$328,029Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Rolling farmlands and a small-town feel in Columbus
Between miles of south Wisconsin farmland along the winding Crawfish River, Columbus is a small city with historical character and a close-knit community. Brick storefronts date back to the late 19th century, when Columbus was established as an agriculture-based community. Farming remains a mainstay of the area’s economy, and the city takes pride in its history, with two historic organizations playing a big role in Columbus’s downtown district. “The main draws to Columbus are that it’s conveniently located along U.S. Route 151 and it has maintained a rural, small-town feel,” says Michael Schuster, a local associate broker with Re/Max Preferred. “Neighbors know one another, and families are drawn to the area for its quiet, safe atmosphere.”
Columbus has peaceful, winding roads.
Columbus is a rural town surrounded by farmland.
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Historical homes on spacious lots
Turn-of-the-century farmhouses, Victorians and Colonial Revivals line the streets closest to downtown, with decorative adornments, fish scale siding and pops of color featured throughout. Ranch-style and modern traditional homes built in the late 1900s and early 2000s can be found on the outskirts of town in subdivisions like Highland Ridge and Kestrel Ridge. Most homes in Columbus sit on quarter-acre lots, while some properties in the surrounding farmland range from 1 to 6 acres. “Columbus has lower home prices compared to other communities in the Madison area,” Schuster says. Overall, Columbus has a median sale price of around $310,000, whereas the nearby communities of Windsor and Marshall have medians over $400,000. Quaint cottages and fixer-uppers range from $70,000 to $180,000, while larger, move-in-ready builds can go for $200,000 to $560,000. Condo units range from $160,000 to $380,000.
Large Victorian homes are popular in Columbus.
Lovely and unique homes line the streets in Columbus.
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Historical storefronts and popular local eateries
The Columbus Historical Society and Historic Landmarks & Preservation Commission are dedicated to preserving and documenting the area’s past and its historical architecture, from century-old homes to long-standing brick storefronts. James and Ludington streets are lined with small businesses, including a hair salon, a local pharmacy and an embroidery shop. Vintage furniture, home decor, glassware and clothing are all for sale at the Columbus Antique Mall. Julie’s Java House serves coffee and seasonal baked goods, while Apple Tree Family Restaurant is a popular spot offering brunch and American pub fare. The Old Rock lies just east of town and has pizza, burgers and steak that can be enjoyed with a specialty cocktail or draft beer on the patio. The eatery has been open since 1920 and has live music every weekend in the summer. Shoppers can get their groceries at the nearby Pick ‘n Save or Dollar General.
The Old Rock is a local favorite in Columbus.
The historical storefronts add to the charm in Columbus.
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River access, sports facilities and a popular aquatic center
Meister Park has a playground, picnic tables and facilities for baseball, soccer and basketball. Nearby, Rotary Park has a kayak launch on the Crawfish River. South of town, the Columbus Area Aquatic Center has a large, zero-depth entry pool with a 12-foot diving area, a snack shack and a waterslide. The area features two golf courses, including the public Kestrel Ridge Golf Course and the Columbus Country Club. Locals can bring their pups to the River Run Dog Park for some off-leash exercise. The Columbus Public Library hosts community programs and events like bi-weekly book sales, author talks and a monthly quilting club.
Kids can enjoy the playground at Rotary Park in Columbus.
Meister Park in Columbus has softball fields.
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Work-based learning at Columbus High School
Most local students attend Columbus Elementary School, which earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. Also with a C-plus, Columbus Middle has an after-school program where students can read, play games and receive homework help. Columbus High School receives a B and offers work-based-learning opportunities, including youth apprenticeships, job shadowing and teacher's assistant roles in seventh through twelfth-grade classrooms. The high school also has a wide variety of extracurriculars, from Future Business Leaders of America and forensics to art club and student council.
Columbus Middle School in Columbus, WI scores an overall C+ rating according to Niche.
Columbus High School in Columbus, WI scores an overall B- rating according to Niche.
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Driving to Madison on U.S. 151 and a local Amtrak station
Columbus is around 30 miles northeast of downtown Madison via U.S. Route 151. “While on a map it looks like you’re pretty far from Madison and Sun Prairie, it only takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get there,” says Schuster. “It’s a straight shot through farmlands and fields, with no stops along the way.” There is also a local Amtrak station with service to nearby towns like Portage and Milwaukee.
Columbus is a rural town but it is close to bustling Madison.
