$363,746Average Value$200Average Price per Sq Ft63Homes For Sale
Jefferson is a homegrown community in southeastern Wisconsin
Jefferson is a small community in a rural county, where events and a know-your-neighbor vibe attract new people and keep long-time residents around. The convergence of the Rock and Crawfish rivers brings outlets for recreation and riverside parks. A growing downtown promotes local businesses, and according to Adriane Stuebs, broker and owner of Shine Realty, "It is such a homegrown community; it's so down-to-earth." Jefferson is an epicenter for shopping, recreation and events in Jefferson County, but this small community is still considered a hidden jewel of southeastern Wisconsin. "There's a lot of secrecy to Jefferson because Madison and Milwaukee are so close," Stuebs says. "But Jefferson has riverfront concerts, big events and fantastic restaurants that people just don't know are here. Once you discover it, it's hard to leave."
Jefferson residents enjoy nearby lakes and ponds in any season.
Jefferson combines rural pastures and a charming downtown.
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Less expensive housing alternatives to nearby cities
Bungalows, small single-story homes and Victorian cottages near downtown range from $120,000 to $250,000. Colonial Revivals, ranch and farmhouse-style homes in subdivisions from the 1950s to '80s range from $250,000 to $450,000. New traditional houses built in the past three decades range from $400,000 to $670,000, and limited townhouses and condos sell between $230,000 and $450,000. "Jefferson is unique because no one moves out over the years," Stuebs says. "Instead, it's hard to get into Jefferson. So, they've been working hard to bring in new developments." Stuebs continues that while demand is high and houses sell quickly after listing, prices are lower than in more popular nearby cities. "When I have clients that want to live in Lake Mills, and they can't quite crack into that market because it's so expensive, I will introduce them to Jefferson."
Long-time homeowners are common in Jefferson, which can create a shortage of homes for sale.
One and two-story New Traditionals reflect the city's efforts to expands housing stock.
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Recreation and entertainment along the riverbanks
Riverfront Park is one of a few parks along the water and has tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and a giant, castle-themed wooden playground. Rotary Park is another space that overlooks the water and is where Jefferson Concerts in the Park occur each Thursday from June through August. Jefferson's most unique outdoor destination is Goat Island. Accessible only by boat, the small island in the middle of the confluence of the two rivers is where a herd of goats lives from June through September. Goat Fest is an annual event celebrating Jefferson's goat residents with music, food, vendors, goat races and more. Flooding along the riverbanks happens occasionally, but homes are mostly unaffected.
Fisherman line the shores in Lorman Bicentennial Park in Fort Atkinson near Jefferson to catch walleye.
Barks River Nature Park is the perfect place for Jefferson residents to take a scenic walk.
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Quirky local businesses in a historic Main Street downtown
Jefferson's riverside historic downtown area has a collection of century-old row buildings hosting locally owned restaurants and shops. "It's a growing area," Stuebs says. "It recently became a Main Street Program, allowing businesses to develop their facades and fill those blank spaces." Downtown highlights include Vintage on Main, a store where local artisans consign their items in personalized displays, and Red Line BBQ, a firehouse-themed barbeque restaurant owned by a local retired firefighter. "They know you by name," Stuebs says of the business owners and other residents. "There's that warm community feeling that people think exists in television only, but it's there in Jefferson."
Johnson Creek Premium Outlets is 7 miles north and has home goods stores and fashion retailers. Menards and Kohl's are also in Johnson Creek, and Walmart Supercenter is in Jefferson.
Vintage on Main features local art and second-hand finds.
Dining options in Jefferson range from local barbeque to Mexican cuisine.
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A progressive school district with regular renovations
Jefferson School District is rated B-plus by Niche. While Stuebs says that the community is conservative and has changed minimally in the past 30 years, the schools are a different story. "The superintendent is fantastic, and the district is progressive," she says. "They've gone through some referendums and are regularly getting renovations." Elementary-aged students attend East Elementary School or West Elementary School, rated B and B-minus, respectively. All students come together at Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson High School, both rated B.
St. John the Baptist School and St. John's Lutheran School are two religiously affiliated private institutions in the area, each next to its associated church. They both teach prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Jefferson High School is a great public school option for Jefferson students.
Jefferson Middle School is where Jefferson students attend Jr. High.
