Located 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee and less than 10 miles north of the Illinois border, Lake Geneva is a small town fronting the namesake Geneva Lake. While it's located in Wisconsin, many settlers from Illinois helped turn the city into what it is today. "I moved [here] from Chicago, which is kind of typical," says Peg Esposito, an alderperson and resident of more than 30 years. "Lake Geneva is like Chicago's playground."
Originally called Kish-Way-Kee-Tow, which means clear water, Potawatomi and Oneota Indians inhabited the land until the mid-1830s. After a flurry of treaties, both tribes were fully pushed out by 1836, and the area was renamed and repurposed to house Chicago's elites. With land selling for just $1.25 per acre, settlers came from across the country to capitalize on the undeveloped land. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, more troves of Chicago's wealthiest residents settled in Lake Geneva.
This population growth trend continues upward as more people look to escape bigger cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago. "When I moved up here, just driving into the area, you can feel the release of tension, of the speed, of hassle and congestion and all those people," Esposito says. "You get here, and it's just much more open. It's quite a way to live." This city is still, however, much smaller than surrounding cities, so many buyers are drawn to the slower pace of living. Its home to only around 9,000 permanent residents, but the number of inhabitants tends to skyrocket in the summer months as tourists pass through and seasonal vacationers settle in.
Traditional two-story homes line the streets in Bohners Lake.
Residents of Bohners Lake are often out on the water fishing, paddle boarding, and boating.
1/2
Endless options for outdoor recreation
Dozens of beaches, including Lake Geneva Public Beach, surround Geneva Lake. A paved walking trail stretches the entire lake's circumference of over 25 miles. "If you ever want to see Geneva Lake, it's a beautiful walk," says Linda Frame, an alderperson and lifelong Lake Geneva resident. "They really frown upon bikes because it can be slippery, but it's great for walking." Docks around the water offer places for residents to park their boats, and mansions around the waterfront showcase the city's history.
The city also has public and private golf courses, wildlife reserves, forests and a ski resort. Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures stretches over 100 acres and allows visitors to zipline through a forest. This city is also home to Big Foot Beach State Park, one of Wisconsin’s many state parks. Sprawling over 250 acres and butting up to the lake’s edge, the park features campsites, a beach and more.
Browns Lake Golf Course has gorgeous fairways that expand for 6,449 yards.
Residents can be spotted enjoying the water year-round in Bohners Lake.
1/2
Downtown Lake Geneva and big box stores
Downtown Lake Geneva is built around the intersection of Main Street and Broad Street. It's packed with on-of-a-kind locally owned establishments, attracting tourists to its walkable streets. "Locals all kind of stay around from downtown during the summer, but after Labor Day, we all sort of breathe a sigh of relief," jokes Esposito. "Not that we don't love our tourists, we absolutely do, but it does get busy."
Big Box stores sit on the outskirts, near the interchange where Wisconsin state Route 50 and U.S. Highway 12 meet. "For a person who's moving here, we have the normal facilities like your library and grocery stores and things, so it makes it easy to live here, but typically, people who come from a big city may end up traveling to get things that we don't always have," Esposito says.
Residents can grab caffeinated drinks and breakfast at The Coffee House.
Locals can grab essentials at the community grocery store, Beachview Grocery.
1/2
Festivities for every temperature
As a city that experiences all four seasons, Lake Geneva offers year-round events that allow residents to explore the great outdoors despite the weather. Maxwell Street Days happens every summer and boasts the slogan "Hot Deal for Those Hot Summer Days." During this week, business owners offer bargains on various goods and services. There's also live music to celebrate the end of summer. Fall sees the Dragon Days – Lake Geneva was the home of the creator of Dungeons & Dragons and celebrates this annually with a three-day festival that draws fans from across the country.
The Winter Fest draws artists from across the country to Rivera Plaza and Flat Iron Park. This major event is home to America's Snow Sculpting Invitational, where artists create intricate pieces that often stand taller than 6 feet. There's a Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, bonfires on the beach, live music and more.
The Market at Wehmhoff Square occurs every Thursday in the summer.
Visitors shop from local vendors while enjoying the live music at the Market at Wehmhoff Square.
1/2
A wide variety of home options
Lake Geneva offers a wide selection of home options, from historic waterfront mansions to modern subdivisions. Waterfront homes are hard to come by as they hardly hit the market, but there is a wide selection of inland options as planned communities continue to be developed. Homes with land can be found towards the city's outskirts, hidden in forested areas. The median home price is about $450,000, slightly higher than the US median. On average, houses spend 57 days on the market, compared to the US average of 44 days.
Larger homes away from the lake start around $200,000 in Bohners Lake.
Homes by the water can sell as high as $740,000 in Bohners Lake.
