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Look West

Look West

$201,860 Average Value
$403 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Historic neighborhood near downtown Janesville

Janesville, Wisconsin, is a city that has 13 historic districts, and the Look West neighborhood is one of them. Many of the homes date back to the 1800s when the railroad and the Rock River had close ties to industrial buildings that used to be along the water. “The name comes from another neighborhood resident who has been there since 1977, and it’s a reference to looking to the future,” says Margaret Delaney, a Look West resident since 1979. “I knew within a year of moving here that I would advocate for this neighborhood for the rest of my life because it was on a downward slide.”
Historic craftsman style homes are scattered throughout Look West.
Historic craftsman style homes are scattered throughout Look West.
Split level homes bring plenty of character to Look West.
Split level homes bring plenty of character to Look West.
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A change occurred in Look West in the 2000s

Delaney and some representatives from the nearby Old Fourth Ward neighborhood were instrumental in forming a Neighborhood Action Team in 2006. “We got a lot of support from the city and the police department, and by 2008, we were starting to see results,” Delaney says. There are still rental properties, but there have been more houses turning to owner-occupied from rentals in the past few years. Delaney lives in an 1883 Queen Anne, and there are also Victorian homes from the 19th century priced from $150,000 to $300,000. Multi-family homes range from $150,000 to $280,000. The most recent homes are from the mid-20th century and are Cape Cod and ranch-style. “There are some infill houses that have replaced properties that have been condemned or burned down, and the city has commanded that any new homes going in have to look more historic,” she says. “It’s basically new old housing.” The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church is a church in the neighborhood, while St. William Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church and Compass Church are nearby.
Homes in Look West are historic but well maintained.
Homes in Look West are historic but well maintained.
Colorful victorian style homes sit surrounded by mature trees in Look West.
Colorful victorian style homes sit surrounded by mature trees in Look West.
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Rock County Historical Society

On Jackson Street, close to the river, are a couple of historic buildings, including the Lincoln-Tallman House, an 1857 Italianate that overlooks the river. Before he became president, Abraham Lincoln spent the night at the house after he had spoken at the Wisconsin State Fair, which used to be held in Janesville. The house is close to the central Rock County Historical Society building, which works to preserve historic sites like the Lincoln-Tallman House and curates interesting artifacts about Janesville and Rock County history at the Rock County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center. The Wisconsin Wagon Company is located near the river. For over 100 years, the company has built and sold several handmade wooden historically relevant products, including wagons, wheelbarrows and sleds. All products have the Janesville name on them. Tours are available at the facility,

Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center

The primary Janesville hospital is also located in the Look West neighborhood. Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center has nearly 300 beds in its main facility, but there are also surrounding medical offices along Terrace Street. The hospital specializes in emergency services, heart and vascular care, obstetrics and gynecology. Several hospitals within the Mercyhealth system are in the Janesville area, employing about 3,000 people.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail goes by the river

A part of the large Ice Age Scenic Trail that goes throughout Wisconsin also passes by the Look West neighborhood. It traces the edge of the glacier that was present in this part of the world tens of thousands of years ago. Along the trail, near the hospital, is the North Side Brewery Excavation site. From 1857 to 1939, a brewery operated on the shores of the Rock River existed. Today, archaeologists are exploring the site and occasionally find artifacts. Bond Park contains a skatepark as part of the 12 acres. Other features include a picnic pavilion that seats 65 and grills. Washington Park has a playground and a small, shaded picnic area. Across the river is Traxler Park, the summer home of the Rock Aqua Jays, a stunt water-ski team that puts on shows on the river on Wednesday and Sunday nights. The park is also the site for the Janesville Renaissance Faire, which is held in May.
Washington Park is in the heart of the Look West neighborhood.
Washington Park is in the heart of the Look West neighborhood.
Residents of Look West can be found shooting hoops at Bond Park.
Residents of Look West can be found shooting hoops at Bond Park.
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The homey atmosphere at Jeff’s Kitchen

Although they don’t open until 11 a.m., Jeff’s Kitchen has breakfast items available whenever they’re open. It’s a quaint, cozy atmosphere with a clock on the wall and a message below it saying, “Procrastinate Now.” It’s in a strip shopping center on Memorial Drive near the bridge over the Rock River. Frostie Freeze Ice Cream has dessert covered and has a walk-up and order setup with a couple of picnic tables in front. Nearby grocery stores are Daniels Foods, about a mile and a half to the south and Woodman’s, about 4 miles to the northeast.
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Jeff's Kitchen in Look West.
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Jeff's Kitchen in Look West.
Plenty of shops can be found at the Olde Towne Mall near Look West.
Plenty of shops can be found at the Olde Towne Mall near Look West.
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Washington Elementary School is in Look West

For families opting for public schools in the Look West neighborhood, Washington Elementary School is part of the School District of Janesville and gets a B-plus grade on Niche. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14-to-1. Franklin Middle School receives a B-minus overall grade while getting an A-minus for the quality of teachers. Parker High School is rated a B-minus on Niche. The school is named for George Parker, the founder of the Parker Pen Company, which started in Janesville in 1888. Private school options include St. William Catholic School, which is connected to St. William Catholic Church. The school serves through eighth grade but does not have a Niche grade.
St. William Catholic School in Janesville does have a yearly tuition.
St. William Catholic School in Janesville does have a yearly tuition.
Parker High School in Janesville is located at 3125 Mineral Point Avenue.
Parker High School in Janesville is located at 3125 Mineral Point Avenue.
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Plenty of options to hop on the Janesville Transit System bus

There are chances to catch the public bus on Court, Washington Street and Memorial Avenue. The Janesville Transfer Center is an opportunity to change routes or catch a daily bus to Milwaukee, about 80 miles to the east. Interstates 90 and 39, combined in the Janesville area, about 4 miles to the east on Racine Street.
Jeff Stapleton
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Jace Hirosky
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Marcus Rosendoll
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joshua Holt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Dane County Regional/Truax Field

57 min drive

Bus

Mineral Pt & N Pearl

Bus

N Oakhill & Highland

Bus

Mineral Pt (Mercy Hospital)

Bus

N Washington & Elizabeth

Bus

Mineral Pt & N Washington (Mercy Hospital)

Bus

N Pearl & Ravine

Bus

N Jackson & Race

Look West Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$569,900
Median Sale Price
$569,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$569,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
23%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$403

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
432
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
3.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,391
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joshua Holt, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,126
Median Age
38
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,620
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,707

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.5%
College Graduates
11.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.1%

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

61 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

29 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Look West