray Hill paysits $961 per month on average, 25 percent more than other city residents. MCTS sells one-day bus passes for $4 or one-time-use tickets for $2.25, and cash is accepted on all buses.

The shopping district on Downer Avenue has been experiencing a renaissance of redevelopment. Nehring's Sendik's on Downer stocks its aisles with fresh produce and friendly customer service. Boswell Book Company, only doors away from Sendik's, brings best-selling authors to Murray Hill. Customers garner staff recommendations and stay up-to-date on the newest releases. For unique clothing, toys and children's accessories, visit Little Monsters on North Farwell. At Little Monsters, shoppers can find the perfect gift for the little people in their lives.

The East Side Green Market is Murray Hill's exclusive farmers market. Open every Saturday between the growing seasons in June and October, the market takes place at 1901 East North Avenue in the parking lot of Beans & Barley. The market features local produce, artists and craftspeople. Some perennial favorites include LotFotL Community Farm, We Grow Greens, Funky Fly FlowerChild and Tashi Pie.