Here we’ll take you through a tour of Waukesha County, the different neighborhoods, and what you can expect when you move here.

ABOUT WAUKESHA COUNTY

Waukesha County is the third largest county in the state of Wisconsin, with over 37 municipalities spanning more than 576 square miles of suburban and rural areas. Located in Southeastern Wisconsin, Waukesha County is just 15 miles west of Milwaukee, 60 miles east of Madison, and 100 miles northwest of Chicago. Its proximity to I-43 and I-94 makes it easy to get to just about anywhere in the county.

In the 1600s, parts of what’s now Waukesha County actually belonged to several other states, including New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Connecticut. Through the Michigan legislature, most of these areas became part of Milwaukee County in 1834. Years later, Waukesha County separated itself from Milwaukee County.

The Northwestern part of Waukesha County is known as Lake Country, aptly named for the abundance of sparkling lakes formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. During the 19th century, people would even go to the lakes in Waukesha believing their waters had healing properties.

Today, Waukesha County is the go-to getaway among Chicago and Milwaukee residents who want to experience the best of the outdoors. Among the top tourist destinations is Pewaukee Lake, the largest inland lake in the county. Here, tourists can boat and fish, or simply marvel at the lakeside views.

Southern Waukesha County is known for its nature trails and other outdoor recreational activities. Those who enjoy hiking and biking can head to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, while those who are more interested in sightseeing should visit the Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area.

There’s a lot in store for you when you buy a home for sale in Waukesha County. It has a secluded environment, yet its proximity to nearby urban areas, not to mention its booming economy, make for a great lifestyle in a beautiful location.

CITIES IN WAUKESHA COUNTY

Waukesha County comprises 11 towns, 19 villages, and seven cities. Your search for homes for sale might lead you to some of these places:

Waukesha

Just a half-hour drive away from Milwaukee is the largest city in the county, which also happens to be one of the oldest. Its history saw tourists, among them Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and President Ulysses S. Grant, flock to Waukesha to visit its famed natural spring water.

Waukesha’s city has old world charm, but it’s not short of great cultural and artistic venues. You can watch a show at the Waukesha Civic Theater, or listen to a concert by the Wisconsin Philharmonic. For a more communal experience, listen to the heavenly sound of the Waukesha Choral Union.

Delafield

While the City of Waukesha has embraced modernity, the City of Delafield seeks much more to maintain its traditional heart. Found in the Lake Country Area, Delafield once served as a rest point for travelers between Milwaukee and Madison. Now, it’s a residential and resort area that caters to tourists from around the country.

Among the city’s notable features are the Williamsburg-style houses, historical buildings that date back to Waukesha’s early history. However, new developments have given rise to more contemporary houses in the area.

The city is home to St. John’s Northwestern Academies, an institution renowned as one of the oldest and most respected leadership schools in the country.

Oconomowoc

The city got its name after a Potawatomi word that translates to “gathering of the waters”. It’s an apt name because Oconomowoc is, indeed, where Lac La Belle, Fowler Lake, Okauchee Lake, and Oconomowoc Lake meet.

In fact, these lakes play a key role to the city’s rich history. Back then, residents of Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis would take a train and spend their vacations at the resorts in Oconomowoc. It is said that Lake Road in Oconomowoc Lake was once known as “President’s Avenue” because quite a few American presidents had visited the area as a vacation spot.

Oconomowoc is still a tourist destination, though it has seen significant modernization. While there are still plenty of historical homes in the area, you’ll also find more modern single-family homes in the city’s new subdivisions.

Brookfield

Brookfield is the place to look for a wider variety of modern homes. The city is one of the largest and most populous in Waukesha County. Though you’ll find homesteads dating back to the 19th century, most of the properties in Brookfield are in upscale subdivisions and amenity-rich apartments. Here, the old and new blend in perfect harmony.

Apart from its upscale properties, Brookfield is also the go-to spot for shopping and business. The Corners of Brookfield is a good example, where you’ll find high-end shopping and must-try dining options.

Though Brookfield is highly urbanized, it makes the most of its natural surroundings. Most of the office parks, such as Brookfield Lakes Corporate Center and Bishop’s Woods, have been carefully designed to perfectly complement the surrounding environment.

If you are looking at Brookfield, don’t forget to also look at the adjacent village of Elm Grove. Even with a relatively small population of a little over 6,000 it has plenty to offer in terms of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Muskego

Along with Waukesha, Vernon, and New Berlin, Muskego was one of the cities that were originally part of Milwaukee County. Potawatomi residents used to call it Must-keep-Guacc, or “sunfish”, since the lakes surrounding the city are full of them.

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Today, Muskego and its three lakes — Big Muskego Lake, Little Muskego Lake, and Lake Denoon — are popular tourist destinations during both summer and winter seasons.

Muskego is one of the fastest-growing communities in Waukesha County. Apart from tourists looking to experience Muskego’s lakes, homebuyers flock to the area to enjoy the community’s suburban lifestyle.

