Greendale is a village in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 14,405 at the 2000 census.

Greendale was originally developed in 1936 as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in the wake of the Great Depression. With the purchase of 3,400 acres of farmland southwest of Milwaukee’s city limits, the federal government’s Resettlement Administration had three main objectives: to demonstrate a new kind of suburban community which combined both city and country life, to provide good housing at reasonable rents, and to provide jobs to unemployed workers. The site of the development, adjacent to beautiful Whitnall Park, was chosen for its gentle hills, thick wooded areas, and scenic ponds. One of three “Greenbelt” communities in the country, the historic village of Greendale was built on the “garden city” model, in which housing was situated within easy walking access of gardens, employment and a town center.

The original downtown area included the Village Hall, several businesses and 366 homes which included 572 living units. Single family homes, multi-family homes and rowhouses made of cincrete, a type of cinder block, were built to accommodate a mix of family sizes and income levels. Uniquely designed, the homes were positioned close to the street with the living room at the back of the house to allow residents a better view of their picturesque backyards. These quaint homes were often referred to as “Greendale Originals.”

In 1950 the Public Housing Administration gave Greendale residents the right to purchase their homes from the government. The transfer of ownership from the government to the people was largely complete by 1952. Greendale has long been listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Greendale Historic District.

Today, Greendale, WI residents continue to enjoy the best of many worlds. in 2007 the Greendale School District was ranked by Milwaukee Magazine as the top school system among the Milwaukee metropolitan area and Greendale High School was named by Newsweek as one of America’s Best High Schools in its 2009 & 2010 rankings.

But quality education is one of many superior benefits Greendale residents enjoy. Its lush green spaces, outstanding municipal services, thriving businesses give Greendalers ample reason to boast. Greendale hosts many special events and celebrations throughout the year. The annual July 4th activities bring friends and neighbors together for a fun-filled day in the Village including a parade on Broad Street, a corn roast, and of course, spectacular fireworks. In October, the Hay Days Fall Festival features tractor-drawn hay rides, square dancing, pony rides, live music and more. Strolling carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, hand-warming fires and over 100,000 lights twinkling in the night transport you back in time during the popular holiday celebration, A Dickens of a Christmas. Other community events include gazebo concerts, green markets, a reenactment of a civil war encampment, a tour of Greendale “Original” homes, a vintage baseball tournament, and a garden-gazing walk.

Community members are active in many local civic organizations, church groups and school committees where they volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of the Village. Visitors, and residents alike, savor the community’s heritage, and newcomers as well as founding families are committed to preserving Greendale’s rich history and small town charm.

Greendale Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate