$365,077Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft71Homes 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
Kathy J Polensky,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Jefferson, WI sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Jefferson, WI over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Look no further...your dream home awaits in coveted Riverview Heights! This meticulously maintained one-owner home sits on a beautifully landscaped, fenced 0.52-acre lot. Gleaming oak floors flow through the spacious living room into a bright, updated kitchen featuring cherry cabinets, abundant counter space, and new stainless steel appliances. The dining area opens to a “patio of paradise” and
back on the market no fault to seller LOW LOT RENT $362.58 includes city taxes Seller motivated to sell. 55+ Community, house has all new siding and roof in the last 2 years. Lot rent has your taxes included and the lot rent is $362 so perfect for anyone over 55 looking to downsize. Halfway to Madison & Milwaukee easy communte to I94. Enjoy relaxing by your pond and meeting other fellow neighbors
Solid ranch with gorgeous wood floors on a generous city lot just under half an acre -- rare space to breathe without leaving town. The main living, dining, and kitchen area flows naturally, giving the home an open feel. The galley kitchen is efficient and easy to cook in, with a deck just off the back -- a natural spot for morning coffee or winding down in the evening. Three spacious bedrooms
Welcome home to modern, low-maintenance living built for today's lifestyle. These 2 bedroom townhome condominiums blend stylish finishes and everyday functionality in a peaceful community setting. Open-concept floor plans feature island kitchens, quartz countertops, designer finishes, in-unit laundry, and attached 2-car garages. Quick access to Highway 26 Bypass and Interstate 94 makes commuting
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Welcome home to modern, low-maintenance living built for today's lifestyle. These 3 bedroom townhome condominiums blend stylish finishes and everyday functionality in a peaceful community setting. Open-concept floor plans feature island kitchens, quartz countertops, designer finishes, in-unit laundry, and attached 2-car garages. Quick access to Highway 26 Bypass and Interstate 94 makes commuting
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
Welcome home to modern, low-maintenance living built for today's lifestyle. These 3 bedroom townhome condominiums blend stylish finishes and everyday functionality in a peaceful community setting. Open-concept floor plans feature island kitchens, quartz countertops, designer finishes, in-unit laundry, and attached 2-car garages. Quick access to Highway 26 Bypass and Interstate 94 makes commuting
Make this your new piece of land. Tucked into a peaceful .85-acre wooded location this lot offers the perfect blend of privacy and scenic charm with views of the river. Recently cleared and ready for your vision and future home, cabin, or getaway retreat. Enjoy the natural surroundings with the convenience of a build-ready parcel. A well and septic system will be needed, giving buyers the
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.
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