Merton is a suburban enclave in Waukesha County
Swedish immigrants settled Merton in the 1840s, and the area soon developed into an agricultural center. By the 1900s, railroad connections and the automobile opened this community west of Milwaukee to more people. In the 1990s, farmers began selling off land to developers, who built the subdivisions that today house many of Merton's more than 3,400 residents. Merton also has the distinction of being the headquarters of Essential Industries, a global polymer manufacturer.
A mix of housing options with HOAs present
Many of Merton's homes are on wide streets and cul-de-sacs. New Traditional, Colonial Revival and ranch styles are common. They often have large front lawns adorned with oak and pine trees, and some have in-ground pools. The median home price is $625,000, higher than national and state medians. Land is available. Homeowners' associations oversee some subdivisions.
Green spaces and multiple lakes nearby
Merton’s green spaces include Pollworth Park, which features several baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a pavilion. Fireman’s Park has additional baseball facilities, a playground and a volleyball court. The Bugline Trail is a 12-mile path that runs through the community. Starting at Fireman’s Park, the trail follows an old railroad cut and connects to Menomonee Falls.
The 34-acre Mill Pond is in the center of the community and has fishing spots, trails and a public boat launch. Lake Keesus to the north also has a boat launch and fishing holes. Pewaukee Lake to the south also allows for boating and has a public beach.
The public Ironwood Golf Course has a 27-hole layout and a practice facility. Downtown Waukesha, 14 miles south, has more events and attractions.
Schools inside and outside of the community
Multiple school districts serve students, including the Merton Community School District and the Hartland-Lakeside Joint 3 School District, both ranked A on Niche. Schools in the community include A-graded Merton Primary School and Merton Intermediate School, which also has an A and an athletic program.
Dining and shopping outside of Merton
Local restaurants are to the south, including Falbo Brothers Pizzeria on Merton Avenue, which serves salads and subs. HB Cafe on Hartbrook Drive has breakfast and lunch items and a Friday fish fry. Directly east, Ichiban on Silver Spring Drive has sushi and other Japanese dishes. Chain restaurants are on Silver Spring or further southeast on Capitol Drive.
Sendik’s Food Market is also on Hartbrook Drive, while Silver Spring Drive has a Metro Market and a Kohl’s. More big-box retailers are on Pewaukee Road and Capitol Drive. ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital is 13 miles west.
Access to downtown Milwaukee and Mitchell Airport
Merton Avenue connects to State Highway 16, which intersects with Interstate 94, leading to downtown Milwaukee. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 33 miles southeast.
Risk of flooding in Merton
Snow and tornadoes can be factors. According to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there are areas near the Mill Pond and by local creeks that can be impacted by flooding.
