$396,707Average Value$245Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes For Sale
Crystal-clear lakes bring buyers to Hayward
The small city of Hayward, home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, has in recent years grown beyond its reputation as a recreational destination into a welcoming community for a small, but growing number of full-time residents, thanks in part to changes to the economy – including remote work – in the wake of COVID. Aside from a small downtown, this community of about 2,500 is filled with mostly cabins in the woods, many of which are along crystal-clear lakes. “It’s a huge secondary home market, so cabins, retirement, that type of buyer is drawn here, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, people that like to ski and bike and boat and four-wheel and that sort of thing,” says local Realtor Ty Wiley with Wiley Area North Realty. “During the summer, everything’s up and roaring, and in the winter, it’s like a ghost town because everyone goes to Florida.”
Waterside homes in Hayward offer serene views and a relaxing lifestyle by the lake.
Downtown Hayward features diverse shops and eateries for visitors and locals alike.
Scheer’s Lumberjack Show in Hayward offers thrilling entertainment for all ages.
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Cabins on freshwater lakes
Water access is important here. Hayward has several freshwater ponds and lakes known for their clear water and ample fishing opportunities. “The quality of water is quite a bit nicer than the average across the country,” Wiley says. “Because of that, it makes the cabin properties highly sought after.”
While cabins are the most common option here, prices can vary due to size and location. Most list for between $300,000 and $700,000. Those under $300,000 are typically older and smaller. Those above $700,000 are often large, waterfront new builds.
Wiley warns buyers that home repairs take much longer than they would in the city. “It’s a much slower pace of life,” he says. “This is a retirement area. The majority of people here don’t work, but they need services, and we don’t have enough….”
Ranch-style homes are common in Hayward, offering spacious layouts and classic designs.
Cabin-style homes in Hayward attract new buyers with rustic charm and cozy interiors.
Hayward's streets feature a variety of colorful cabin-style homes with cozy appeal.
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Learning in Hayward Community School District
Hayward Community School District gets an overall B grade from Niche, as do Hayward Elementary, Hayward Middle and Hayward High. Hayward High offers youth apprenticeship opportunities in areas such as education, finance and manufacturing. Students can apply to attend Northern Waters Environmental School for sixth through 12th grade or Hayward Center for Individualized Learning (HACIL), a virtual pre-K-through-12 charter school. HACIL gets a B-minus from Niche. Northern Waters Environmental has not been rated.
Hayward Primary School earns a solid B rating on Niche for academics and community.
Hayward Middle School serves local students in the heart of Hayward, Wisconsin.
Hayward High School earns a B rating on Niche, reflecting solid academics and programs.
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Freshwater fishing and city parks
Sawyer County has over 50,000 acres of glacial lakes and rivers, attracting visitors from all over. Hayward Lake, the largest fishing spot in town, also has a beach for visitors to enjoy. Smaller lakes, rivers and ponds throughout the community give most residents close access to freshwater fishing.
Shue’s Pond is a scenic park in the center of town with a playground, picnic tables and a gazebo. Smith Creek Dog Park is popular for dog owners and their pets, and the city’s skatepark welcomes rollerbladers, BMX bikers and skateboarders.
Hayward Golf Course is a public 18-hole course. The city has 4-mile trail for cyclists and pedestrians and Smith Creek Trail, which wraps around Smith Lake Holding Pond. Wilderness Walk Zoo allows visitors to meet animals such as bobcats, black bears and cougars. Fiddlers Creek Golf Range has a driving range, disc golf course and pickleball.
Hayward City Beach offers scenic views of Hayward Lake with calm waters and lush trees.
Shues Pond Park near downtown Hayward offers a quiet escape with water views and trees.
Hayward Golf Course offers scenic fairways and a relaxing experience for local golfers.
