Community Spotlight: Delafield

Delafield

Homes for sale in Delafield, WI

Nestled along the banks of the Bark River, Delafield is a city encompassing approximately 11 square miles in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The city is tucked away among the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine and surrounds Nagawicka Lake, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.

Delafield offers an exceptional quality of life with many top-rated shopping destinations, excellent schools, fascinating historic sites, incredible dining options, and an array of year-round recreational activities. With its laidback small-town character and easy access to Milwaukee and all of its finest amenities and attractions, residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Searching for homes for sale in Delafield, WI? On this page, we shine the spotlight on this outstanding community. You’ll get a quick glimpse of the city’s history, know more about its real estate market, and discover some of the many attractions and destinations that make it such an excellent place to call home.

History of Delafield at a glance

- Delafield was established in 1837 and is named after Dr. Charles Delafield of Milwaukee, one of the area’s earliest settlers.

- Delafield is the hometown of the Cushing brothers (Alonzo, William, and Howard Cushing) who all fought during the American Civil War. Cushing Memorial Park was dedicated to the heroic brothers on Memorial Day 1915.

- Nelson Hawks settled in Delafield in 1846 and built Hawks Inn, a stagecoach inn that became one of the most frequented stops for travelers between Madison and Waukesha.

- In 1870, the highest point in Waukesha County was officially named Lapham Peak. Located in Delafield, the peak was named in honor of Increase A. Lapham, who spent a significant amount at the peak’s observation tower to monitor local weather conditions.

- St. John’s Military Academy, the oldest military academy in the state, was founded in Delafield in 1884. The academy is known today as St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, a prestigious institution that attracts students from around the world.

- The City of Delafield was officially incorporated in 1959.

Delafield, WI Real Estate

Those interested in searching for homes for sale in Delafield, WI will be able to choose from a varied selection of homes ranging from comfortable bungalows to spacious ranch-style homes on expansive well-manicured lots. Land is available as well for those planning to build their own custom home from the ground up.

With Delafield’s prime location in the heart of southeast Wisconsin’s Lake County region, the city’s terrain is characterized by lush woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes. Many of the homes take full advantage of the gorgeous setting with features such as indoor-outdoor living spaces, plentiful windows, spacious balconies, and expansive covered porches overlooking acres of open space and woods.

homes-for-sale-in-Delafield Homes for sale in Delafield, WI are available in a variety of elegant architectural styles including Victorian, Federal, Ranch, Contemporary, and Traditional. For luxury home buyers, Delafield’s high-end real estate market is highlighted by exquisite residences offering unsurpassed luxury and comfort. Many luxury homes for sale in Delafield, WI are located on multi-acre lots surrounded by breathtaking scenery and along the pristine shorelines of the Nagawicka Lake. These homes are designed to offer an unparalleled lifestyle and are equipped with a variety of first-class features such as:

Impeccably manicured grounds with prime swimming frontage
Bright and airy open floor plans filled with natural light
Hardwood floors
Heated radiant floors
Casually elegant living rooms and formal dining rooms
High cathedral ceilings
Beautiful millwork and designer features throughout
Gorgeous chef’s kitchens with coffered ceilings, large islands, and premium stainless steel appliances
Spa-like baths with top-of-the-line fixtures
Expansive primary bedrooms with ensuite baths and large walk-in closets
Terrace-level patios highlighted by sweeping lake views
Abundant storage spaces

Whether you’re looking for a quiet family-friendly setting, a place minutes away from downtown, or a relaxing lakeside retreat, you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of neighborhoods in Delafield that can suit any type of lifestyle. Some notable subdivisions and neighborhoods in the area are:

Nagawicka Heights
Dover Bay
The Arbors
Hunt Club Farms
Foxwood Estates
Grand Haven
Hasslingers
Mission Prairie
Oakwood Bay
The Retreat
Valley Road Farms

Living in Delafield, WI

Location

Delafield is centered on Lake Nagawicka and is part of the Lake Country area of Waukesha County. It is a separate municipality from the Town of Delafield, although both (together with the villages of Hartland and Nashotah) are located within the geographic area of the township of Delafield.

Delafield is adjacent to I-94 and is about a 30-minute drive west of Milwaukee.

Weather

The temperature in Delafield varies from around 14°F to 82°F throughout the year, and rarely goes above 90°F or below -5°F.

The warm season lasts for nearly four months, from late May to mid-September, with daily highs averaging above 71°F. July is typically the hottest month in Delafield, with average highs of 81°F and lows of 62°F.

Delafield’s cold season lasts for around three months, from December to early March, with average highs of about 38°F. The city experiences the coldest temperatures in January, with average lows of 15°F and highs of 28°F.

SchoolsPublic schools in Delafield are administered by several top-performing school districts:

Some highly rated public schools serving the Delafield area are:

For parents seeking private education for their kids, Delafield is conveniently located close to some renowned private schools as well, such as:

For those looking to enroll in higher education, some colleges and universities near Delafield are:

Things to do in Delafield, WI

Shopping

Looking forward to indulging in some retail therapy? Delafield is home to three vibrant shopping destinations, each with its own assortment of boutiques, restaurants, services, and entertainment venues.

Downtown Delafield features an array of home décor, apparel boutiques, one-of-a-kind specialty stores, gift shops, and terrific restaurants. It’s also home to the award-winning Delafield Hotel, one of the most celebrated boutique hotels in Wisconsin.

