Woodland Court Milwaukee, WI

Greenfield’s current boundaries once fell within lands claimed by the Potawatomi Indians. Immigrants settled the area, eventually displacing the indigenous people. In 1957, Greenfield was annexed, along with its subdivided neighborhoods such as Woodland Court.

For serious art exposure and cultural events, residents should explore downtown Greenfield and Milwaukee. However, nearby Knot Just Beads offers jewelry making courses taught by regional artists.

One of Greenfield’s biggest events, Dan Jansen Family Fest, occurs yearly in Konkel Park. This free day of community events raises proceeds for the Greenfield Parks Department.

A national chain pizza restaurant cooks the only dining option inside Woodland Court. Head just a few blocks east, over U Street, to partake of classic comfort foods at steakhouses, all-day breakfast bars, Italian restaurants and American grills.

Nearby Meyers Restaurant and Bar successfully blends Greek and German dishes for a local crowd of longstanding loyalty. Stop by for endless cups of morning coffee and catch the neighborhood gossip, or wait for Friday fish fries. The sauerbraten and roasted chicken come highly recommended.

Griddlers Cafe features traditional American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order a heaping plate of chicken tenders served with hash browns, French fries, or coleslaw. Add your choice of sauces, including the house-made barbecue ranch dressing. The fish fry represents the specialty of the house.

For a more exotic dining experience, try Kyoto. Inexpensive lunch specials between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. fill you up with sushi, salad and miso soup. Try any of the super spicy rolls, and ask about the off-menu green tea ice cream. Place your next order online when you need food on the go.

Though Woodland Court lacks that laid-back corner pub, casual dive bars line Highway 24, east of the neighborhood. At Mad Dog Saloon, catch a sports game on TV, play pool and chow down on buffalo wings. If you want huge margaritas, head to El Beso Mexican Restaurante & Cantina. For an escape from the state's brewing industry, visit the cocktail artists at Sugar Cane Tavern.

The city’s public transportation, Milwaukee County Transit System, is fast and reliable and services the neighborhood. Route 67 swoops down 84th Street, along W Howard Avenue on Woodland Court’s northern border, and back up 92nd Street. Buses run every 30 minutes, and the trip takes 90 minutes.

Alternatively, drive downtown in 20 minutes on Highway 24, or shave a few extra minutes off your journey by taking Interstate 43. The ride-sharing service Uber provides another transport option, using a mobile app to connect you with drivers in the area.

Pedestrians and cyclists feel comfortable in the neighborhood, though there are no official bike lanes. However, West Howard Avenue, 84th Street, and nearby U Street are all considered “preferred” cycling routes, with low traffic through mostly residential districts.

Without a park of their own, Woodland Court residents spend evenings and weekends in nearby Towering Woods Nature Area. Located just a few blocks west of the neighborhood, on 84th Street and West Howard Avenue, this chunk of woods features natural trails for walking or easy cycling. Kids enjoy spotting some of the 60 species of animals and plants that call the park home. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.

The cost of living in Woodland Court is about four percent higher than the average cost of living in Milwaukee. While the price of goods and services remains equal, housing prices in the neighborhood are nearly two percent higher than prices elsewhere in the city. Expect to pay around $625 on a one-bedroom rental unit.

If you catch the bus, you pay $2.25 per ride or $5 for a day pass. A tank of gas costs approximately 11 percent less than the national average. Pop into a nearby pub for a pint and pay $4.5 to $6, or splurge on a $7 mixed drink.

Family Dollar is the only retail outlet inside Woodland Court. Residents head to Spring Mall, just east of the neighborhood, or south to downtown Greenfield, for expanded shopping options.

Penny Mustard, one of a few locally operated stores nearby, specializes in hand carved and custom made furniture. Each piece comes from national carpenters and artisans, created with wood that has been forested using environmentally sound methods. Take advantage of the 100-year warranty and join its email list for sales and stock updates.

Knot Just Beads supports a neighborhood niche of jewelry makers with precious stones and imported beads. Besides sponsoring educational courses in accessory making, the shop organizes free demonstrations at arts and crafts exhibitions around the region. Prices reflect the rarity of these items, so save money by shopping for discounted items on the website.

For groceries, locals travel to South 76th Street to Pick ‘n Save supermarket. Sendik’s, a Wisconsin chain, gains local approval with its customer service standards and fresh seafood.

Greenfield has a farmers market that runs from May through September in Konkel Park. Swing by on Sundays between 10 am and 2 pm to find 50-plus vendors selling homemade condiments, fresh produce, dairy, and baked goods. On the first Sunday of every month, the list expands for a special Maker’s Market of hand crafted goods.