$165,459Average Value$592Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Historic district close to downtown Janesville
The Old Fourth Ward neighborhood hugs the Rock River southwest of downtown Janesville. The neighborhood and some individual houses have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990. Over the past several years, renters have turned into homeowners. “There are programs for financing to help someone live there,” says Beth Hanthorn, Realtor and broker associate at Century 21 Affiliated with over 25 years of experience. “There’s another program where dilapidated homes are torn down, and new properties are built in its place.”
Old Fourth Ward in Janesville, Wisconsin, boasts historic charm and tree-lined streets.
Downtown Janesville features historic buildings and a vibrant local scene.
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Shift from renters to homeowners in Old Fourth Ward
There used to be more renters than owners in the neighborhood, but the trend over the past few years has been to more homeowners, thanks to programs like the Janesville Home Buyer Assistance Program, which provides 0% interest loans to give first-time homebuyers a hand with down payment and closing costs. “There are still some multi-family homes in the neighborhood, but they’re becoming fewer. Some have been transitioned into single-family homes,” Hanthorn says. With the historical aspect of the neighborhood, there are several captivating architectural styles, including Italianate, Queen Anne and Foursquare. Prices range from $75,000 to $250,000. “There are some outliers approaching $400,000,” she adds. The lower end of the price range are homes that need some improvements. Multi-family homes in the neighborhood range from $150,000 to $280,000. New homes that have replaced dilapidated houses will likely closely match the old style of the homes surrounding them.
Houses that are close to the Rock River are in an extreme flood zone. People buying close to the water are urged to buy flood insurance. While there is no CAP crime score for this neighborhood, it has improved over the past 10 years with the organization of a group called Fourth Ward Neighborhood Action Team. The group collaborates with police to improve the neighborhood and maintain the integrity of this historic section of Janesville.
Many Four Square houses in the area were built in the early 1900s, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich history.
Walking through Old Fourth Ward, these homes stand as timeless examples of American residential architecture.
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Historic Janesville churches in the neighborhood
The Old Fourth Ward is home to historic church buildings, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, built in 1864, consistent with a Romanesque Revival style. Three Masses are held every weekend, including a Spanish and Latin service. The First Church of Christ Scientist is a Neoclassical built in 1910. Other houses of worship in the neighborhood are Muslim Dawa Circle Mosque and Rock Ministries United Pentecostal Church.
The building is a historic landmark, reflecting the character of Old Fourth Ward.
The Catholic Church in Old Fourth Ward, Janesville, is a historic place of worship.
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Monterey Park and Stadium
Perched aside the Rock River is the 42-acre Monterey Park with fishing opportunities and a paved trail that’s also used for cross-country skiing in the winter. Next to the park is Monterey Stadium, where some Janesville area high schools play football and other sports. In 1956, Monterey Stadium was the site for legendary Green Bay Packer quarterback Bart Starr, who threw his first touchdown pass as a professional during an exhibition game. The Born Learning Trail is a unique aspect of Fourth Ward Park. On the north side, a playground and a walking path are nearby. Along that path are colorful signs with activities for adults to engage with young children. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail goes along the Rock River and the small Riverfront Park, primarily a small green space with a walking trail that gets close to the water. Across the river is the Rotary Botanical Gardens, a 20-acre site with thousands of plant varieties. They’re known for their annual Holiday Light Show, which starts in late November and feature over 1 million lights.
Monterey Park offers scenic views along the Rock River.
Fourth Ward Park is a cozy green space perfect for relaxation.
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Close to downtown Janesville
Living in this neighborhood means proximity to the events happening downtown, including the Janesville Farmers Market on the west side of the Rock River, less than a mile to the north. It’s on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Janesville Town Square, with fresh produce from local vendors. Other grocery store options are Daniels Foods, which is about a mile and a half to the west, and Woodman’s Food Market about 4 miles to the north. It’s also about a mile to get to Main Street on the east side of the river for the heart of downtown and restaurants like Drafthouse, a gastropub with an extensive craft beer selection. Their “hoppy hour” is Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close. Sandwich Bar is a trendy casual restaurant with unique sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and colorful graffiti-inspired murals of Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain on the wall. The downtown area has undergone revitalization over the past ten years.
Mocha Moment is a cozy café known for its artisan coffee and baked goods.
The Sandwich Bar sources ingredients locally, supporting nearby farms and businesses.
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Small student-to-teacher ratio at Wilson Elementary School
Public school students living in Old Fourth Ward can opt for the School District of Janesville schools. Wilson Elementary School is rated a C-plus on Niche, and the student-teacher ratio is 9-to-1. The grade is a B-minus for Franklin Middle School, about a 10-minute bus ride to the B-minus-rated school. Parker High School is rated a B-minus on Niche. Students at this school can opt for the School Within a School program, a smaller version of the high school, for students who find it challenging to learn in a traditional school setting.
Franklin Middle School in Janesville offers a gifted program for students.
Parker High School in Janesville was founded in 1968.
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Public transportation options from the Janesville Transit System
Getting around Janesville via public transportation is easy, with plentiful bus stops on major roads around and in the neighborhood. River and Court Streets, Rockport Road and Center Avenue have numerous opportunities to catch a ride on the Janesville Transit System. There are also a couple of stops on Jackson Street, a north and south road. About a mile to the north is Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center. It’s about 2 and a half miles east to intersect with Interstate 90 via Racine Street. For major airports, the Chicago/Rockford International Airport is 40 miles to the south, while it’s 45 miles northeast to the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison. Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport is a general aviation facility about 6 miles south.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aubra Palermo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Monterey Park
Fourth Ward Park
River Front Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
57 min drive
Bus
Center & W Holmes
Bus
S Jackson & Rockport
Bus
S Jackson & W Racine
Bus
S Jackson & W Holmes
Bus
Rockport & S Academy
Bus
Rockport & Academy
Bus
Rockport & S High
Old Fourth Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Fourth Ward, Janesville sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Fourth Ward, Janesville over the last 12 months is $577,450, up 336% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
No showings until Mon, Aug 4, 2025. Bright, Spacious Open-Concept, and Ready to Welcome You Home! Step into comfort and serenity in this beautifully designed open-concept home featuring soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The inviting layout offers a seamless flow, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy peace of mind with numerous updates completed (approx five years
This completely remodeled six-unit apartment building is a turnkey investment opportunity. Recent upgrades include new windows, roof, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, and cabinetry, ensuring modern efficiency and minimal future maintenance. The property features on-site covered parking for tenant convenience and is located just minutes from Downtown Janesville, offering easy access
Luther J LedicRocket Realty and Property Management
Back on the market! Buyer’s financing fell through...This two-story home is priced well below assessed value and offers great potential for the right buyer. The primary bedroom features its own full bathroom. Situated on a large lot, this property is a true fixer-upper and is being sold strictly “as is/where is”. Please note: the home will not qualify for FHA or VA financing. Fireplace condition
Welcome to your new home at 323 S Academy St! This large 4 bed, 1.5 bath home in located near downtown Janesville and has everything you could be looking for! With main floor laundry hookups, central air, and plenty of living space, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Tenants pay all utilities at this property and it is pet friendly for additional fees. Interested applicants must
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aubra Palermo,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,936
Median Age
34
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,105
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.7%
College Graduates
6.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.5%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
79/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 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.
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.
