Top 10 Amenities Renters Love in Milwaukee

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While this might come as a surprise for some, Milwaukee is a captivating city with much to offer renters. From its rich cultural scene to its beautiful lakefront views, it’s no wonder so many apartment-hunters flock here each year in search of an exciting place to call home.

When choosing an apartment for rent in Milwaukee, amenities can make all the difference in creating a comfortable living experience. Whether it’s the amenities in the city, those inside Milwaukee’s apartment buildings or even the facilities inside a rental, there are many that make living right by Lake Michigan safe, exciting and fun.

Renters searching for amenities that make everyday life more enjoyable will be pleased with what Milwaukee has to offer. Here are the top 10 amenities renters love here:

Lake and river access: Get on the water

Milwaukee sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering gorgeous waterfront views. Seeking apartments situated near Milwaukee’s beaches or the Milwaukee RiverWalk gives renters opportunities for water sports like standup paddleboarding and kayaking right in the heart of the city. Docks, boat slips and lakeside hangout spaces are amenities renters adore. Storing recreational gear onsite and arranging discounted equipment rentals are also attractive community features supporting an active waterfront lifestyle. When the weather warms up, lake and river access amenities get plenty of use in Milwaukee.

the Milwaukee riverfront with walking lanes and buildings on each bank

Tour local breweries and discover the perks

As one of America’s top brewery cities, fabulous craft beer flows freely in Milwaukee. To support the local scene, amenity-focused apartment communities build strong relationships with neighborhood breweries. Offering perks like free tours, tastings, growlers and event invites gives renters built-in opportunities to socialize and discover the city. When choosing Milwaukee digs, keep an eye out for apartment communities that hook residents up with the inside scoop on nearby taproom happenings through social media channels, newsletters or bulletin boards. With so many acclaimed breweries to explore, renters won’t get bored easily here.

Grow greens and fall in love with urban farming

Many desirable communities in Milwaukee incorporate urban farming features, embracing the city’s culture of sustainability. Renting an apartment with easy access to raised garden plots, rooftop mini-farms, indoor aeroponic towers, beehives and edible landscaping lets green-thumbed renters grow their own produce steps from their front doors. Gardening gives renters healthy habits, community connections, and farm-to-table fare. Some communities host classes in composting, canning or plant care while others donate excess harvests to those in need. For renters seeking greener living, urban farming amenities feed the soul all season long.

raised garden beds on a rooftop in Milwaukee

Spark inspiration in art studios

With a thriving gallery scene and world-class performing arts, Milwaukee fuels creative passion. To support artistic renters, amenity-laden apartment communities shape dedicated studio spaces for exploring mediums like painting, photography, jewelry-making, woodworking, and more. Some communities partner with area art schools to offer discounted group classes onsite as well. Music practice spaces allow learning instruments without noise complaints from neighbors. Showing off final pieces at community art fairs and exhibits gives renters chances to bond over their shared talents, while art studio amenities provide inspiring outlets for creative expression alongside all Milwaukee has to offer.

Try out practice amps in music rooms

It’s no secret Milwaukeeans love music from Summerfest park jams to open mic nights at cozy coffeehouses. Finding an apartment community that truly supports musicians makes staying in practice a breeze. On-request music practice rooms outfitted with amps, drum sets, keyboards and soundproofing materials allow band members to rehearse together or solo artists to sharpen skills without disturbing others. Some communities hold regular jam sessions inviting in residents and neighbors alike. Music rooms build community and are an amenity loved by Milwaukee’s lyrical renters. With practice spaces steps from home, the music never has to stop.

inside of a music room with instruments, microphones and speakers

Outdoor common areas encourage community

Beautiful courtyards, rooftop terraces and lush gardens give renters plenty of apartment facilities in Milwaukee to enjoy the city’s mild seasonal weather. By providing outdoor common areas, apartments foster renter interaction through events like summer concert series or weekly farmers’ markets. Getting to know neighbors is easy in communities featuring amenities like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, swimming pools, and more.

Clubhouses host events

Clubhouses provide the perfect spot for apartment communities to host resident events and bring neighbors together regularly. Well-equipped clubhouses include amenities like demonstration kitchens for cooking classes, theaters for movie nights, gaming spaces for competitions and bars for happy hours or parties. As a valuable amenity, clubhouses enable apartment living to feel less isolated.

Pet spas pamper furry friends

Pet parents rejoice over communities that roll out the red carpet for their furry friends. Pet spas with features like indoor dog runs, grooming stations, pet washes and water features allow dogs to play, exercise, and bond with other resident pets. Some communities even have separate pet parks for large and small dogs. These well-thought amenities make apartment living much smoother when renting with pets.

Bicycle storage protects rides

With its growing network of bike lanes and trails, Milwaukee has become a very bikeable city. To support this healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, many desirable communities provide protected bicycle storage areas like bike rooms, racks and repair shops. Keeping bikes secure and well-maintained offers renters stress-free cycling right from their front doors.

close-up of a bicycle wheel in a bike rack

Garages and carports shield vehicles

While Milwaukee boasts great public transit and ridesharing options, many renters still prefer to use their vehicles. To that point, protecting cars from the Midwest’s varied weather conditions gives renters peace of mind. Covered parking garages and carports with available EV charging stations are in demand as renters aim to keep their cars looking and running their best for years to come.

Boasting a long list of fabulous amenities, Milwaukee offers comfortable community living spaces tailored to modern renters’ active lifestyles. Take time to tour a variety of Milwaukee apartment communities to find the amenities package that best matches your needs and desires. With modern facilities and neighborhood appeal, Milwaukee is even more attractive for today’s on-the-go renters.

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Alexandra Both is a senior real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She brings over almost 10 years of real estate writing experience, having served as a senior editor at Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News. A seasoned journalist, Alexandra has worked across print, online, and broadcast media. Her work has been featured in a variety of prominent outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, and Architectural Digest. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Community Development.

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