$357,800Average Value$229Average Price per Sq Ft70Homes For Sale
Delavan transforms from the circus capital of the world to a boating and fishing spot
Between 1836 and 1848, Delavan, Wisconsin was home to 26 circus companies. Located 53 miles from Milwaukee and 58 miles from Madison, in 1847 the owners of the U.S. Olympic Circus chose Delavan as their winter homebase because of the city's location and its ability to house their horses and performance animals. Other circuses followed suit, and the P.T. Barnum Circus even founded its renowned “Greatest Show On Earth” in Delavan. Today, the only remaining link to this city's former trade is the life-sized statue of Romeo the Killer Elephant, at town center. A city of 8,500, nowadays it's Delavan Lake that's the main attraction, not the circus, and Delavan is known for its water-oriented lifestyle.
Visit Romeo the Killer Elephant representing Delavan's circus days in downtown Delavan.
Delavan Lake runs through the charming town of Delavan.
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New neighborhoods, established homes and million-dollar views
Because of summertime tourism in Delavan, there are many investment properties on the market here. However, Realtor Nicole Coleman-Vanwormer of Shore West Realty says there are also new neighborhoods full of permanent residents, too. Coleman-Vanwormer confirms the median home price in Delavan is around $330,000, which is lower than the national median. Styles here range from older, more established single-family homes that sell for between $250,000 and $300,000, to newly constructed Craftsman designs, typically priced between $450,000 and $550,000. There are also some multimillion-dollar lakefront properties in Delavan, with features like private docks.
A row of perfect tudor-style homes line the streets near downtown Delavan.
Delavan has large and lovely lake homes along Lake Delavan.
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Delavan celebrates its history every summer
Each August this city holds the Delavan Heritage Fest celebration. The festival acknowledges the city’s varied history over time, from its beginnings as the home of the Potawatomi, to its first European settlers, the influx of European and then Hispanic immigrants and, of course, its circus years. The festival typically has food trucks, craft markets and plenty of activities for kids.
Downtown Delavan is a quaint and quiet place to shop and dine.
P.T. Barnum Circus founded its renowned “Greatest Show On Earth” in Delavan.
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Delavan Lake loved by locals, tourists alike
The crown jewel of Delavan is Delavan Lake, a 1,900-acre lake with public boat landings, a public beach and a plentiful supply of fish, like panfish, musky, northern pike, walleye and bass. The lake is renowned in Wisconsin for both fishing and boating. In Springs Park, there are hiking trails alongside fresh-water springs, and Phoenix Park Bandshell has a covered performing area for live music. Congdon Garden is a peaceful park with a walking trail encircling a large pond. Numerous manicured gardens feature hundreds of different plants and flowers, including tulips, hydrangeas, peonies and daylilies.
Delavan Lake is a gem in the middle of Delavan, WI.
Hike alongside freshwater springs at Springs Park in Delavan.
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A cafe that does it all and good cheese curds in Delavan
Delavan has a brick-paved downtown with a small green space at its the center, and, according to Coleman-Vanwormer, a lot of charm. “It has a lot of older charm and a lot of newer charm,” she says. Boxed and Burlap is a popular café housed in an old barn house that has been transformed into a light, airy coffee shop. It also has a speakeasy bar downstairs, a library and an art studio. Coleman-Vanwormer particularly likes Ol’ Wisco, a local bar with a good atmosphere. “And I mean, obviously, the cheese curds are good,” she says. For groceries, there’s an Aldi and Walmart in a shopping center on E Geneva Street, a major thoroughfare.
Sip warm coffee by the cozy fire in the architecturally stunning Boxed and Burlap in Delavan.
Ol'Wisco in Delavan has mastered the art of the cheese curd.
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Major highways keep Delavan connected to Milwaukee, Madison
Drivers can take Interstate 43 straight to Milwaukee or to connect to Interstate 90, which leads to Madison. State Highway 11 is also nearby and connects to I-90 as well. The closest airport to Delavan is the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, about 50 miles away.
Solid public schools plus the Wisconsin School for the Deaf
Delavan is part of the Delavan-Darien School district, which earns a B-minus overall from Niche. The district includes two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and also earns an A-minus for diversity. Delavan-Darien has a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and is the only district in the county to offer a Spanish and English dual language education program. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf is also located in Delavan.
Delavan-Darien High School has a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Delavan has been home to the Wisconsin School for the Deaf since 1839.
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Crime
The crime rate in Delavan is slightly lower than the national rate, and property crime has been steadily decreasing since 2015.
Written By
Tanner Harding
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacqueline Watson-Giese,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Delavan, WI sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Delavan, WI over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out this delightful home on Racine Street that beautifully blends classic charm with modern updates. With distinctive hardwood floors and custom built-ins, it offers a unique character not found in many new homes. Recently, the seller has completed numerous updates, including a brand new exterior featuring a modern roof, siding, gutters, windows, and doors. Inside, you will discover
Beautiful Lake Delavan cottage house with many new updates is ready for its next owner. Located in the View Crest HOA this 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage has an updated bathroom, kitchen, new tear off roof, all new plumbing, new central AC, new hot water heater, new composite front porch and new windows. The subdivision includes a kayak lauch, kayak storage, private beach, dock with waterslide, a
Nestled in the charming Willow Point enclave situated along the North Shore of Delavan Lake, this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath retreat is the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and adventure. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, this home boasts lovely lake views, a large deck, natural fireplace and a second bedroom that is a bunk room, ideal for guests or fun-filled weekends with loved
Own a piece of Resort life at Lake Lawn Resort. The Resort is along the shores of Delavan Lake. What an opportunity to own a Lodges King Loft in the Norwood Lodge. This unit sleeps 6 and has the views of golf course and some lake view. Enjoy all of the resort amenities, including swimming pools, spa services, golf course and more.
This delightful 2-bedroom home is one of the best buys in Delavan offering timeless character, thoughtful layout, and move-in-ready condition. With 876 sq. ft. of efficiently designed living space, you'll appreciate the warmth of the beautiful original woodwork throughout and the charm of a formal dining room, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The home features one full bath, a
Quintessential Delavan Lake home featuring 157' of level frontage on the South Shore and spectacular sunsets. This completely remodeled 6 Bedroom, 5.5 Bathroom retreat also includes a one-bedroom cottage steps from the water's edge. Gourmet kitchen looking out on the water includes Cambria counter tops, Wolf gas range, Bosch dishwashers, breakfast nook and breakfast bar. Pub room with oversized
Brassworks Units are professionally designed to meet the needs of today's households while keeping the charm of a loft-style apartment. Living in Downtown Delavan has never been better. New business opening, exciting events, great places to eat. Brassworks gives you the opportunity to experience what city living is supposed to be: the chance to live the connected life. And it goes beyond our
Parkside Village is a charming housing community that is specifically designed for adults age 55 and better and is conveniently located two blocks south of historic downtown Delavan, WI in a lovely park and residential location. We offer forty-six one or two bedroom apartment homes with a private balcony or patio in a variety of floor plans at an affordable price (1-bedroom plans begin at
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