The Amtrak stops in Columbus and heads to Chicago or to Minneapolis and on to Seattle.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Linda Laitinen,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Columbus, WI sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbus, WI over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a piece of Columbus history with this extraordinary residence, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Perfectly situated on a prominent corner lot, this rare offering blends timeless architectural elegance with the comfort and convenience of modern updates. Inside you'll discover that historic craftsmanship shines through with original hardwood floors, intricate
Extensively renovated from the studs with nearly every major component replaced in 2025-2026. This home offers the perfect blend of peaceful rural surroundings and modern updates. Situated on a spacious lot, this home has been thoughtfully updated throughout, making it move-in ready for its next owner. Inside, you'll find an open concept living space, fresh finishes, updated flooring, and a
Charming, updated, and move-in ready! This beautifully maintained Cape Cod offers the perfect blend of character and modern comfort in the heart of Columbus. This home welcomes you with warm wood flooring, abundant natural light, and inviting living spaces throughout. The bright kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, while the spacious screened porch creates the perfect spot to relax,
This new home offers a low-maintenance design contained to a convenient single level. An open-concept floorplan combines the kitchen, living and dining areas with access to a patio for seamless entertaining and multitasking. Two secondary bedrooms share a private hallway near the entry, and the luxurious owner’s suite is tucked into a private rear corner with a spa-inspired bathroom and walk-in
Set among a single-level design, this home features a spacious foyer that leads directly into the family room, dining room and kitchen at the back of the residence. Three bedrooms offer plenty of space for small and growing families. The generous owner’s suite is host to a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom.
The entryway leads to the first level of this new two-story home, where a versatile living room can be found off the foyer while the family room, dining room and kitchen share an open-concept design for seamless everyday living. Upstairs, four bedrooms provide enough space for a growing family.
Eligible buyers may qualify for a 30-Year Fixed Buydown @4.99% (5% down) if closed by October 1st with Lennar Mortgage. The Meadowlark C Floor Plan on homesite #16 in Cardinal Heights is available for move-in July/August 2026! This thoughtfully designed 2-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a spacious loft, and a 2-car garage with an open-concept main level ideal for everyday living and
This two-story home provides modern comfort and ample room to grow. Upon entry is a flex room well-suited for hosting guests, followed by a spacious open layout for seamless family living and relaxing. Separate from the downstairs main living area, the second level hosts all four bedrooms to provide great personal space and privacy. The sprawling owner’s suite is a serene haven with a full-sized
Improved lot with beautiful woods! This parcel is just under 2 acres and steps away from it all! Improved with a garage/shed, this property is situated between the communities of Fall River and Columbus. Located just minutes from Highway 151 and only 40 minutes from Downtown Madison. Tuck your camper into the woods for the utmost privacy, or enjoy hunting with the nearby crawfish river and local
New construction by Zimen Construction! “The Jewel” blends modern design with quality craftsmanship throughout. Soaring 13’ vaulted ceilings, trimless Andersen windows, and an open-concept layout create a bright, airy feel. Gourmet kitchen features Amish-made cabinetry, custom hardware, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the four-season room, electric fireplace, durable LVP
Welcome home to your secluded sanctuary on just under 2 acres. The surrounding lot(s) are privately owned, so the privacy is there to stay for years to come. Your next home features an open concept, high vaulted ceilings, two main-level bedrooms, main-level laundry, a loft, and a full bathroom in the basement. The full basement is ready for your finishing touches, and includes the start of a
Country living at its best - Once the sight of a schoolhouse, this magnificent 3,800 Sq Ft home now sits atop a hill overlooking ten acres. The steps and flagpole holder remain today. Dreaming of having horses or raising cattle? Here's your chance! Eight acres are zoned A-1, two acres zoned R-1. Meticulously cared for, this spacious remodeled home has 4 BR's, 3.5 BA's. Entry gives way to soaring
Unique grand staircases to 2nd and 3rd levels, with antique contents, which are included in the sale. Boiler and 2 A/C units, in TID district 6. Available as a package with 141 W James St and 118 S Ludington St, Columbus.
Potential to divide into 2 storefronts; antique contents are included in the sale. Gas furnace and 1 A/C unit, in TID district 6. Available as a package with 141 W James St and 146 W James St, Columbus.
When you call Kestrel Ridge Apartments home, you'll find yourself surrounded in a beautiful, lush, park-like environment. Our spacious, luxury, one, two, or three bedroom apartment homes include a variety of great amenities. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.If you would like to learn more about calling Kestrel Ridge Apartments your
I am pleased to share a new rental listing for a modern, country-style 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home just outside of Madison. This remodeled 1,750 sq. ft. property by a river that features an open-concept kitchen with an island, a master suite with a walk-in closet, upstairs laundry, a whirlpool tub, and a two-car detached garage. Located in the Columbus school district, the home is 15 minutes
Available in July! Charming 2B/1B on first floor, located in a 6 unit former schoolhouse. Unit features a spacious kitchen and hardwood floors. Neighborhood is quiet, tree-lined, and just blocks from historic downtown. Unit includes laundry hookups in the shared laundry room, assigned off-street parking, and basement storage units. Cat and dogs welcome!All Superior Property Group
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