Milton is a historical town with a quaint atmosphere
Milton has over 5,000 inhabitants nestled among southern Wisconsin's lakes. Milton was settled by Joseph Goodrich in 1840, establishing an inn that served as a station on the Underground Railroad and today is a museum. In 1844, Goodrich established Milton Academy, which evolved into Milton College, and was the oldest college in the state until it closed its doors in 1982. Today, buyers have a variety of older and newer homes to choose from. Properties are on gridded streets with smaller lawns and oak and pine trees in the front and back. Some homes back onto local lakes, providing residents with private fishing and boating docks. “Milton is kind of a hybrid. Yes, it is a small town, but it's pretty quaint and peaceful. It's got great schools, and the environment there for kids is just peaceful,” says Michael Ferraro, a real estate agent with Ferraro Real Estate Team- EXP Realty. “You have this little private country town that’s quaint, but you're also close to the metropolitan areas.”
Older and newer builds with some HOA activity
The median home price is $369,000, higher than the state median and lower than the national median. Homes include Victorian, farmhouse, new traditional and ranch style. Land is available. Ferraro notes that an HOA oversees newer homes. Ferraro says the area has attracted young families, couples and older residents who have lived in the town for generations. The community has some logistics and agricultural businesses, but Ferarro notes people also commute to work. “If they like the appeal of a small town but close to big areas, Milton is certainly somewhere to go,” says Ferraro.
Weather risks in Milton
Flood zone maps show no significant flooding dangers in downtown Milton, but areas near the lakes are at risk. Ferraro notes that tornadoes and hailstorms can also be factors.
Local school district, but higher education outside of the city
Students attend the School District of Milton, which is graded B-plus on Niche. The B-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is 13 miles east.
Multiple parks, lakes and local history
Green spaces include Schilberg Park, which features a baseball diamond, soccer field, and a sand volleyball court. The park also hosts Milton’s Independence Day celebration. Tails n’ Trails Dog Park is a 15-acre fenced-in area that provides dogs ample running space and a clean water source. Lamar Park has newer playground equipment and baseball diamonds.
Lake Koshkonong, north of the community, is over 10,000 acres and allows boating, fishing and swimming. The Oak Ridge Golf Course is a public facility with a 5,900-yard layout.
In downtown, the Milton House Museum has exhibits on local history and is Wisconsin’s only certified Underground Railroad site.
Dining throughout Milton, but larger stores in Janesville and Anderson
Local restaurants include the Buckhorn Supper Club, on Lake Koshkonong. The restaurant has been open for 95 years and serves steak and seafood. Cindy’s Café serves breakfast items and lunch. Café 26 also has breakfast, along with sandwiches and burritos.
Milton has several boutique stores on Front Street and Madison Avenue and a Piggly Wiggly grocery store on Janesville Street. More grocery and big box stores are in the southwest of Anderson and Janesville. Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center is 11 miles southwest.
Janesville Transit System and highway connections
The Janesville Transit System provides bus service to Milton and connects to Whitewater. Highway 26 runs through the community and connects to Interstate 90 in Anderson. Dane County Regional Airport is 36 miles northwest.