Head to the Highway 83/I-94 interchange and you’ll be welcomed by a dynamic mix of national retailers, department stores, local specialty boutiques, and top-rated eateries.

The Village Square of Delafield offers yet more retail options, along with a fitness center, salons, services, a large grocery, and the highly rated Asian Kitchen Chinese Restaurant.

For a list of specialty stores and big box retailers in Delafield, head to this page.

Hiking and biking trails

Hiking and biking trails Delafield features miles of picturesque trails ideal for a quick morning run, a thrilling bike ride, or a challenging hike. Below are some trails worth visiting in and around the area.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail

One of Wisconsin’s most popular trails, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail runs between two of Wisconsin’s largest metro areas, covering over 52 miles of serene farmlands and stunning glacial landscapes. The trail passes through ten small towns, from Cottage Grove to Waukesha.

The Delafield section of the trail is a paved 3.4-mile path starting at Hwy 18 and Hwy 83, ending at Waterfield Rd. in the Village of Dousman. There are relatively minimal elevation changes in the trail, making it ideal for novice bikers.

Lake Country Recreational Trail

Running from the western boundaries of Waukesha towards Oconomowoc in the Lake Country area, the Lake Country Recreational Trail takes you on a scenic journey through a stunning landscape filled with vast farmlands and undulating hills. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Pewaukee Lake and Upper Nemahbin Lake.

You can access the trail at the Fish Hatchery along Delafield’s Main Street.

Paul Sandgren Recreational Trail

The Paul Sandgren Recreational Trail is a three-mile multi-use trail that extends north to south on Cushing Park Road. The trail connects the Lake Country Recreation Trail and the Glacial Drumlin State Trail and offers access to the Lapham Peak trails in Kettle Moraine State Park, allowing hikers and bikers to explore other trail networks and extend their journey, in case they’re up for a challenge.

Dining

Delafield is home to a diverse array of excellent restaurants guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re starting the day with a hearty breakfast, treating the family to a feast, celebrating a special occasion, or just out to grab a quick snack, Delafield’s dining venues are sure to delight.

Dining Here are a few must-visit restaurants for you to check out:

Angelina’s Ristorante

621 Milwaukee Street, Delafield, WI

Angelina’s Ristorante is a superb choice if you’re craving authentic homemade Italian cuisine. The atmosphere, first-class service, extensive wine list, and food are all on-point, offering an unparalleled dining experience.

While everything on their menu is worth a try, the Sicilian Steak is highly recommended – a standout dish consisting of Italian-style breaded tenderloin, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, all seasoned and cooked to perfection. Another excellent dish is their Taste of Italy pasta, made with gnocchi, beef-filled ravioli, and delectable cheese tortellini topped with their signature sauce.

Belfre Kitchen

606 N. Genesee St., Delafield, WI

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Delafield, Belfre Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with a season-driven menu. Diners are treated to a variety of mouthwatering comfort food with a local twist, all made from the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers.

Be sure to order their short rib pasta, a flavorful dish made with braised short ribs and house-made tagliatelle pasta topped with garlic, oyster mushrooms, shallots, and grana padano parmesan.

Zin

629 Main St., Delafield, WI

Zin offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed setting that reflects the tranqulity of Lake Country’s natural beauty. The restaurant features a diverse mix of traditional Italian fare fused with the fresh flavors of healthy California cuisine, creating an “uncommon Italian” menu that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Fishbone’s Cajun & Creole Restaurant

1704 Milwaukee St., Delafield, WI

Located on the shoreline of Lake Nagawicka, Fishbone’s offers flavorful cajun creole fusion cuisine influenced by distinct flavors of the Pacific Rim, with exceptional dishes like honey sriracha salmon, pan sauteed grouper, ragin’ cajun pasta, and traditional crawfish etoufee. The restaurant’s interiors are awash with vibrant Mardi Gras-inspired colors, creating a festive dining atmosphere.

Festivals

Residents of Delafield look forward to a stellar lineup of special events and festivals every year.

In the summer, locals flock to the Annual Lake Country Art Festival to browse a vast collection of paintings, textiles, handcrafted jewelry, photographs, yard art, and other works of art made by over 75 juried artists. Held in July, the art festival also features some of the best food trucks and vendors, as well as performances from top local artists. All proceeds from the festival are used to support the Delafield Lions’ charities focusing on sight and hearing disabilities.

Another fun event held every July is the Delafield Block Party, a two-day music festival held in downtown Delafield. Organized by the Delafield Area Chamber of Commerce, the much-anticipated event attracts thousands of visitors from all over Lake Country, who come to enjoy spectacular performances from emerging and established acts, mouthwatering food from local restaurants, and many of the finest craft beers from top breweries in the region.

In the fall, Halloween in Delafield thrills thousands of locals and visitors of all ages. One of the most popular events in Lake Country, the spooky celebration features a variety of activities including trick-or-treating in downtown Delafield, live music, a pumpkin carving competition between students from local schools, and the Grand Pumpkin Illumination at Clocktower Square.

Delafield residents spread the holiday cheer once December rolls around at the Breakfast with the Reindeer, a fun event in downtown Delafield featuring live music, local vendors, and breakfast sandwiches from Chick-fil-A. Make sure to bring a camera for a great photo with Santa and his reindeer!