New Berlin

While New Berlin has been around since the 1800s, rapid development in the city didn’t start until 50 years ago. Though New Berlin is relatively younger than the other suburbs in the county, it still has a strong sense of community and tradition stemming from families who have lived there for many generations.

The city prides itself on the New Berlin Park System, which spans 845 acres of parks and conservancy areas where people can explore and enjoy the outdoors. Residents of the community have plenty of choices when it comes to recreational activities, including biking, skiing, and even golf.

New Berlin is growing. Apart from homes in fairly new subdivisions, you’ll also find condominium and apartment complexes with breathtaking views of the surrounding natural environment.

Pewaukee

In Waukesha County, there is the Village of Pewaukee, and then there is the City of Pewaukee. The former is an independently governed village, while the latter is one of the fastest-growing urban municipalities in the county. As it stands today, the City of Pewaukee has an eclectic mix of residential and commercial properties.

The city is home to Pewaukee Lake, the largest lake in the area. Residents can enjoy different watersports, such as water skiing and sailing. In the winter, the lake is usually filled with ice shanties, with both residents and tourists alike trying their luck catching fish.

NOTABLE VILLAGES IN WAUKESHA COUNTY

There are also some wonderful villages in Waukesha County, and these also provide some fantastic homes for sale.

Village of Lac La Belle, is located on a lakefront. The village offers its residents a quiet rural environment, yet it’s still close enough to the cities to make it convenient should you need to travel. Some of the main attractions here are the Lac La Belle Yacht Club and The Club at Lac La Belle, one of the state’s oldest and most challenging golf courses.

Then there’s the village of Hartland, located just 20 miles west of Milwaukee. In Hartland, you’ll find the charms of a small town and the amenities of a resort. There’s plenty to do to keep you active and entertained from walking around the parks to sampling the best dishes at the village’s restaurants. Close by Hartland, there’s another small town called Merton, which offers fantastic outdoor recreation. Of course, there’s fishing but there’s also hiking and snowmobiling. Another village next to Hartland is Chenequa. It’s a beautiful area of trees and lakes and with less than a thousand people living here, it offers a wonderful sense of community.

Maintaining its small town charm is the Village of Sussex, just 19 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Apart from its suburban lifestyle, Sussex is proud of the quality of services they provide to their residents. The village has easy access to many parks, running trails, and nature preserves.

Near the Village of Sussex is Menomonee Falls, which is the one if not the most populous village in Wisconsin. With a thriving downtown and wonderful events and festivals year round, there’s plenty to love about Menomonee Falls.

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Waukesha County is more than just its abundance of lakes. While tourists head straight to the lakes, there are other attractions that enrich the lives of residents.

Old World Wisconsin

This outdoor museum in the town of Eagle brings its visitors back to the 19th century giving them an experience and appreciation of the rural and immigrant life of the time. Old World Wisconsin features over 65 historic buildings. Here you’ll see actors portray farmers and shopkeepers going about their day. Not to be missed are the farmsteads stocked with rare breeds of oxen, horses, and hogs, and the gardens filled with a wide variety of grains, herbs, and fruits.

Cozy Nook Farm

Experience the farm life first-hand by visiting Cozy Nook Farm. This family-owned farm, passed on for at least six generations, has 65 cows that you can meet up close. The milk that these cows produce is shipped and turned into cheese at Prairie Farm. Cozy Nook Farm also hosts an annual fall market, where visitors can buy the freshest stock of gourds and pumpkins.

East Troy Railroad Museum

Another piece of history that can be lived is the East Troy Railroad Museum. In between the two platforms of East Troy Depot, which is in Walworth County and Elegant Farmer platform, which is in the growing area of Mukwonago, is a journey that transports you back to a time when rail travel was so much finer and adventurous.

Waukesha Farmers’ Market

Organized by the Waukesha Downtown Business Association with the goal of making downtown Waukesha a go-to destination, Waukesha Farmers’ Market is where you’ll find the freshest produce from over 70 vendors in the area. It’s one of the biggest farmers markets in the state, and there’s more to do than just shop. Make sure to catch live music on Fridays during its Friday Night Live, or join the holiday festivities at their annual Waukesha Silver Bells.

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

When it comes to eating out in Waukesha County, you have varying options catering to all tastes. As well as relaxed diners and grills, there’s also fine dining options and more casual restaurants. You can enjoy cuisine from around the world as Waukesha County offers the best of French and Italian cuisine as well as Asian and Middle Eastern options.

PARTNER WITH A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Stand apart from the competition by working with the team at Coldwell Banker Elite. They combine the power of a large brand and the personal attention given by small boutique brokerages to offer their clients the best customer experience possible.

At Coldwell Banker Elite, we’re always at your service. Let the professionals at Coldwell Banker Elite show you the best homes for sale in Waukesha County.

We’d love to hear from you.