Exploring the Most Popular Neighborhoods and Cities in Waukesha County

Waukesha County, located just west of Milwaukee County in Wisconsin, offers the perfect combination of exciting urban living and comforting rural appeal. The job market is thriving, real estate options are diverse, the education system is excellent, and there are plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

It’s no wonder that Waukesha County ranks high on lists of the best places to live in the United States. In the 2022 Livability ranking, the county seat of Waukesha, Waukesha City, was recognized as the 12th Best City to Live in the USA. But where should you be looking for your dream home in this county?

Our real estate experts at Coldwell Banker Elite will help you break down what you need to know about living in this in this vibrant Wisconsin community and what to consider when deciding where to live. We’ll also highlight some of the best neighborhoods and cities in Waukesha County.

BEST NEIGHBORHOODS AND CITIES IN WAUKESHA COUNTY FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

Waukesha County has over 31 cities, and each community has its own distinct charm and appeal. Here are some communities you may want to have a closer look at.

Downtown Delafield

Where: South Central Wisconsin

House Prices: Median Home Value $649.9K (April 2023)

School Zone: Kettle Moraine School District

Delafield is known for its distinctive character that comes from the land on which it stands. Glaciers laid the groundwork for this gorgeous community forming a stunning outdoor landscape with gentle hills, beautiful lakes, and crystal-clear streams enjoyed by homeowners and visitors alike.

This inviting landscape drew the first settlers to the area as well as its abundance of fish and game. Eventually, farmers with large flocks of animals, fishing enthusiasts, businessmen, and merchants came to live in the area. Today, the city is a thriving community of more than 7,000 residents.

Potential homebuyers in Delafield will enjoy all four seasons along the lake. There’s beautiful weather for swimming and boating in the summer followed by a crisp, cool autumn. The winters are snow-filled and picturesque, great for ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

The Market

Delafield is a dense suburban city with a charming and historic Williamsburg feel. It’s a buyer’s market with many single-family home options available, with a median listing price of $383,100. The market consists of existing properties with updated features and amenities and new construction homes. The architecture is diverse and homebuyers can find a wide range of styles to suit their individual tastes.

The Neighbors

The population in Delafield has grown grew in the last few years, as has the median household income. The residents include many young professionals, growing families, and even retirees. There is always something to do in the city, from dining and shopping options to regular annual music festivals that appeal to a wide range of citizens.

Brookfield

Where: Adjacent to the Town of Brookfield and West of Milwaukee

House Prices: Median Home Value $479,900 (April 2023)

School Zone: Elmbrook School District

The city of Brookfield is on the eastern edge of Waukesha County and dates back to the early 19th century. It is the third-largest city in Waukesha and covers over 27 square miles. It has dozens of upscale subdivisions and a popular shopping and entertainment destination called The Corners of Brookfield.

It also has many office parks, like Bishop’s Woods and the Brookfield Lakes Corporate Center, that are carefully designed to complement the community’s gorgeous natural landscape.

The Fox Wood Park is a 223-acre outdoor oasis featuring many recreational activities and protected wildlife. The city also has the Greenway Trail System that connects everything from regional trails to local parks in the area.

The Market

Brookfield has a combination of established, historical homesteads and newer residences. It also has several amenity-heavy apartments available and ongoing condominium projects. Because of the diversity in real estate options, Brookfield has options that appeal to every type of potential homebuyer’s needs.

The Neighbors

Brookfield is a large community with a population of over 40,000, making it one of the most populous communities in Waukesha County. While many families and working professionals are in the city, a large percentage of retirees also make up the Brookfield population.

Oconomowoc

Where: Lake Country in Northwest Waukesha County

House Prices: Median Home Value $499,900 (April 2023)

School Zone: Oconomowoc Area School District

The city of Oconomowoc is located adjacent to the Town of Oconomowoc, which combined makes up the largest populated community in Lake Country and serves as the region’s center for tourism.

The city takes its name from the Potawatomi word for Where the Waters Meet, and is aptly named because of its numerous lakes. Here you’ll find Flower Lake, Lac La Bella, Ashippun Lake, Crystal Lake, Silver Lake, and Okauchee Lake.

It was settled in the 1800s and has grown into a vibrant community that perfectly mixes small-town charm and city opportunities. Oconomowoc has a bustling downtown that has been revitalized and is now the largest master-planned development on the city’s outskirts and is filled with shops, restaurants, and offices.

You can enjoy several outdoor activities in Oconomowoc, especially activities on the lake like boating, swimming, paddle boarding, and more. You can also enjoy more than 30 parks and outdoor recreation areas in the city,

The Market

The real estate market in Oconomowoc continues to grow and thrive. The area’s homes vary, ranging from older and historic lakeside houses to traditional country farmhouses. There are also several condominiums and full-amenity apartments. And for those who have their own vision for their future home, the area has available parcels of land for sale on which potential homeowners can build their dream homes.

Additionally, several nursing homes in the city and senior housing complexes are built to meet the needs of the area’s senior residents.

