Jackson has modern living on the edge of Milwaukee’s orbit
About 25 miles north of Milwaukee, the rural town of Jackson has seen massive growth in the past two decades. “It's a very developing community with new construction and subdivisions being put in,” says Sean Lentz, broker and owner at Forward Realty Partners. Although locals have to hop in the car to reach substantial shopping and dining, the area parks and elementary school make the bedroom community popular with families, while the surrounding farmland ensures a quiet pace of life. “It’s an affordable resource to buyers who are looking to have an easy commute, as it’s right off Interstate 41,” says Lentz, who has nearly 20 years of experience in southwest Wisconsin.
Modern subdivision have relatively affordable prices
Although Main Street is lined with historic homes, much of the village is a collection of subdivisions built after 1990. Manufactured homes, condominiums and upscale construction are still being added, and there’s a wide range of price points. The median single-family home price is $400,000, with smaller condos starting at $200,000 and brand-new construction getting up to $700,000. According to Lentz, affordability is a main draw to Jackson, especially when compared to other communities around West Bend, like Cedarburg, Mequon or Slinger.
The larger town of Jackson surrounds the small village of Jackson and has a very different atmosphere. “It still offers some of that rural setting,” Lentz says. “There are lower taxes and the one-to-five-acre lots.” Though there are lower-priced options out here, anything with more than 1 acre is typically between $600,000 and $800,000.
In 2012, a pipeline gas spill affected the area. Today, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirms that groundwater contamination has been limited to two properties around 1800 Western Avenue. New construction in the specific area should take extra precautions when adding wells, but officials say the majority of Jackson is unaffected. There is also a flood risk for properties around Cedar Creek.
West Bend is planning to rebuild Jackson Elementary School
Jackson Elementary, located within the village, serves kindergarten through fourth grade. The West Bend School District plans to completely rebuild the school by 2028. Students then move on to Silverbrook Intermediate for fifth and sixth grade, followed by Badger Middle School and either West High or East High. Both high schools are located in the same building, with enrollment split evenly between the student body based on birthdate. If a student is born on an even day, they go to East High, and if they are born on an odd day, they attend West High. “It certainly adds a complex rivalry to all the sports,” Lentz says.
Homes south of Sherman Road are zoned for the Germantown School District, which gets an overall A grade from Niche. Nearby private options include Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, rated B-minus, and Living Word Lutheran High School, rated A-plus.
Outdoor recreation and live concerts at renovated parks
Little League games and afternoon playdates are popular at Jackson Park, located just across the street from the elementary school. In 2023, the park got four pickleball courts, plus an updated tennis and basketball area. The town’s other main park, Hickory Lane, has a popular summertime splash pad and a tropical-themed playground. Right next door, Jackson Community Center has fitness areas and art classes. Jackson Park comes to life in warmer weather with outdoor movies, live concerts and beer gardens. The annual Action in Jackson festival has carnival rides, a car show and fireworks.
Coffeeville Company and other local spots along Main Street
In addition to Walgreens and Piggly Wiggly, Main Street has a few local businesses. Coffeeville Company is located inside a restored 1800s log cabin and serves blends from around the world. Jimmy’s, a local favorite, has Greek-inspired bar food and a popular Friday night fish fry. A bit further south, Bieri’s Jackson Cheese & Deli has fresh-made sandwiches and a selection of gourmet Wisconsin cheeses. “It’s kind of a sleepy community,” Lentz says. “There’s not much of a downtown.” However, he says another draw to Jackson is its proximity to West Bend, 10 miles north. West Bend tends to have a bit more going on, with a regular farmers market, concerts and more restaurant options.
Hayrides and fairgrounds in rural Washington County
Nearby rural attractions include horse stables, produce stands, and Jackson Marsh State Natural Area hunting grounds. In the fall, Cedarburg Creek Farm has a pumpkin patch and hayrides. Hidden Glen at Bentdale Farms has membership-only golfing and social events. Located just 3 miles north of the village, the annual Washington County Fair draws large crowds for animal shows, carnival rides and tractor pulls.
A 40-minute commute to Milwaukee and Waukesha
Jackson is only a few miles from Interstate 41, which connects south to Milwaukee, about 25 miles away. The drive is typically around 40 minutes, but it can get longer with traffic. The large city has an international airport. Waukesha is about the same distance away. Jackson is home to an industrial hub with several manufacturing companies, and is less than 5 miles away from Froedtert West Bend Hospital.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
