If you’re scouring the web for "Oxford Apartments in Milwaukee" because you’re looking for a fresh place to sign a lease, you’ve likely run into a bit of a digital ghost hunt. It’s confusing. Honestly, if you plug that name into a search engine today, you get a weird mix of luxury rental listings, senior living communities in Wauwatosa, and some pretty dark historical archives.
There's a reason for the muddle.
The most famous "Oxford Apartments" to ever exist in Milwaukee isn't actually standing anymore. It hasn't been for over thirty years. But because of true crime documentaries and a certain 2022 Netflix series, the name has been burned into the collective memory of the city.
Most people searching for this keyword are either looking for the "Oxford" floor plan at a luxury spot like London House on Farwell Avenue, or they’re trying to figure out what happened to the site of the original building at 924 North 25th Street. Let’s get the facts straight so you don't end up accidentally touring a building that doesn't exist or moving into a neighborhood that isn't what you expected.
The Original Oxford Apartments: 924 North 25th Street
Back in the early 90s, the Oxford Apartments was a 49-unit, low-rise brick building on Milwaukee’s west side. It wasn’t a "luxury" spot by any stretch. It was a utilitarian, somewhat run-down complex that mostly housed low-income residents.
It became global news in July 1991.
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That was the summer the world learned about Jeffrey Dahmer. He lived in Apartment 213. I won't go into the gruesome details—you probably already know them—but the building quickly became a site of morbid curiosity. Neighbors had complained about foul smells and power saws for months, but the police didn't catch on until Tracy Edwards escaped the unit and flagged down a patrol car.
Why you can't live there now
After Dahmer's arrest, the building was a scar on the neighborhood. It was basically impossible to rent out units there anymore. Who would want to?
The Campus Circle Project, a revitalization initiative backed by Marquette University, bought the building in 1992 for about $325,000. That was a steal even for those days, mostly because the "stigma" had tanked the property value. In November of 1992, they tore the whole thing down.
Today, if you drive to the corner of 25th and State, you won't find a building. It's a vacant, grassy lot surrounded by a black chain-link fence. There’s been talk for decades about turning it into a memorial garden or a community space, but as of 2026, it remains an empty space in the Avenues West neighborhood.
The Modern "Oxford": Where People Live Today
If you’re actually looking for a place to sleep and you aren't a history buff, you’re probably seeing the "Oxford" name pop up in current rental listings. This is where the SEO "magic" gets a bit messy.
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The London House (1580 N Farwell Ave)
Located on the Lower East Side, London House is a popular choice for young professionals and students. They use British-themed names for their floor plans. They have the "Piccadilly," the "Waterloo," and yes, the "Oxford."
- The Layout: It's a 1-bedroom, 1-bath setup, usually around 563 square feet.
- The Price: Expect to pay somewhere between $1,160 and $1,500 depending on the floor and the view.
- The Vibe: This is the actual Oxford apartment people live in today. It’s pet-friendly, has a fitness center, and puts you right near the lakefront and Brady Street. It’s a complete 180 from the historic 25th Street building.
The Regent & The Oxford (Wauwatosa)
Then there’s the senior living side of things. Out in Wauwatosa (just west of Milwaukee proper), there’s a complex called The Regent Senior & The Oxford.
This is a totally different beast. It’s located on Foundry Way and caters to the 55+ crowd or those looking for more spacious, quiet living.
- Units: They offer 1 to 3 bedrooms.
- Size: Much bigger than the East Side units, ranging from 750 up to 1,200+ square feet.
- Rent: Generally higher, often starting around $1,400 and going up past $2,400 for the larger market-rate units.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
When people talk about the "Oxford Apartments in Milwaukee," they often conflate the West Side with the East Side.
The West Side (where the original building stood) is still seeing a lot of redevelopment. Marquette University has poured millions into the "Avenues West" area. It’s a mix of historic mansions, university buildings, and newer affordable housing. It’s got a lot of soul, but it’s very different from the "Lower East Side" where the London House sits.
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The Lower East Side is the trendy, walkable part of town. If you’re looking for nightlife, coffee shops like Colectivo, and being able to walk to a grocery store like Whole Foods, this is where you want to be.
Honestly, the name "Oxford" is just a casualty of branding. Property managers love naming floor plans after European cities because it sounds "classy." It’s just unfortunate that in Milwaukee, that specific name carries a lot of baggage.
Renting in Milwaukee: Actionable Advice
If you're currently in the market for a place, don't just search for a name. Milwaukee’s rental market is weirdly specific by neighborhood.
- Check the Management: If you're looking at the London House "Oxford" units, they are often managed by groups like Mandel Group or similar large firms. Read recent reviews specifically about maintenance response times. Milwaukee winters are brutal on older pipes.
- Verify the Location: If a listing says "Oxford" but the address is in the 900 block of North 25th Street, it’s a scam or an incredibly old database error. That building is gone.
- Parking is King: Whether you're on Farwell or in Wauwatosa, ask about the parking situation. Street parking in Milwaukee involves "night parking permits" and "alternate side parking" rules that will result in a $30 ticket faster than you can say "Brew City."
- Utilities: A lot of the older buildings (especially on the East Side) still use radiator heat. Sometimes it’s included in the rent, which is a massive win for your budget in January.
If you’re looking for that specific "Oxford" floor plan at London House, your best bet is to call the leasing office directly. Those units go fast because the Lower East Side is always in demand. If you were looking for the historical site, just know that there’s nothing to see but a fence and some grass. The city has moved on, even if the internet hasn’t.
To move forward with a rental search, prioritize the Lower East Side for walkability or Wauwatosa for a quieter, suburban-lite feel. Always tour the specific unit you'll be living in to check for recent renovations, as many "Oxford" style layouts in older buildings can vary significantly in natural light and closet depth.