Known as Foxville throughout the early 19th century, Wisconsin’s city of Burlington officially earned its name in 1839. Nearly 50 years later, the town was incorporated as a village, then became a city in 1900. Now, the city is home to 11,000 residents, major employers like the Aurora Health System and the plastics manufacturer Lavelle Industries and a lively downtown district with dozens of local shops and restaurants. “It’s a growing city with small-town charm and a historic downtown,” says Morgan Volbrecht, social media manager for Experience Burlington. “And it’s close to Chicago, Milwaukee and Lake Geneva.”
Burlington is a small but bustling city mid-way between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Aurora brings hundreds of jobs to the Burlington area.
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Homes available downtown and by the water
The median price for a single-family home in Burlington is $387,450, down 1% from the previous year. Home styles range from ranch-style homes with less than 1,000 square feet to modern lakeside homes with over 3,500 square feet. Smaller homes southwest of Fox River typically sell between $200,000 and $450,000, while larger homes surrounding Browns Lake to the northeast sell from $400,000 to more than $1 million. The city also offers a selection of condos that range in price from $150,000 to $230,000.
Many Burlington homes have boat parking as well as a driveway.
Quaint, ranch-style homes can be found throughout Burlington.
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28 parks and a growing network of trails
The city maintains 28 parks within its boundaries, offering amenities like sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails and an outdoor aquatic center. Seven Waters Trail, White River State Trails and other smaller trails wind along Fox River and run through downtown, connecting trail-goers to green space and city amenities. Plans for further development include new trails around Brown’s Lake and Echo Lake.
Stop for some peace and quite along the 7 Waters Trail in Burlington, WI.
With 28 parks from which to choose, a playground is always close by in Burlington, WI.
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Downtown Burlington hosts local shopping, dining and theater
“We’re lucky enough to have a phenomenal list of local family-owned restaurants,” Volbrecht says. “We have two breweries, a wine bar and some pretty awesome ice cream spots.” Some of the city’s most popular local restaurants line North Pine Street, making downtown Burlington a hotbed of commercial activity. Along with local restaurants, downtown Burlington is home to locally-owned small businesses ranging from tabletop game stores and an indoor RC car race track to boutique clothing and shoe repair shops. Home to the theatre group The Haylofters, the Malt House Theatre offers live theater performances.
Some say Fred's in Burlington serves the best burgers in all of Wisconsin.
Hobbyists in Burlington can build and race RC cars at The Track.
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Interstate access to Milwaukee and Chicago
Burlington sits 36 miles south of downtown Milwaukee via Interstate 43 and 79 miles north of downtown Chicago via Interstate 41. The city has no public transportation offering but does maintain a network of sidewalks, giving residents space to get around on foot. The Burlington Municipal Airport sits northwest of downtown, but the airport does not have scheduled airline service. For commercial air travel, residents will have to head to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport or Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Residents don’t have to travel far for medical care, however. The Aurora Medical Center in Burlington serves as the city’s primary network for health care and emergency services.
Burlington Area School District
Students are served by the Burlington Area School District, which hosts three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. The district is home to 2,922 students, maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and earns an overall grade of B-plus on Niche.
Burlington High School has a student to teacher ratio of 15 to 1 in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Nettie E. Karcher School serves about 600 students in Burlington, Wisconsin.
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Some risks to consider
The 2023 violent crime rate in Burlington was 27 per 100,000, lower than the U.S. national rate of 120 per 100,000. At that time, Burlington’s property crime rate was 45 per 100,000, compared to a national rate of 180. Other risks to property include flood, fire and wind-related damage. Within the next 30 years, 20% of properties in Burlington are expected to be impacted by flooding, with roads at the highest risk. Flooding risks to residential and other properties are minimal. Homes are at moderate risk of damage from wildfires, with 99% of the city’s properties expected to be impacted by wildfires in the next 30 years. Risks from wind-related damages are minimal. The city sees moderate weather patterns, with the warmest months being June through September. The snowiest month of the year is typically December, which brings an average of 5.3 inches per year.
Investing in downtown Burlington and more housing
The Burlington Vision 2040 Plan identifies the downtown district and housing as the city’s primary investment focus in the next couple of decades. Because downtown Burlington is an epicenter of activity and commerce, city officials plan to build out the area and add community spaces and more local restaurants and shops. In terms of housing, the 2040 plan forecasts that the city will have roughly 5,700 homes within 20 years, up from the current number of 4,600 homes.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Andrew Perrius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marisa Baeurle,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Burlington, WI sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Burlington, WI over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern comfort in this well maintained Burlington home! Built in 2005, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath gem features an open-concept main level ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The spacious primary suite offers a walk-in closet and ensuite bath. Outside, relax on the wrap-around porch or backyard patio, and take advantage of the 45'x30' concrete
Located just minutes outside of Lake Geneva, this home has mesmerizing countryside views and top-of-the-line upgrades! This 4-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath house boasts a heated 30 x 31 attached garage, perfect for storing your vehicles and equipment. Recent updates include all new kitchen appliances, a new roof installed in 2024, and a brand new water heater. With features like an open concept kitchen,
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained property on a spacious acre lot! (There is the ability to divide this parcel into 2 lots if the new owner has the desire.) This 3 bed, 2 bath home offers an open layout with vaulted ceilings, a sun-filled living room with a gas fireplace, and an inviting kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of counter space that's perfect
This home is filled with warmth, character, and charm! You'll love the custom wood ceilings, cozy electric fireplace, and updated kitchen with stainless appliances and soft cabinet lighting. The main level features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, while the finished lower level offers a comfy family room, laundry, and space for an office or 4th bedroom. Enjoy a spacious yard, partially fenced for pets,
Discover privacy and rural serenity just 5 miles outside of Lake Geneva, WI. This custom-built, walk-out ranch fits-in perfectly with its natural environment. Hills, tall oaks, lovely pines, two nearby ponds and your own seasonally-changing meadow can be viewed through thoughtfully designed, large windows. Inside, the vibe is cozy and homey. It features 2 upstairs/2 downstairs bedrooms, 3 full
Relax on the wraparound deck of this private, secluded full-log home surrounded by a beautiful treetop canopy. The open-concept living room and kitchen feature custom hickory cabinets, Corian countertops, and a breakfast bar for four. Large windows invite fresh breezes and natural light, creating a true retreat feel. Don't miss your chance to own this peaceful getawayschedule your private showing
The Boardwalk is located along the Fox River on Burlington's beautiful River Walk. There are parks, shopping and restaurants within walking distance. We offer spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes with lots of closet space and well designed floor plans. The monthly rent includes heat, water (hot water, too!), a full appliance package with washer/dryer, and a space in the heated parking
Bear Arbor Apartments are located in the Brown’s Lake area of Burlington offering the comfort and convenience of community living – in the country! The Bear Arbor Apartments offer 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans, fully applianced kitchens, air-conditioning, walk-in closets, and garages are optional. Condo-style luxury apartments are also available that offer washer & dryers in the units, private
West Ridge offers you luxury living, while freeing you from the burdens and commitment of home ownership. Relax and enjoy your apartment home which was designed with your comfort, privacy, and convenience in mind. West Ridge has a spacious and open concept floor plan for you to enjoy luxury living. Please call West Ridge for more information. We offer: -Spacious two bedroom apartments
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