Brookfield is Waukesha County's shopping and business hub just west of Milwaukee — spacious suburban neighborhoods, the Elmbrook School District, Brookfield Square and The Corners of Brookfield, and some of the shortest commutes to Milwaukee in the county. It's also the natural "first stop" for buyers who later move west into Lake Country.
Brookfield at a Glance
Median sale price
$594,717
Redfin, 3 mo. ending Sept 2026; +13.3% YoY
Realtor.com, Sept 2026
$593,050 median sold; $237/sq ft; 30 days
Metro MLS "Brookfield + Elm Grove"
$572,450
Sept 2026; 58 sales; 19 days
2025 tax rate
$10.62 per $1,000 market value
City, Elmbrook SD
Schools
Elmbrook School District (Brookfield Central & Brookfield East HS) for most of the city
Market: Redfin 3 mo. ending Sept 2026; Realtor.com Sept 2026; Metro MLS Sept 2026. Taxes: 2025 rates.
City of Brookfield vs. Town of Brookfield vs. Elm Grove
- City of Brookfield — the large suburban city (most of this guide).
- Town of Brookfield — a separate, small municipality around Bluemound Rd and I-94 with its own tax rate; parts are in the Waukesha school district.
- Village of Elm Grove — a separate village on Brookfield's east side, also in the Elmbrook School District, with its own small downtown.
- Many addresses say "Brookfield" (53005, 53045) — check the municipality on the tax bill.
Neighborhoods and Areas
- East Brookfield / near Elm Grove — established 1950s–70s neighborhoods with mature trees.
- North Brookfield (Hwy 190/Capitol Dr to the Menomonee Falls line) — larger homes and lots.
- Central (Calhoun Rd, near City Hall/Library) — convenient to Brookfield Central and parks.
- South (Bluemound/I-94) — close to retail, offices and condos.
Home Prices and Market Trends
- Redfin, 3 mo. ending Sept 2026: $594,717 median (+13.3% YoY), $238/sq ft (+6.7%), 42 days on market, 153 sales in September.
- Realtor.com, Sept 2026: $593,050 median sold (+18.97% YoY), median list $580,000, 30 days, 110 active listings (–44% YoY).
- Metro MLS, Brookfield + Elm Grove, Sept 2026: $572,450 median, 19 days on market, 114 active listings.
Appreciation
- 1-year: +13% to +19% depending on source (above).
- 3-year (ZIP 53045): median sold +30.77% (Realtor.com).
Property Taxes (2025, per $1,000)
| Municipality (school district) | Gross | Net | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Brookfield (Elmbrook) | $13.46 | $11.96 | $10.62 |
| City of Brookfield (Hamilton) | $13.93 | $12.43 | $11.04 |
| City of Brookfield (Waukesha) | $12.02 | $10.52 | $9.35 |
| Town of Brookfield (Elmbrook) | $11.59 | $10.59 | $10.09 |
| Town of Brookfield (Waukesha) | $10.25 | $9.26 | $8.82 |
| Village of Elm Grove (Elmbrook) | $13.39 | $12.06 | $11.05 |
Example: $595,000 in the City (Elmbrook) ≈ $6,300/year.
Schools
- Elmbrook School District — Brookfield Central and Brookfield East high schools, Wisconsin Hills and Pilgrim Park middle schools, and several elementaries.
- Northwest pockets are in the Hamilton School District (Sussex); southwest pockets in the School District of Waukesha.
- Private options include Brookfield Academy and Catholic Memorial (Waukesha).
- Check ratings on the Wisconsin DPI Report Card portal.
Parks and the Outdoors
- Mitchell Park and Wirth Park (pool) — city parks
- Fox Brook Park (Waukesha County) — swimming beach, fishing
- Dousman Trail and Underwood Creek greenways
- Lake Country lakes are 15–25 minutes west.
Things to Do and Events
- Brookfield Farmers' Market — Saturdays May–October at Brookfield Square (95 N. Moorland Rd).
- The Corners of Brookfield — outdoor shopping/dining district with seasonal events.
- Brookfield Civic Plaza events and the Brookfield Public Library.
- Wisconsin Center / Milwaukee events are ~20 minutes east.
Restaurants and Coffee
Leading Brookfield restaurants on TripAdvisor (Oct 2026):
- Mr. B's – A Bartolotta Steakhouse
- Parkside 23
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
- Sluggo's Sports Pub & Grill
- Bonefish Grill
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
- The Original Pancake House
Shopping
Brookfield Square (mall, Moorland Rd) and The Corners of Brookfield (Bluemound Rd and Barker Rd) are the area's main shopping destinations; Bluemound Road is lined with retail and dealerships.
Healthcare
Many ProHealth, Froedtert and Ascension clinics in the city; Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa (~15 min) and ProHealth Waukesha Memorial (~15 min).
Commute Times
| To | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Milwaukee | ~13 mi | ~20–25 min |
| Waukesha | ~8 mi | ~15 min |
| Oconomowoc | ~20 mi | ~25 min |
| Madison | ~70 mi | ~70 min |
Approximate.
Brookfield in Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookfield, WI a good place to live?
Brookfield is popular for its Elmbrook schools, short Milwaukee commute, parks and major shopping at Brookfield Square and The Corners.
What is the median home price in Brookfield?
Redfin reported $594,717 for the three months ending September 2026, up 13.3% year over year.
What's the difference between the City and Town of Brookfield?
They're separate municipalities with different services and tax rates. The Town is small and centered near Bluemound Road and I-94.
What school district is Brookfield in?
Most of the City is in the Elmbrook School District (Brookfield Central and Brookfield East). Some areas are in Hamilton or Waukesha districts.
What are property taxes in Brookfield?
About $10.62 per $1,000 of market value in the City (Elmbrook), 2025 — roughly $6,300 a year on a $595,000 home.
Is Elm Grove part of Brookfield?
No. Elm Grove is a separate village next to Brookfield, though it shares the Elmbrook School District.
