​​​​3 Safest and Most Affordable Neighborhoods to Live in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kenosha, Wisconsin offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and lakefront beauty. Located on Lake Michigan, approximately 60 miles north of Chicago and 40 miles south of Milwaukee, the fourth largest city in the state provides residents with affordable living options, cultural experiences,  and a strong sense of community. At a population of approximately 100,000 residents, Kenosha balances varied urban amenities with a smaller-city feel.

Three neighborhoods stand out in their ability to provide access to the city’s amenities, with each neighborhood providing distinct features enhancing their livability. The Gateway, Red Arrow, and Poerio neighborhoods all benefit from Kenosha’s low unemployment rate of 3.5% (as of March 2025), the overall reduction in crime, which has been trending downward over the past twenty years, access to a wide array of healthcare options, and the Home Kenosha program, a home investment partnership program. Home Kenosha offers construction loans to home builders of up to 50% of eligible construction costs at an interest rate of 5.75%, and it provides eligible home buyers with deferred second mortgage assistance of up to $50,000 at 0% interest.

Related article

The Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers diverse living options for everyone, from emerging professionals, to growing families, to good-living retirees. With its affordable cost of living, natural beauty, and strong communities, the Badger State is definitely an attractive option for relocation. Whether you prefer urban amenities in Milwaukee and Madison or the tranquil settings of Door County and the Northwoods, Wisconsin provides something for every lifestyle…

1. Poerio Neighborhood

A. Poerio’s Employment Opportunities

Poerio neighborhood residents benefit from Kenosha’s overall strong employment market. The neighborhood offers convenient access to various employment sectors in the broader Kenosha area, including manufacturing, education, and health services, each of which had increased significantly as of March 2025.

The neighborhood’s central location provides residents with manageable commutes to various employment centers within Kenosha, including:

• Trade and transportation employers
• Manufacturing facilities
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare providers
• Retail and service industries

Despite fluctuations in unemployment rates throughout 2024, Kenosha’s labor market has remained relatively stable, with March 2025 showing a 3.5% unemployment rate, which is significantly lower than the long-term average of 5.8%.

B. Poerio’s Safety 

Poerio reflects the city of Kenosha’s downward crime trends, making it attractive to families and individuals seeking affordable housing in a secure environment. While Kenosha’s violent crime rate in 2022 was 15.3% lower than the national average, property crime rates were 23.4% below national figures.

Safety features of Poerio include: 

• Violent crime rates projected to continue to decrease
• Property crimes trending downward
• Community policing initiatives enhancing neighborhood security
• Active neighborhood watch programs contributing to overall safety

Poerio’s residential character and community engagement contribute to its reputation as one of the more secure areas within the city, making it an excellent choice for safety-conscious residents seeking value-oriented housing options.

Related article

10 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a friendly and casual place to enjoy all four seasons. Best known for its dairy farms and pro sports, it is also home to tech companies and a world-class research university. We assign a HOMEiA Score for each city, which provides an overall assessment of its safety and appeal as a place to call home…

C. Poerio’s Healthcare Options

While specific healthcare institutions within Poerio itself may be limited, the neighborhood’s location provides convenient access to medical services and options throughout Kenosha. 

Kenosha offers residents healthcare options that include:

• Primary care practices
• Specialty medical services
• Urgent care facilities
• Preventive healthcare programs
• Mental health services
• Rehabilitation services

Gateway Technical College, located within reach of Poerio residents, offers nursing and healthcare programs that contribute to the local healthcare workforce, ensuring continued development of medical services in the area..

D. Poerio’s Educational Landscape

Poerio residents benefit from being part of the Kenosha Unified School District, which serves the educational needs of the community. Families have access to both public and private educational options throughout Kenosha. Gateway Technical College, UW Parkside, and private colleges provide higher education opportunities, enhancing educational accessibility for residents seeking career advancement or technical training.

Educational advantages for Poerio families include:

1. Proximity to elementary and secondary schools
2. Access to vocational training programs
3. Adult continuing education opportunities
4. Library and learning resources
5. After-school programs and activities

The neighborhood’s affordability makes it particularly attractive to students, young professionals, and families prioritizing educational access while managing housing costs effectively.

Related article

7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you want the variety, history, and entertainment options of a big city, but with shorter commutes and a laid-back Midwestern vibe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin may be the place for you. It has an upscale side, especially in trendy districts like the Historic Third Ward, and its proximity to Chicago…

E. Poerio’s Amenities

Poerio offers residents an attractive combination of parks, local businesses, and community facilities that enhance quality of life while maintaining affordability. The neighborhood’s location provides convenient access to Kenosha’s lakefront, which features parks, beaches, and recreational facilities. Shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants are within easy reach, ensuring residents don’t have to compromise on convenience despite the neighborhood’s budget-friendly housing costs.

