I have just listed all the characteristics of a typical neighborhood in suburbia. But what makes Riverwest different from the rest is that even though this area lies in the middle of Milwaukee, it feels very safe.

I ventured out to Riverwest in Milwaukee on a cloudy Saturday morning. I’ve found I do not cross paths with this side of town as much as I would like.

I am bundled up in my winter coat, hat and mittens because it is quite chilly this morning. Yet, it is still a comfortable temperature to be out for a walk with my friend, Ashley. As we approach a busy intersection I tell her that I wish we took walks like this more often. With such busy schedules, we find it a relief to be able to enjoy this nature walk.

The neighborhood of Riverwest is similar to the one I grew up with in Greenville, WI. My friend Ashley grew up in a small suburb in Ohio. Kids play outside of their homes on the front lawn. All the houses on these streets are lined up close, from one side to the other. Joggers wave as they run by us and we encounter many different kinds of dogs out for a walk with their owners.

I have just listed all the characteristics of a typical neighborhood in suburbia. But what makes Riverwest different from the rest is that even though this area lies in the middle of Milwaukee, it feels very safe. The upkeep of the neighborhood is also something I notice that differs from the many more rundown areas of Milwaukee.

As Ashley and I continue on our journey, the neighborhood brings to our attention what we miss so much from home. The people of this neighborhood are friendly, kind and present a communal environment.

Small locally-owned businesses adorn street corners every few blocks and landscaping in many homes’ yards bloom with autumn harvest.

As Ashley and I made our way back to my car after our walk, a smile graces my face. After living in Milwaukee for four months and having witnessed some pretty terrible areas of town, it was a relief to see this community at the heart of the city.

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