1/2
Two highly rated school districts
Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District serves about 1,800 pre-k through 8th-grade students between four elementary and two middle schools. It has a B-plus rating on Niche. Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District has an A-minus rating and is ranked the best school district in Walworth County. It serves about 1,350 high school students.
Winkler Elementary has 122 students and an overall A- grade according to Niche.
Dr. E. G. Dyer School serves grades PK and K-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
1/2
Commuting into nearby cities
An interchange on the city's east side connects Highway 12 and Route 50, making it easy to get around. Tourism drives Lake Geneva's economy, and there aren't many big employers, so most residents work from home or commute to bigger cities. The nearest 24-hour medical facility, Mercyhealth Hospital, is 6 miles west of the town. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 45 miles east.
Low crime rates, moderate natural disaster risk
According to the FBI crime data explorer, the City of Lake Geneva Police Department reported 73% fewer violent crimes and 25% fewer property crimes, both below the United States averages for the year.
Wisconsin is prone to tornadoes, and Lake Geneva is not exempt. The city has experienced tornadoes, including an EF-1 tornado in 2018. The state of Wisconsin is also prone to wildfires and flooding.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Video By
Ennis Warlick
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donna Brongiel At Home Team*,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Lake Geneva, WI sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Geneva, WI over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The only first-floor residence in Geneva Towers, this one-of-a-kind lakefront retreat lives more like a private waterfront home than a condominium. Step from your secluded patio across nearly two acres of gated lakefront grounds, with your boat slip just steps away. Inside, professionally designed interiors showcase unobstructed lake views through expansive waterfront windows, 10-foot coffered
Lake Geneva landmark! The only known Eastlake Victorian in the city, originally known as the House of Seven Gables, built circa 1870. This fully furnished 4BR/3.5BA gem sits on an oversized lot in the heart of Maple Park, just one block from downtown and the lakefront. Original leaded and stained glass, hand-carved banisters, 11-ft curved parlor ceilings, and hardwood floors throughout.
GENEVA NATIONAL - SPECTACULAR 3 BED/2 BATH SINGLE-FAMILY RANCH on PALMER 15TH FAIRWAY! Completely remodeled 2024-2026, this beautifully appointed home is MOVE-IN READY! Open floor plan with split-bedroom design features a spacious living room with vaulted ceiling & gas fireplace; gorgeous kitchen with easy access to the dining room & breakfast area. Superb Primary Suite with walk-in closet has a
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Custom executive sprawling ranch tucked away on a cul-de-sac in the desirable Stone Ridge development! This split-bedroom layout offers a private primary suite with a large tiled walk-in shower, plus 2 spacious bedrooms each featuring custom designed walk-in closets and private baths. Open-concept living is perfect for entertaining with a massive kitchen island, high-end appliances, abundant
Large residential parcels on the south side of the City of Lake Geneva. Property is accessed of a platted road just north of South Street and is bordered on the East side by Big Foot Beach Estate Condominiums and Single Family homes to the West and North. Property would be serviced by municipal water and sewer. City of Lake Geneva to confirm what can be built on the lot.
Turn-key comfort meets unbeatable location in this beautifully remodeled one-bedroom condo in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva. Just a short stroll from the beach, boat launch, shops, and local dining, this is the perfect home base for enjoying everything lake life has to offer. Inside, the unit features a spacious kitchen that opens into comfortable dining and seating areas ideal for relaxing
Experience resort-style living in highly sought after Geneva National. This beautifully updated, turn-key, fully furnished 2-bed, 2-bath condo overlooks the 12th hole of the Trevino Course, offering scenic golf course views from your private deck. The open concept floor plan features cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light and a cozy fireplace. There's nothing to do but turn the key and start
Step into the quintessential Lake Geneva lifestyle with this beautiful home in the sought-after Highlands neighborhood. Perfectly positioned to offer the best of both worlds, this property serves as a peaceful retreat walking distance from the vibrant energy of downtown. The balance of nature and convenience here is hard to beat. The main level features a warm, inviting fireplace that anchors the
Experience turnkey lakeside living at Interlaken Resort! This rare, fully furnished 1st-floor unit offers a seamless blend of comfort and recreation on the shores of Lake Como. Highlights include an open-concept living/dining area, private patio, a cozy gas fireplace and in-unit laundry. Residents enjoy exclusive access to resort amenities like the outdoor pool and tennis courts. Lake Como's
UNMATCHED VALUE & SCALE. Experience pristine, turnkey, maintenance-free resort style living spanning 3 sun-filled levels. With 5 beds & 5.5 baths, a dramatic two-story great room w/floor to ceiling fireplace and walls of windows, deck, hardwood floors, kitchen w/granite tops, SS appliances, it stands out as a rare offering. Finished lower level features a custom ventilated bar (for cigar lovers),
