Spacious, quiet surroundings make for a peaceful life in New Munster
Homes perched on rolling hills overlook forests and farmlands in New Munster, a small community with big ties to nature. With acres of open land, peaceful lakes and large lots, the area is rural, spacious and quiet. Some residents live on operational farms with a hundred acres, while others in small subdivisions have an average of about an acre of land. "Little hobby farms and homesteading are becoming more common, especially on the medium-sized lots with a few acres," says Justin Mueller, a Realtor with Re/Max Premier Properties, who has been selling in western Kenosha County for over 20 years. "People like to grow their food and raise chickens, and they can do that here." When not at home, residents enjoy outdoor recreation and the area's convenient access to more active communities nearby.
Prices vary widely for both homes and empty acreage
With so much open land, housing is limited in New Munster, and slow expansion has produced various architectural styles. Bungalows, workers' cottages and Cape Cods range between $130,000 and $310,000. Lake houses in the community of Lily Lake fall in the same range. New Traditional, Modern Craftsman, ranch-style homes and split-levels from more recent decades line small developments or are along county roads with acreage. They sell for $350,000 to $950,000. Depending on size and location, land, sometimes up to 25 acres, sells between $35,000 and $530,000.
Over a thousand acres of natural space for hunting, hiking and playing
New Munster Bog Island State Natural Area and New Munster Wildlife Area take up more than 1,200 acres of preserved land, providing public hunting, fishing and trapping access. Lily Lake Public Beach has a sandy section and a boat launch. Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park has hiking trails that wrap around Freedom Lake. Local Little League teams play at New Munster Park. The green space has a lighted baseball diamond, tennis courts, a small playground and a pavilion.
The land around the lakes and surrounding the Fox River, which passes through New Munster's eastern side, has a higher-than-average risk of flooding. Homes are mostly unaffected, and the undeveloped lands, including the natural and wildlife areas, take on the most water.
Located along Highway 50, a short drive from small Wisconsin cities
While spacious and remote, New Munster is not far from a few sizeable cities in Southeastern Wisconsin. Burlington is a few miles north, