Ann Golombowski

Located along the western shore of Lake Michigan in the southeast corner of Milwaukee County and adjacent to the City of Milwaukee, Oak Creek, with its 28.4 square miles of area, enjoys an enviable location in the Midwest. Not only is Oak Creek a part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan area, but it is only 85 miles from the heart of Chicago and 330 miles from Minneapolis both via Interstate 94. Many of our residents have moved here to enjoy the suburban and rural atmosphere while, at the same time, taking advantage of the urban services provided by the City, as well as the professional sports and cultural activities provided within the metropolitan area. The City is divided up into 22 distinct, named neighborhoods that contain diverse characteristics, which makes each one unique. This diversity is either based on its location in the City, its physical and cultural features or the existing and planned land uses within it. The neighborhoods exhibit a City’s goal of housing diversity. The vast majority of the City’s housing stock has been constructed since the City’s incorporation in 1955. Surges in single family home construction were seen in the 1960’s, 1970’s and throughout the 1990’s. Apartments, on the other hand, have been strong just within the last 13 years. While some neighborhoods may contain a majority of older housing, most display a mix of not only age, but type as well. Some of the residential neighborhoods are comprised of all single family homes; while others include not only single family homes, but also duplexes, mobile homes, condominiums and apartments. The value of housing also exhibits a great deal of diversity from entry-level homes around $50,000 to one over a million dollars. Rental housing also varies greatly based on the age and amenities of the complex.