Newly remodeled 5BR/3BA home in the sought-after Lake Como neighborhood with lake access and a strong short-term rental history. Designed for making memories, the spacious layout flows to a large deck overlooking your private pool--perfect for summer gatherings after a day on the water. Five official bedrooms plus two finished lower-level rooms currently used as bedrooms offer flexible space for
Another one-of-a-kind and beautifully crafted home is designed by the Baglio Design Build Team in an organic contemporary style. This exceptional residence pairs clean architectural lines with warm wood tones, natural stone, and layered textures to create a home that feels both timeless and inviting. Expansive open concept living spaces are bathed in natural light through dramatic walls of glass,
Coming Soon! This gorgeous stand-alone home in the exclusive Geneva National community breathes calm into your very soul. Fully furnished and artfully decorated, this all-inclusive home could be your immediate turn-key second home or every day personal palace. It couldn't be easier to own a little slice of heaven. Spacious rooms, intimate nooks, rambling spaces where folks can gather. What more
Embrace the Lake Geneva lifestyle in this sophisticated first-floor Georgetown condominium. Every detail has been curated for comfort, from the rich hardwood floors to a kitchen featuring granite countertops and recently painted custom cabinetry. Natural light pours through the brand-new Pella sliding glass door, leading you to a private patio with serene views of Geneva Lake--the ultimate spot
Experience the best of Lake Geneva from this charming Mill Creek Condotel, ideally located in the heart of downtown & just steps from Geneva Lake, the lakefront path, parks, boutique shopping, restaurants, golf courses & year-round entertainment. Whether you're looking for a personal getaway, an investment opportunity, or both, this unique property allows you to enjoy your unit when you're in
Beautiful Remodel Two Bedroom! - Geneva Meadows offers luxury living at affordable pricing in scenic Lake Geneva! Come live the lake life in style in one of our semi-remodeled units! With updated appliances, updated flooring, updated cabinets, and updated countertops, you can feel like youre living in a dream! Experience living in these spacious 2 bedroom units today! Geneva
All Southwind Prairie apartments are 2-bedroom/2-full bath units and include a fireplace, private entry, full-size in-unit laundry facilities, attached 2-car garage, walk-in closets and vaulted ceilings (2nd floor units). Southwind Prairie Apartments are located in a natural setting in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and are within a short distance of shopping, entertainment and dining. We are
Stylish apartment with modern amenities. SECOND FLOOR unit with new appliances, and flooring. Location is walking distance to downtown (0.5 miles), and across from Lake Geneva.
Experience tranquil, maintenance-free living at the newly constructed Lake Breeze Estates. Our thoughtfully designed property features modern amenities just minutes from the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva. Conveniently located near Badger High School, Lake Breeze Estates offers easy access to Hwy. 120, shopping, outdoor recreation, and much more. For your convenience, we offer a variety
2 Bed 1 Bath Lower Patio - Remodeled - Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI, Geneva Estates are conveniently located directly across from Badger High School and within walking distance from the middle school. To your added benefit, as a Lake Geneva resident you will receive free beach passes along with free parking in historic downtown Lake Geneva. The Grand Geneva Resort, shopping centers, golf
Harmony is the key at The Ridges of Geneva East. Designed to flow with the rolling wooden terrain, this peaceful vista offers you what is needed in your busy life. Each apartment home at The Ridges was created with privacy, comfort, and a carefree life in mind. Bring your cat or dog and enjoy the good life at The Ridges of Geneva East.
Spacious three-bedroom, one-bath unit offering a flexible layout ideal for roommates or a family. Each bedroom provides a private sleeping area while the single full bathroom serves the household comfortably. Well-suited for those who value separate bedrooms and straightforward floor plans. Schedule a viewing to see this unit in person.Apply online at before a
Newly Remodeled Pet Friendly 4 Bed / 1 Bath – 10 Min Walk to downtown Lake Geneva!Experience a completely updated home with modern finishes, located just a short stroll from town.Everything inside is brand new. The home features a fully renovated kitchen and bathroom, fresh paint, and modern light fixtures. New windows provide excellent natural light across all four bedrooms,
Newly Remodeled Pet Friendly 4 Bed / 1 Bath – 10 Min Walk to downtown Lake Geneva!Experience a completely updated home with modern finishes, located just a short stroll from town.Everything inside is brand new. The home features a fully renovated kitchen and bathroom, fresh paint, and modern light fixtures. New windows provide excellent natural light across all four bedrooms,
Rent with an option to buy! Updated ranch features 2 living areas on the main floor, 1 with a gas fireplace. Newer roof, paint, bathroom, deck, patio, flooring, etc. Huge unfinished walkout basement, 2 doors from a nice park. Hall bathroom has a jetted tub, primary bathroom is 1 yr old. Granite counters, oak floors & nice deck off family room.
Property Id: 978339 Beautiful newly remodeled 2 bed 1 bath house for rent comes fully furnished on a month to month basis from the months of September to May. Walking distance from Lake Como, public beach & boat launch!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