Key amenities accessible to Poerio residents include:

• Public parks, green spaces, and the lakefront
• Grocery stores and pharmacies
• Local dining establishments
• Public transportation routes
• Community centers and gathering spaces
• Retail shopping options

The neighborhood’s walkability varies by section, but most essential services are accessible via short drives, enhancing the convenience factor for residents who prioritize both affordability and access to amenities.

F. Poerio’s Unique Attributes

What sets Poerio apart is its combination of affordability and community feel. As one of Kenosha’s established neighborhoods, Poerio features a mix of architectural styles that reflect its development over time. The area also benefits from the Home Kenosha program, which aims to increase affordable homeownership opportunities and revitalize neighborhoods across the city.

Distinctive aspects of Poerio include:

1. A tight-knit community atmosphere with long-term residents
2. Architectural diversity reflecting different eras of development
3. Lower housing costs without sacrificing access to city amenities
4. Potential for property value appreciation as revitalization continues

Residents of Poerio enjoy a diverse mix of residents and architecture, as well as access to the Home Kenosha program, which positions Poerio as a neighborhood with investment potential in addition to its current affordability.

2. Red Arrow Neighborhood

A. Red Arrow’s Employment Opportunities

Red Arrow’s location provides convenient access to multiple employment sectors, including manufacturing , education and health services, and financial activities.

Employment advantages for Red Arrow residents include:

• Proximity to commercial corridors with retail and service jobs
• Access to manufacturing facilities employing skilled workers
• Connection to transportation networks for commuting options
• Growing healthcare sector, providing various career pathways
• Educational institutions offering employment opportunities

The neighborhood’s position within Kenosha allows residents to leverage job opportunities while benefiting from housing costs significantly below the city’s median rent of $1,520.

B. Red Arrow’s Safety

Red Arrow benefits from Kenosha’s overall positive trends in crime reduction. While Kenosha’s crime rates in 2022 were well below national averages for both violent crime (15.3% lower) and property crime (23.4% lower), ongoing improvements continue to enhance the safety profile of neighborhoods like Red Arrow.

Safety features characterizing Red Arrow include:

1. Well-lit streets and public areas
2. Active community policing presence
3. Neighborhood watch programs
4. Community engagement in safety initiatives

These factors contribute to Red Arrow’s reputation as an affordable neighborhood that doesn’t compromise on security, making it particularly attractive to families and individuals seeking safe housing options on a budget.

Related article

5 Most Affordable and Safe Places to Live in Wisconsin

Whether you are seeking waterfront views, vibrant city life, or peaceful small-town charm, Wisconsin provides affordable, safe options for individuals, families, and retirees. From the banks of The Mighty Mississippi to the shores of Lake Michigan, from the beaches of Lake Superior to the rolling bluffs of the Driftless Region, different parts of Wisconsin offer distinct flavors and lifestyles…

C. Red Arrow’s Healthcare Options

Healthcare access for Red Arrow residents includes various medical facilities throughout Kenosha. The neighborhood’s location ensures that residents can reach the growing number of healthcare resources and providers within a reasonable distance. Healthcare resources accessible to Red Arrow residents include:

• Family medicine practices
• Specialty care providers
• Mental health services
• Preventive care programs
• Senior health resources

The presence of healthcare education programs through Gateway Technical College further strengthens the healthcare options available to Red Arrow residents, ensuring continued development of medical services in the area.

D. Red Arrow’s Educational Landscape

Red Arrow is served by the Kenosha Unified School District, offering residents access to public education options for K-12 students. The neighborhood’s location also provides access to Gateway Technical College. Families in Red Arrow can choose from public and private educational institutions throughout Kenosha, with transportation options facilitating access to schools outside the immediate neighborhood.

Educational resources serving Red Arrow residents include:

• Public elementary, middle, and high schools
• Private education alternatives
• Technical and vocational training programs
• Access to UW Parkside and private colleges located within Kenosha
• Adult continuing education opportunities
• Educational support services

The combination of educational options and affordable housing makes Red Arrow particularly attractive to families seeking to maximize educational opportunities while maintaining budget-friendly housing costs.

