📍 About MKE & Milwaukee
Milwaukee Tower is located at General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), about 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee. The city combines Midwestern friendliness with rich cultural offerings, breweries, festivals, and access to Lake Michigan. MKE is known for being affordable, accessible, and ideal for both young professionals and families.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Bay View – Hip, artsy, close to the lake, bars, and restaurants
- East Side – Vibrant with coffee shops, boutiques, and nightlife
- Historic Third Ward – Urban lofts, trendy and walkable
Families
- Wauwatosa – Tree-lined streets, great schools, 15-min commute
- Oak Creek – Suburban, newer homes, good school district
- Franklin – Quiet and family-oriented with parks and good schools
- Whitefish Bay – Upscale suburb north of downtown, excellent schools
🚗 Commute Times to MKE
- 5–15 min: Bay View, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Oak Creek
- 15–25 min: Wauwatosa, East Side, Downtown, Franklin
- 25–35 min: Whitefish Bay, Brookfield, Mequon
🎓 Top School Districts
- Milwaukee Public Schools – Offers magnet and specialty programs
- Whitefish Bay School District: Highly rated public schools
- Elmbrook School District (Brookfield): One of the top in the state
- Greendale & Franklin School Districts: Known for strong academics and sports
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Lakefront Brewery Tours – One of many local brewery experiences
- Milwaukee Art Museum – Iconic building and diverse exhibits
- Summerfest – World’s largest music festival on the lake
- Hiking & Skiing: Kettle Moraine State Forest is under an hour away
- Day trip to Chicago: Just 90 minutes by car or Amtrak
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MKE: General Mitchell International – primary commercial airport
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD): ~75 miles south for expanded international flights
- Timmerman Airport: General aviation alternative in northwest Milwaukee
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Lower crime areas: Wauwatosa, Franklin, Oak Creek, Whitefish Bay
- Be cautious: Parts of North & South Milwaukee can have higher crime rates
- Check crime maps by neighborhood
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$300,000 in suburbs, ~$200,000 city
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,100–$1,800 depending on neighborhood
- Utilities: ~$150–$250/month
- Taxes: Wisconsin state income tax applies (~4–7%)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Bay View: Trendy and lakefront, perfect for young professionals
- Wauwatosa: Family-friendly, walkable, historic homes
- Whitefish Bay: Quiet, upscale, top schools
- Third Ward: Loft living and walkable downtown access
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold and snowy (highs in 20s–30s°F, lake effect snow)
- Spring: Chilly to mild with gradual thawing
- Summer: Warm and pleasant (70s–80s°F)
- Fall: Colorful foliage, cool breezes, crisp temps
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS): Local bus network
- The Hop: Downtown streetcar system
- Traffic: Generally light-moderate, especially outside of rush hours
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Froedtert Hospital: Level I trauma center and teaching hospital
- Aurora St. Luke’s: Highly rated regional medical center
- Children’s Wisconsin: Top-ranked pediatric care
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Breweries: Dozens of local spots and festivals year-round
- Sports: Bucks (NBA), Brewers (MLB), Admirals (AHL)
- Festivals: Summerfest, German Fest, Irish Fest, and more
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Sobelman’s: Known for epic Bloody Marys and burgers
- Lakefront Brewery: Great food and tours
- Ardent: Award-winning fine dining
- Glorioso’s Italian Market: Milwaukee staple on the East Side
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Traffic: Balanced mix of commercial, GA, and cargo
- Airspace: Straightforward layout with good training support
- Environment: Professional and collaborative work culture
📦 Moving Tips
- Best time to move: Late spring or early fall (avoid snow!)
- Rental hotspots: Bay View, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek
- Utilities & weather: Prepare for cold winters—get snow tires and gear
❓ FAQs
- Is Milwaukee affordable?
Yes – especially compared to other metro areas - Is MKE a good place to raise a family?
Yes – many safe, suburban neighborhoods with top schools - Will I need a car?
Yes – public transit is limited outside downtown