Ctivitz’s population almost triples in summer and fall
Crivitz has two parts: There's a little downtown village with schools, shops and full-time residents. And then there's the sprawling land around the village, filled with lakes, nature preserves and many seasonal homes. "Crivitz has only about 3,000 people that are there full time," says Carolyn Burkhardt, the broker and owner of Northwoods Dream Real Estate LLC., who lives nearby. "But in the summer and fall, that probably swells to 9,000 people." The area's quiet natural beauty attracts snowbirds, outdoorsmen and retirees looking for a rural community away from big cities. "It's definitely a rural place that caters to a recreational crowd," Burkhardt says. "There are lots of lakes around. So, there's good hunting, good fishing and lots of ATV and snowmobile trails – hundreds of miles of trails."
Prices range widely for seasonal cabins, Cape Cods and lakefront homes
Many of the homes in the area are seasonal cabins for hunting and fishing or retreats from hotter climates in summer. "There are a lot of snowbirds," Burkhardt says. "They leave in October or November to return to Florida, Texas or Arizona. Then they come here to stay in their summer vacation homes." Cape Cods, manufactured homes, ranch-style homes, bungalows and small cabins range between $40,000 and $220,000. Depending on their size, location and age, split-levels, farmhouses, log homes, New Traditional homes and waterfront properties sell for $250,000 to $740,000. However, two lakefront properties have recently sold for over $1 million. Plots of land in growing subdivisions or out on their own with many wooded acres sell for $20,000 to $270,000. Some lots are cleared to build homes, while others are kept wooded and private for camping and hunting. Full-time residents come from all walks of life, but Burkhardt explains that there is a growing number of retirees. "People from Green Bay and even as far south as Milwaukee love to come up here to retire," she says. "You do your work in the city, and when it's time to retire, you come up to the country where it's peaceful and quiet."
Year-round recreation on trails, lakes and nature preserves
Crivitz is an outdoorsman's retreat, with miles of open land for hunting, trapping, fishing and camping. The Peshtigo River winds through the area, creating the Caldron Falls Reservoir and High Falls Reservoir. Campgrounds, whitewater rafting spots and boat launches are along the river and lake shores, and natural areas include Governor Thompson State Park, Johnson Falls State Natural Area and Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest. Recreation in the area doesn't stop in the cold and snowy months, either. "Ice fishing, because of all the lakes, is very popular," Burkhardt says. "We have a good mix of game fish like muskie, walleye, northern pike and panfish. People also come up to snowmobile or cross-country ski." Crivitz Community Veteran's Park has a wooden, castle-themed playground, a baseball diamond and sand volleyball courts.
Class sizes are small, and school meals are complimentary
Students can attend Crivitz Elementary School for prekindergarten through sixth grade, followed by Crivitz Middle School. Both earn a grade of C-plus by Niche and share one building. Crivitz High School is rated a B-minus. The district is small, with only about 800 students across all grade levels, and every student receives free breakfast and lunch daily. Wisconsin's Public School Open Enrollment program allows students to attend public schools outside their designated district.
Department stores are more than 20 miles away in Marinette
Shopping and dining are limited. Still, Crivitz is a central hub for running errands in Marinette County. "There are lots of small towns, but Crivitz is the only town on the western side of the county that has any amenities," Burkhardt says. "And by that, I mean groceries, hardware, lumber, small shops and banking." Pelkin's Smokey Meat Market has an in-house butcher and sells fresh meats and pantry staples. The shop also does wild game processing, so hunters can bring their animals to be processed, smoked, or cured. Witt's Piggly Wiggly is in the area. Walmart, Aldi, department stores and home improvement centers are in Marinette , about 23 miles from the village.
Traffic is limited, and big cities are a far drive away
U.S. Route 141 goes through the area and connects to Wisconsin highways 180 and 64. Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Iron Mountain , Michigan, are less than 60 miles from the village. Medical centers are in Marinette, and the nearest hospital with an emergency room is Bellin Health Oconto Hospital. Austin Straubel International Airport is in Green Bay.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
