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Wauwatosa is a well-established suburb directly west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for its tree-lined streets, strong schools, and vibrant commercial corridors. Home to roughly 48,000 residents, the city offers a comfortable urban-suburban balance with easy access to Milwaukee's downtown, hospitals, and cultural institutions. The presence of Wisconsin Lutheran College and proximity to Marquette University and other Milwaukee schools brings a steady student population to the area. Wauwatosa's Tosa Village neighborhood is a particularly popular destination for dining, shopping, and community events.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Wauwatosa.
Wauwatosa is served by the Milwaukee County Transit System, with several bus routes running along major corridors including Bluemound Road and North Avenue. The MCTS Gold Line bus rapid transit route connects Wauwatosa to downtown Milwaukee, making car-free commuting practical for many students. Bus passes are affordable and the system covers most destinations students need in the metro area.
Wauwatosa's residential neighborhoods are highly walkable, especially near the Tosa Village area and along the Menomonee River Parkway trail system. The city has invested in bike infrastructure, and many streets near Wisconsin Lutheran College are accessible by bike with low traffic. Students living within a mile or two of campus can easily commute without a car.
Street parking in Wauwatosa is generally available throughout residential neighborhoods, often free or with modest permit requirements. Students with cars will find on-street and surface lot parking more accessible than in denser Milwaukee neighborhoods. Apartment buildings near campus typically include off-street parking at low or no additional cost.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Wauwatosa is a comfortable and convenient suburb for college students, offering safe neighborhoods, good transit connections to Milwaukee, and plenty of local dining and entertainment. Students who value a quieter residential setting with easy city access tend to enjoy living here.
Browse student housing near each Wauwatosa-area university.