The Neighbors

The City of Oconomowoc in Waukesha has a population of over 18,000 residents that make up an active community eager to participate in the local schools, businesses, and civic groups.

Whether you are a new upstart family or an experienced business owner looking for a new place to expand, this lake-filled community offers much promise.

Waukesha

Where: Part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area and adjacent to the Village of Waukesha

House Prices: Median Home Value $430,000 (April 2023)

School Zone: School District of Waukesha

Waukesha City, the county seat of Waukesha County, is just a quick half-hour drive from downtown Milwaukee and is still considered part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Despite that, it often seems much further because of the more small-town charm and more relaxed pace of life.

Waukesha is one of the older cities in the region, first inhabited by Indigenous Americans who used to converge at the city’s center called Five Points. In the 1800s, Waukesha was transformed into a stunning resort town that attracted people from all over the country, including former President Ulysses S. Grant and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln.

Many historical landmarks remain, allowing residents and visitors the chance to look back on the history and culture of the town. A beautiful riverwalk along the Fox River offers residents easy access to downtown restaurants, shops, and nearby parks.

While Waukesha has many historical landmarks and small-town charm, it also has many big city amenities like the Wisconsin Philharmonic, the Waukesha Civic Theater, and the Waukesha Choral Union.

The Market

Waukesha has many single-family homes in modern suburbs to the west and dense suburban neighborhoods to the east. For young professionals looking for homes in Waukesha, many good options in the downtown area are just blocks away from Waukesha’s main street. Apartment and condominium options are also available.

The Neighbors

Waukesha is one of the most populated cities on this list, with a current population of over 72,380. The population is very diverse, with several different cultures represented throughout the city.

Hartland

Where: Along the Bark River in Waukesha County

House Prices: Median Home Value $607,400 (April 2023)

School Zone: Lake Country School District

Hartland is a beautiful suburban village located along the Bark River in Waukesha County, home to roughly 9,500 people. It’s often described as a quiet village with a comfortable and relaxed quality of life, perfect for raising a family.

This close-knit community has several locally owned restaurants, businesses, and shops alongside historic churches and parks. Several large lakes are nearby, including Perawaukee Lake, Pine Lake, and Nagawicka Lake.

Hartland is rich in culture and offers a wide variety of annual festivals and events for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Market

Hartland has many types of homes available and is known as one of the more affordable areas to live in Lake Country. However, the housing market is growing rapidly. Several single-family homes are available, and you can find many types of homes, including ranch, colonial, and cape-cod-style homes.

The Neighbors

Hartland is a fantastic place for families, so it’s not surprising that a large portion of the residents in the area are young professionals either with families or looking to start one. The community is tight-knit, and many who live in Hartland love to participate in community events regularly and support local businesses in the area.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AMONG THE MOST POPULAR CITIES TO LIVE IN WAUKESHA

To find the best properties for you, carefully consider these factors. While the neighborhoods we’ve shared are not primarily geared towards a particular family or lifestyle and have a broad and general appeal, some may be more suited to your specific needs.

1. Property Value and Appreciation Rate 

   One of the primary considerations when looking at the best cities to live in Waukesha is the area’s property value and appreciation rates. You’ll want to invest in a home or property that will continue to appreciate over time.

   Many of the popular cities in Waukesha have shown continued increases in property and land value.

   In Waukesha, some of the neighborhoods that have enjoyed particularly strong property value appreciation over the past few years include Delafield, Brookfield, and Waukesha.

2. Rental Yields and Vacancy RatesAnother essential consideration when looking at cities in Waukesha, especially for investment properties, is to factor in communities with high rental yields and vacancy rates.

   While a large percentage of Waukesha County residents are homeowners, many are still looking for good rental options. In 2023, the average median rent in Waukesha County was $1,272 a month for roughly 920 square meters.

   Some of the best neighborhoods in Waukesha to have rental properties include Delafield, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha.

3. Schools and Local Amenities 

   Waukesha County has a wide variety of schools and educational institutions. This makes it easy to find a good city for your family since, whichever city you choose, you’re likely to find a good school for kids of all ages.

   Some of the best schools are in Brookfield, Delafield, and Oconomowoc.

4. Future Development Plans 

   Waukesha County has several plans in the pipeline for cities like Delafield, Brookfield, and Waukesha. Residents can expect expanding local businesses and new residential developments.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WAUKESHA COUNTY WITH COLDWELL BANKER ELITE

With so many diverse cities, neighborhoods, and house options in Waukesha County, homebuyers, sellers, and investors will find great options whatever their particular lifestyle preferences or financial goals. With so much choice, it’s important to work with local real estate experts who are knowledgeable about the communities and homes for sale in the area and are passionate about finding the perfect properties for their clients.

If you want to know more about this county, the local real estate experts at Coldwell Banker Elite are the perfect guides to finding your dream home in the area.

The Coldwell Banker Elite team possesses the expertise, dedication, and drive to help you successfully explore the many cities in vibrant Waukesha County.