West Elementary is a well-rated, public school in Jefferson, WI.
East Elementary is an excellent, public school option in Jefferson, WI.
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Annual fairs and festivals for the whole county
Jefferson County Fair lasts a week in July and has music, vendors, auctions, animal shows and tractor pulls. The grounds host more regular events like car shows, horse shows and rodeos. Gemütlichkeit Days has been honoring the area's German heritage and ancestry since 1971. The Oktoberfest-style festival has a costume contest, a window-decorating contest for the businesses on Main Street, polka bands and Stein-carrying contests.
Two major Wisconsin cities are nearby
Michigan state Highway 26 and U.S. Route 18 are the main roads of Jefferson, and Interstate 94 is a short drive north. Milwaukee is about 50 miles east, and Madison is about 30 miles west via Interstate 94. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 56 miles east, about an hour's drive, and Fort Memorial Hospital is south in Fort Atkinson.
Downtown Madison is less than an hour from Jefferson, WI.
Jefferson is an hour away from downtown Milwaukee.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Simons,
an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in Jefferson, WI sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Jefferson, WI over the last 12 months is $311,725, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
COUNTRY LIVING AT IT'S BEST! Get out of town and enjoy some space. This 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch is waiting for a new owner. Fresh paint throughout! The 1 acre setting is surrounded by farm fields. A patch of woods in the back yard adds to the privacy for your outdoor enjoyment. A firepit and an additional 2 car garage is set up for a workshop also in the backyard. First floor laundry. Basement is
Rare 55+ Condo Development!! Discover this updated move in ready condo, with no back neighbors, close to everything you need while still nestled in a quiet dead end neighborhood. This home features 3 spacious bedrooms with double closets in the master and a versatile finished bonus space in the basement, with extra storage room. Eat in kitchen has abundant cabinet and counter space. Main living
One of the Best condominium opportunities in Jefferson County. If you're looking for peaceful country living close to the conveniences of the city, no mowing or shoveling, beautiful views of the river including dock opportunities, and a well adorned living space, look no further. This 3 bedroom 3 bath condo was just constructed in 2021 and is in like new condition. The large, modern open concept
Located in historic downtown Jefferson, this mixed-use commercial building presents an excellent owner user or investment opportunity. The main level offers an open concept office space, ready for a new owner to customize to fit their business needs. The upper level features a two-bedroom apartment with scenic views overlooking Rotary Park and the Rock River, ideal for owner occupancy or rental
Discover a rare mixed-use opportunity in the heart of downtown Jefferson. The first floor features a vintage bar and is primed for transformation, offering exciting potential for a restaurant or microbrewery. There is also the potential for the property to be conveyed with a liquor license (subject to approval), adding significant value for the right buyer. Upstairs, a completely renovated modern
Maria MorganCentury 21 Integrity Group - Jefferson
Live Easy, Live Well, in these new Townhome Condos Discover a new level of comfort and convenience in this thoughtfully designed townhouse condominium community. Each brand-new 2-3 bedroom unit features open-concept living with an island kitchen, solid surface counters, and timeless finishes that make every space feel elevated yet inviting. Enjoy the ease of in-unit laundry and the practicality
Live Easy, Live Well, in these new Townhome Condos Discover a new level of comfort and convenience in this thoughtfully designed townhouse condominium community. Each brand-new 2-3 bedroom unit features open-concept living with an island kitchen, solid surface counters, and timeless finishes that make every space feel elevated yet inviting. Enjoy the ease of in-unit laundry and the practicality
The Alexandria offers a spacious and functional layout, perfect for families seeking comfort and style. With four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, this floor plan provides ample space for relaxation and daily living.
The Lyndon offers a spacious and thoughtfully designed layout, perfect for families or those who love to entertain. With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this floor plan provides ample space for comfortable living.
The Cambridge offers a spacious and functional layout with 2,128 square feet of living space. This floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed open-concept living area. Perfect for families or those who love to entertain, the Cambridge combines comfort and style in every detail.
Fairview offers active adults 55+ a luxurious style of living at a price you can afford! Situated in a friendly residential neighborhood, Fairview offers you the quite, relaxed lifestyle you desire. Here you can enjoy the convenience of a home that is centrally located-just minutes from Jefferson’s major shopping areas, schools, medical facilities, churches, restaurants and banks. Affordably
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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.