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Historic Main Street, fast food and groceries
Anglers Bar & Grill is a popular spot for Hayward residents, serving American fare in a cozy tavern on historic Main Street. Coop’s Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant serving homemade pizza in a cabin-style dining room. Hayward Family Restaurant is a classic diner serving breakfast and lunch. Fast-food options in town include McDonald’s, Dairy Queen and Subway, and groceries are available at Walmart, Marketplace Foods and Miller’s Market.
Anglers Bar and Grill in Hayward offers a cozy setting for drinks and casual conversation.
Coop’s Pizza in Hayward is a local favorite known for hearty pies and casual dining.
Hayward’s Walmart provides a wide range of products for everyday needs and essentials.
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A hospital in town and flying out of Duluth International Airport
Hayward is located in northwest Wisconsin, about 70 miles south of Superior and 107 miles north of Eau Claire. Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center provides access to medical care in town, and the nearest airport is Duluth International Airport, 81 miles away.
Minnesota's updated Duluth International Airport is about 70 miles from Hayward.
Hayward travelers use Duluth International Airport, a public-use hub for flights and cargo.
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Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Jensen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Hayward, WI sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Hayward, WI over the last 12 months is $317,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Enjoy the peace and solitude of your very own private oasis while you create generations of memories at this log home estate situated on approximately 40 acres with approximately 1100 feet of lakeshore. Just a short drive from downtown Hayward this custom built log home exemplifies world class craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovation taken to new heights. The log home boasts over 4000
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Golf course lot on the beautiful Spider Lake Golf Course located close to the Spider Lake boat ramp and 3 miles from the OO Birkie Trailhead and CAMBA mountain bike trail system. Downtown Hayward is just a 15 minute drive. This lot is located just a short cart ride from the pro shop, bar & restaurant. Nicely wooded lot with mature pines and fairly level for ease in development. Power and
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Nicely wooded 5.73 acre parcel located off County Highway B, just a short distance from Round Lake and the surrounding recreational opportunities the area is known for. This attractive Northwoods property offers a beautiful mix of mature trees, privacy, and a peaceful setting ideal for a future home, cabin, or recreational getaway. Conveniently located between Hayward and the Round Lake area, the
Welcome to one of Ted Moody's famous handcrafted log cabins, this charming cottage is nestled among towering pines, with one majestic pine growing directly through the lakeside deck—creating a setting that feels straight out of a storybook. Part of the highly sought-after Moody's Ideal North Shore Condominium Association, this rustic log cabin offers an affordable opportunity to enjoy one of
Golf course lot on the beautiful Spider Lake Golf Course located just near the Spider Lake boat ramp and 3 miles from the OO Birkie Trailhead and CAMBA mountain bike trail system. Downtown Hayward is just a 15 minute drive. This lot is located just a short cart ride from the pro shop, bar & restaurant. Nicely wooded lot with mature pines and fairly level for ease in development. Power and
A Rare Opportunity on the Legendary Chippewa Flowage For many, owning a place on the Chippewa Flowage is just a dream. With limited inventory and waterfront properties often commanding premium prices, opportunities like this are few and far between. Nestled on the shores of Chief Lake, this vacant parcel within the Chief Lake Condominium Association offers a unique chance to build your own
Waterfront Vacant Land with 2 gorgeous Northwoods building sites. Don't miss the virtual tour for this listing on the Spider Chain of Lakes! Over 400 feet of lake frontage on Big Spider Lake in Hayward, WI. Panfish and muskellunge "muskie" are abundant. There is ample space to build a single-family home and a garage for your "toys". Or a family compound with 2 homes! Potential to build an income
Property Id: 2566039Experience the best of Northwoods living with wide-open views, peaceful privacy, and convenient access to town. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Hayward, this fully furnished home sits adjacent to thousands of acres of public land—perfect for hunting, fishing, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation. ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts will love being only minutes
15921 3rd St W, Hayward, WI 54843Enjoy small-town living in this charming and extensively updated home located in a desirable Hayward neighborhood. Conveniently situated within walking distance of downtown Hayward, you'll have easy access to local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, schools, and your favorite ice cream stop. The beautiful Namekagon River and many of Hayward's outdoor
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