Johnson Creek’s growing population is a result of easy interstate access
Johnson Creek is a small, rural village in Jefferson County with a surprising number of new homes and new residents. The population has increased significantly in every census since 1940 and has more than doubled since 2000. While the area has some perks, like modern subdivisions and a large outlet mall, what is nearby is what makes Johnson Creek so attractive. "The interstate is in the backyard of the main subdivision. So, you're moments away from the highway," says Adriane Stuebs, broker and owner of Shine Realty, who has been selling in the area for over a decade. "If one partner lives in Madison and the other works in Milwaukee, there is no better landing spot in between."
A bedroom community with modern, growing subdivisions
A few industrial buildings with warehouses and manufacturers are in the area. Still, Johnson Creek is highly residential, with winding and growing subdivisions around Interstate 94. "It's totally a bedroom community," Stuebs says. Simple Victorian homes, ranch-style homes, bungalows and Colonial Revivals, including some needing repairs and renovations, sell between $140,000 and $350,000. Ramblers, new traditional, modern Craftsman and new Colonial Revival homes from the past two decades sell between $370,000 and $510,000. "They have a willingness to develop and grow," Stuebs says. "Other nearby towns and cities are more restrictive when it comes to building, but Johnson Creek allows developers to expand more freely." Condos sell between $260,000 and $340,000.
Easy commutes via major highways and back roads
Interstate 94 and Wisconsin Highway 26 intersect in the village and head to larger cities in each direction. Madison is about 35 miles west, and Milwaukee is about 45 miles east. Lake Mills, Jefferson and Watertown are also close. "All of the small rural communities in that area merge into one another," Stuebs says. "There are back roads connecting them, and they're each about 10 minutes away." Local employers in Johnson Creek include a distribution center and warehouse for TREK, a bicycle company headquartered in nearby Waterloo. Watertown Regional Medical Center is less than 15 miles north, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about 50 miles east.
Shopping and dining are limited outside of a large outlet mall
Johnson Creek Premium Outlets is an outdoor strip mall with over 50 name-brand home goods, fashion and personal care retailers. Kohl's and Menards are on the other side of the interstate, and a mix of locally owned and fast-food restaurants are near the shopping plazas. "When I have clients looking in the area, I remind them that there's no traditional grocery store," Stuebs says. "But it doesn't seem to bother most." Walmart, Aldi and other grocery chains are north in Watertown. Pine Cone Restaurant is a truck-stop, diner-style restaurant serving steak, pastries and classic breakfast items. Stuebs explains that, while there is no traditional downtown area, the village wants to redevelop a chamber and grow its community. "There's a sense of desire for revitalization there."
Students attend local public schools and private schools in Lake Mills
Johnson Creek Elementary School is unrated by Niche. The combined Johnson Creek Middle/High School is rated B.
Some parents send their children to private schools in the surrounding cities, like Lakeside Lutheran High School and St. Paul's Lutheran School in Lake Mills. "There are even buses that go straight from Johnson Creek to the Lake Mills private schools," Stuebs says.
Community classes and a collegiate baseball league
Firemans Park has tennis courts, a fishing pond and a community center. The community center has weekly classes for residents, like a quilting club, library programs, Senior Circle and the Healthy Steps class. The baseball diamond at Firemans Park is where the Johnson Creek Mapaches play. The team is part of the Dairyland League – a collegiate summer baseball program that attracts players from all over the country. "Baseball and softball are a big deal there, and sports are growing in general," Stuebs says. "Players stay with local families for the season and play against other local teams."
Milford Hills is a hunting club near Johnson Creek, which has 500 acres of grassy hills for bird hunting, clay sport shooting and archery.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