Related article

An Ultimate Guide to Moving for Home Buyers and Sellers

Buying and selling a home doesn’t make you an expert in moving. Buying and selling are much more different when you’re actually moving. Carefully go through the tips listed below and uses these as your ultimate guide whenever moving…

E. Red Arrow’s Amenities

Red Arrow offers a balance of residential comfort and access to urban amenities. The neighborhood features parks and recreational spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life. Shopping, dining, and community facilities are accessible within a reasonable distance, ensuring that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience or lifestyle.

Notable amenities accessible to Red Arrow residents include:

• Community parks and green spaces
• Grocery and retail shopping options
• Local dining establishments
• Public transportation connections
• Places of worship and community centers
• Recreational facilities and programs

The neighborhood’s mix of on-site amenities and accessibility to broader city resources ensures that residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle despite housing costs well below the city’s median rent.

F. Red Arrow’s Unique Attributes

Red Arrow distinguishes itself through its combination of affordability, location, and community character. The neighborhood features a mix of housing styles that appeal to diverse preferences and budgets.  As part of Kenosha’s urban fabric, Red Arrow benefits from the city’s ongoing initiatives to enhance affordable housing options, including the Home Kenosha program.

Distinctive features that define Red Arrow include:

1. Historical significance reflected in the neighborhood’s name and character
2. Architectural diversity
3. Community pride expressed through local initiatives
4. Potential for property appreciation through city revitalization programs
5. Balance of established character and ongoing development

The Home Kenosha program, which allows the city to sell vacant parcels to homebuilders for $1 following execution of a development agreement, may further enhance Red Arrow’s appeal as affordable housing options expand. With 53 lots available through this program, Red Arrow stands to benefit greatly from this initiative.

3. Gateway Neighborhood

A. Gateway’s’s Employment Opportunities

Gateway neighborhood offers residents proximity to diverse employment options within Kenosha and surrounding areas. Named after Gateway Technical College, which serves as a significant employer and educational institution in the area, the neighborhood benefits from access to jobs in education, healthcare, and professional services. Employment sectors showing growth and providing opportunities for Gateway residents include:

• Manufacturing: 3.5% growth over 12 months
• Education and health services: 4.8% growth
• Professional and business services: 7.2% growth
• Financial activities: 7.4% growth
• Mining, logging, and construction: 5.3% growth

The previous figures from March 2025 demonstrate the diverse economic opportunities available to residents, offsetting declines in sectors like leisure and hospitality (-7.2%) and government (-2.0%). The neighborhood’s strategic location provides convenient access to employers throughout Kenosha while maintaining housing costs significantly below the city’s median.

B. Gateway’s Safety 

Safety in the Gateway neighborhood also benefits from Kenosha’s overall positive trends in crime reduction. Gateway’s proximity to educational institutions contributes to increased visibility and security measures that benefit the entire neighborhood.

Safety factors characterizing Gateway include:

1. Institutional presence enhancing area security
2. Well-maintained public spaces discouraging criminal activity
3. Community engagement in safety initiatives
4. Clear emergency access routes

These elements contribute to Gateway’s appeal as an affordable neighborhood that maintains a focus on resident safety and security, making it particularly attractive to students, young professionals, and families seeking budget-friendly housing in a secure environment.

Related article

The 15 Budget Friendly Towns in Minnesota for Retirees

The cost of living in Minnesota varies by location and is highest in its large metro areas, but on the whole, it compares well to the coasts and to big cities. Each community in Minnesota has its own personality, and here we will introduce you to 15 of the best options for retiring in the North Star State…

C. Gateway’s Healthcare Options

Healthcare access is a notable advantage for Gateway residents, with proximity to multiple medical facilities which serve the greater Kenosha community.

Healthcare resources accessible to Gateway residents include:

• Primary care facilities
• Specialty medical services
• Health education programs
• Preventive care initiatives
• Healthcare workforce development programs

The presence of Gateway Technical College’s healthcare programs ensures a pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals entering the local workforce, strengthening the healthcare services available to neighborhood residents.

D. Gateway’s Educational Landscape

Education is a standout feature of the Gateway neighborhood, with Gateway Technical College serving as an anchor institution. Residents benefit from direct access to higher education opportunities, including the college’s Associate Degree in Nursing program. The neighborhood is also served by the Kenosha Unified School District, providing educational options for families with school-age children.

Educational advantages for Gateway residents include:

• Direct access to higher education and technical training
• Quality K-12 public education options
• Lifelong learning opportunities
• Educational support services
• Access to UW Parkside and local private colleges

The combination of K-12 and higher education accessibility makes Gateway particularly attractive for education-focused households, as it has created a neighborhood with strong connections to learning and career development.

