Welcome to Greendale/Franklin
A thriving and growing suburban area in Milwaukee
Tucked away on the south side of Milwaukee are the neighboring areas of Greendale and Franklin. Franklin is a larger city named for Benjamin Franklin that originated as a heavily wooded area full of wild animals. It remained rural for more than 100 years before developing into what it is today, a unique blend of rustic and a thriving urban community. Featuring tree-lined streets that offer a charming mix of new construction homes and lovely older-style craftsman homes, you’ll find yourself immersed in the area's beauty.
To the north is Greendale, with roots in the Great Depression; this “Greenbelt Town” is one of three in the United States and was planned as a way to provide housing and jobs during the Great Depression. This town is quaint and charming, full of history and green spaces with various housing styles, including “backward houses.” These unique homes feature smaller front yards with picture windows and emphasis on the backyard, where families enjoy more time together.
Whatever your heart desires, one of these vibrant Milwaukee areas will surely have something for you.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Residents of these areas enjoy the vibrancy and continually growing communities. With a variety of residential areas to settle down in featuring luxurious newly built homes, unique and historic homes, tree-lined streets where children can ride bikes and play, and plenty of parks and green spaces, there’s something for everyone. The vibrant downtown area in Greendale offers a plethora of unique boutiques, restaurants, cafes, special events, and community.
Franklin also offers a selection of retail shopping and dining, ensuring that you’ll always be able to find what you need. It won’t take long to see why so many love calling Greendale and Franklin home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Historical Village of Greendale offers various opportunities for shopping and dining with a variety of boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. Southridge Mall features a selection of all your high-end favorites when you’re in the mood for national retailers.
A stop at Ricardo’s after a day out with the family allows you to experience one of the Nation’s top independent pizzerias. Their award-winning thin crust pizza will have you and the family coming here weekly.
After a long week, head to Vintage 38 Wine Bar to unwind with friends. This cozy, inviting atmosphere features limited-batch wine, craft beer, and cocktails. Alternatively, Umbrella Bar in Franklin is an outdoor sports bar and the first of its kind in the Midwest. There are tables, couches, and fireplaces to enjoy year-round music and events.
Honey Butter Cafe in Franklin is a cozy restaurant with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients for an authentic farm-to-table experience. Indulge in their specialty, Loukoumades, or try a from-scratch Bloody Mary.
Things to Do
Greendale Village Days is one of many community events held throughout the year in this area. This multi-day event features live music and entertainment, food and beverage options from local vendors, a GTO car show, a marketplace with several local vendors, and a family fun day.
Whitnall Park in Franklin is Milwaukee county’s largest park and trails, waterfalls, a nature center, botanical gardens, and the Whitnall Golf Course. Founded in 1932, this golf course is the county’s largest park at 640 acres. This heavily wood and beautiful course offers plenty of privacy and views of Mallard Lake.
A day trip to Franklin Ball Park is an excellent choice if you enjoy the outdoors but don’t want to wander trails. Home to the minor league team Milwaukee Milkmen, you’ll love bringing the family here to enjoy a game or one of many special events.
Schools