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Wauwatosa starts just 4 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, and offers a very short commute. The I-94 expressway runs east/west just to the south of 'Tosa, and the 41/45 and 894 highways runs through 'Tosa's western side. This location affords Wauwatosa what is probably the most central location in all of the metro Milwaukee area, great if one spouse works in one direction and the other a different way (or doesn't know which way yet).

The nationally regarded Milwaukee County Regional Medical Complex is located in the center of Wauwatosa and a large number of medical staff, including researchers, nurses and physicians live here. The Flight for Life Helicopter is stationed here at Froedert Hospital, you'll also find Children's Hospital, the Medical College of WI, the Blood Center, and many other large medical facilities. In Wauwatosa you'll find every type of resident, from "life-long; was born in 'Tosa and always lived here", to young homeowners just starting out on what will be stellar careers in their professions, who might move on to a more expensive community a home or two from now.

Wauwatosa was the fifth incorporated city in what was then the territory of Wisconsin. The original village grew around the junction of the Milwaukee River and the Honey Creek, and Wauwatosa saw most of it's growth from the 1890's on it's eastern side all the way to the 1960's on the west side. The Wauwatosa Historical Society has purchased and restored a beautiful residence several blocks north of the downtown "village" area and has a regular series of programs and events there.

It is still possible to find some selection of 1890's homes in this community, from modest worker's homes to large victorians of the era. You'll also find bungalows from the 1910's, and a lot of 1920's and 30's "old world character" in the eastern half with beautiful tree lined streets and sidewalks. The western portion has a few pre WWII homes but was primarily developed in the 1950's and 60's and generally has no sidewalks.

The lot sizes on the eastern half of Wauwatosa are typical "city" sized lots averaging about 50 x 120 feet, this translates to approximately an 1/8 of an acre. Most homes in these area's were built before WWII and have side driveways to detached garages. The western half of 'Tosa has larger lots, some nearer a 1/4 acre, with mostly post WWII homes and attached garages. Wauwatosa is completely developed and with the exception of several newer apartment and condo projects near the "village", few new homes have been built since the late 1960's.

All of Wauwatosa is serviced by city water and sewer. The city water is provided by the Milwaukee water system and is collected deep in Lake Michigan, then treated and distributed to much of Milwaukee County. This water is considered "soft water" and unlike communities with deep well systems providing their city water, or properties with private wells, no water softener is needed. My wife still misses this great water since we moved to Elm Grove.

Wauwatosa still has a few homes which sell for around $150,000 but these are generally very small and may need a lot of work or have a bad location (busy street, etc.). The majority of homes in 'Tosa sell between $175,000 and $400,000 although there are several areas, notably the Washington Highlands, with homes that range up over $750,000 in value. Generally, Wauwatosa will have some choices in more modest sized homes under $200K, but even smaller homes with lots of old world character or in great condition can sell higher than that. Several of the past years the market for 'Tosa homes with some character has been "red hot!"

There are three beautiful green belts, know locally as "parkways", that meander through the community along streams and rivers. You'll find numerous opportunities for activities of all types along these beautiful natural areas, from a swimming pool to fitness trails, from soccer fields to pathways through the wooded sections.

In addition to the downtown "village" area and the numerous business' along North Avenue, Mayfair Road and the upscale Mayfair Mall are located on the west side of 'Tosa. You will also find several smaller areas with shopping, offices, restaurants, etc. thruout the community.

The Wauwatosa school district has consistently produced high test scores and a high matriculation percentage. There are 2 high schools, 2 middle schools and 6 elementary schools. There are no School Buses for transporting children to and from school, so walking and car pooling are popular. Since much of Wauwatosa has sidewalks and is a more dense "walking" type of community, a stroll to school may only be a few blocks.

To summarize Wauwatosa, it is known as a popular community with character filled homes, a great school district, numerous shopping opportunities and a very short commute. The property taxes are on the low side for Milwaukee County but are higher than you'll find in the outlying counties. It is also still possible to find a home in this community under $200,000's and still have college oriented prep type schools.

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Having owned my first home in Wauwatosa for 10 years, growing up in Brookfield and currently living in Elm Grove, I have a lot of personal and professional experience in these three communities. Please give me a call or email me if I can help you with your next purchase or sale of a home. Tim