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.”
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….”
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.
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.
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.
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.
