Elmwood Park’s connected neighbors enjoy the village life
The village of Elmwood Park is so small that people can't help but know their neighbors. The community has just over 500 residents, who often cross paths on neighborhood streets, at the local retail center or during annual village events. Many parks surround the community's borders, and students attend schools in the Racine school district. The community's two main roads give drivers state route access, where public transportation is also available.
Elmwood Park is sandwiched between the city of Racine and the town of Mount Pleasant. By looks alone, the village blends into the surrounding communities, but locals stand firm on the decision not to incorporate. "We don't have to pay for much besides our roads and lights," says Kendal Barriere, the village's clerk and treasurer. "Our taxes are significantly lower compared to most municipalities in Wisconsin, especially Racine and Mount Pleasant. I think that's maybe one of the main reasons we try so hard to stay our own village."
More trees planted in front of the community's eclectic homes
The community's wide residential roads feature an eclectic mix of ranch-style homes, split-level houses, Tudor homes and Cape Cods. Most homes were built in the mid to late 1900s, but some date back to 1929. Prices typically range between $220,000 and $440,000. A collection of mature trees, leafy bushes and newly planted saplings decorate expansive grassy lawns. Elmwood Park was once filled with elm trees, with a few planted on every lot. After many were lost to Dutch elm disease, the village started a Tree Surety Program to revitalize the community's natural spaces. "We encourage residents to plant more trees by giving them $50 back toward tree planting each year," Barriere says.
Students attend Racine schools, and a private option is in the village
Students attend the Racine Unified School District. Kids start at Mitchell School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school with a C-minus Niche score. High schoolers attend Park High School, which has a B-minus rating. The high school has a specialized program and an academic lab to teach students automotive repair and maintenance. EverGreen Academy, a private prekindergarten through eighth-grade school, has its middle school facility on the corner of Taylor and Lathrop Avenues. It is currently unrated by Niche.
Nearby parks offer play spaces, pools and Lake Michigan views
Kaiser Park is the community's primary park, as its playground is within walking distance of many homes. Residents also have quick access to the County Bike Trail, which stretches from Racine to Kenosha. Three other neighborhood parks, plus the larger Pritchard Park, are within 1 mile of the village. Pritchard Park features a playground, baseball diamond, fishing pond and pickleball courts. In summer, the SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center opens so people can splash, swim and slide into pools. Two miles east, Lake Park offers views of Lake Michigan and a path down to the lake's rock-lined shore.
A large commercial center is inside Elmwood Park
Elmwood Plaza Shopping Center is the community's large commercial hub. Piggly Wiggly is the closest grocery store, and shops like Dollar Tree, Walgreens and CVS offer everyday essentials. Doobies Beer Joint & Sports Bar serves drinks and bar grub to patrons playing pool or watching the game. Asian Buffet has all-you-can-eat sushi and Chinese fare. On Taylor Avenue, Chloe's Cafe and Martha's Pancake House Cafe specialize in breakfast dishes.
Two avenues lead to the nearest state route and RYDE Racine buses
Most people drive in and out of the community, using Taylor Avenue and Lathrop Avenue as main roads. Bike lanes line both sides of each avenue. Nearby, state Route 11 has several RYDE Racine bus stops. The nearest hospital is Ascension All Saints Hospital, 3 miles away. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 27 miles north.
Village members gather for car shows, holiday races and outdoor music
The Annual Elmwood Park Car & Bike Show is one of the village's biggest events. Residents gather at the Taylor Complex each September to see an expansive collection of vintage cars and souped-up motorcycles. Bands play live music while attendees enter raffles and browse vendors. Smaller events include a community Easter Egg Hunt and a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. "We have Tunes on Taylor in the summer," Barriere says. "Some local bands play in our grassy area, and we invite residents and the surrounding community to come and listen."
