Wauwatosa is a city in Milwaukie County, Wisconsin that is just west of Milwaukee and is a part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan area. It is a medium sized city with approximately thirteen neighborhoods and is the 14th largest community, by population, within the state. Today it is considered and edge city or suburb of Milwaukee and it has a mayor/council form of city government. The city is thought to be named after the native Potawatomi word for firefly. The community has been home to many notable residents including, but not limited to journalists Nancy Dickerson and Jeremy Scahill, singer/songwriter Grace Webber, composer/musician Michael Torke, actor Spencer Tracy, cyclist Matthew Bushe and pro basketball player Devon Harris.

Charles Hart was the first known permanent settler to the area, he arrived in 1835. In 1836, seventeen families joined him and a community soon began to form. The town was created with the name Wauwautoosa in April of 1840 through an act of legislature, but the name was later changed to Wauwatosa. The town government was arranged in 1842 and Charles Hart constructed the first mill in 1845. In 1849, the Water Town Plank Road was built passing through Wauwatosa following the former territorial road. The railroad came through in 1851 and placed its termination point in the town of Wauwatosa. The city was incorporated in 1892 and re-chartered as a city in 1897. In 1952, the city annexed 8.5 square miles of land more than doubling its size.

The city spans 13.25 square miles and all of it land area. In 2010, the population was 46,396 and the population density was 3,501.6 people per square mile. The per capita income in 2010 was $37,549, which is fairly affluent when compared to state and federal statistics. The estimated population in 2012 was 47,068. In 2013, the population was 47,134, the estimated household income was $65,855 and the per capita income was $37,521. In the same year the estimated median house or condo value was $209,863, the mean price on all housing units was $170,561 and the median gross rent was $910. The city’s workforce is decidedly white-collar and over 88% of the workforce hold white-collar positions.

Public education is provided by the Wauwatosa School District which features nine elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. There are also six private schools to choose from, these schools are predominantly Catholic schools. Points of interest include the Annunciation Orthodox Church, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Washington Highlands Historic District and the oldest house in the city, the Lowell Damon House built in 1844-1846. The city hosts several events throughout the year including the Independence Day Parade, Tosa Tonight Concerts, the Farmer’s Market, Firefly Art Fair and many more. The city is known for its quiet residential streets and beautiful homes. Homes for sale range from small starter homes up through historic and luxury properties. Other real estate options include townhomes and condominiums for sale or lease and apartments and other housing units for rent. For assistance in finding the home of your dreams call local agent Dan Konicek at 1-262-880-8104 and begin your search today.