Related article

30 Best Packing Tips for Moving to a New City

How do you get everything safely from Point A to Point B on a tight schedule? With a lot of planning. Here are our best tips to make the process of moving to a new city as smooth as possible…

E. Gateway’s Amenities

Gateway offers residents a blend of educational, recreational, and community amenities that enhance quality of life while maintaining affordability. The neighborhood’s proximity to Gateway Technical College provides access to campus facilities and events that enrich the community experience. Residents enjoy parks, community spaces, and access to essential services within a reasonable distance.

Key amenities accessible to Gateway residents include:

• College campus facilities, resources, and events
• Public parks and recreational spaces
• Community centers and gathering places
• Shopping and dining options
• Public transportation connections
• Cultural and entertainment venues

The neighborhood’s mix of on-site amenities and accessibility to broader city resources ensures that residents enjoy a vibrant  lifestyle despite housing costs well below the city’s median rent.

F. Gateway’s Unique Attributes

What distinguishes Gateway is its educational ecosystem centered around Gateway Technical College. This creates a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of students, educators, and diverse residents. The neighborhood’s name reflects its function as a “gateway” to opportunity through education and community engagement.

Distinctive aspects of Gateway include:

1. Educational anchor institution shaping neighborhood character
2. Diverse population, including students, educators, and families
3. Dynamic blend of residential and institutional spaces
4. Cultural activities and events connected to educational and community institutions
5. Potential for continued development through educational partnerships

Gateway benefits from Kenosha’s affordable housing initiatives, including the Home Kenosha program, which aims to increase home ownership through financial assistance and development incentives. This combination of educational resources, community character, and affordability initiatives positions Gateway as a neighborhood of opportunity and value.

Related article

10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Iowa

We started with the top 30 towns in Iowa by population—those with at least 15,000 residents. Then we ruled out those whose populations had fallen over the last 10 years, using population growth as a proxy measure for desirability. Finally, we chose those with the lowest median list price for homes…

Tips on How to Find Affordable Housing in Kenosha, Wisconsin

1. Explore the Home Kenosha Program
   Take advantage of the recently announced Home Kenosha Neighborhood Revival Program. This initiative offers opportunities for affordable home ownership, including:
   • Newly constructed homes sold for $325,000 or less
   • Deferred second mortgage assistance up to $50,000 at 0% interest
   • Eligibility for households earning at or below 150% of the area median income

1. Consider Section 8 Housing
   Apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households.
2. Look into Other Low-Income Housing Options
   Explore alternatives such as public housing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, and supportive housing programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
3. Target Affordable Neighborhoods
   Focus your search on more affordable areas of Kenosha. As of March 2025, the median home price in Kenosha was $264,000. Consider neighborhoods with lower average prices, including those listed above,  to maximize your budget.
4. Be Prepared to Act Quickly
   The Kenosha housing market is somewhat competitive, with some homes receiving multiple offers. Be ready to make decisions quickly, especially for properties in high-demand areas or price ranges.
5. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent
   Partner with an experienced local agent who understands Kenosha’s affordable housing market and can help you navigate available options and programs.
6. Consider Fixer-Uppers
   Look for properties that may need some work, but which still fall within your budget. With the median sale price per square foot at $182, you might find value in homes that require minor renovations.
7. Explore First-Time Homebuyer Programs
   Research state and local first-time homebuyer programs that may offer additional financial assistance or favorable loan terms.
8. Monitor Market Trends
   Keep an eye on Kenosha’s housing market trends. With home prices up 10.8% compared to last year, timing your purchase can be crucial for finding the best value.
9. Expand Your Search Area
   Consider nearby areas within Kenosha County, which had a median sale price of $288,000 in March 2025. Surrounding communities may offer more affordable options while still providing access to Kenosha’s amenities.

Related article

15 Essential Steps for Moving to a New City

If you’re moving to a new city, though, the process is even more complicated. Without the ability to make a quick trip here and there, you’ll need a detailed plan to keep everything running smoothly. This guide to relocation will help you make a plan and check all the boxes so your move will be as painless as possible…

Overall Affordability in Kenosha

Kenosha’s affordable neighborhoods — Gateway, Red Arrow, and Poerio — offer diverse options for residents seeking value without sacrificing quality of life. With average rents significantly below the city’s median of $1,520, these neighborhoods provide accessibility to employment, education, healthcare, and amenities while maintaining unique community characteristics. As Kenosha implements initiatives like the Home Kenosha program, these areas are poised to enhance their investment value and their appeal as affordable, vibrant communities.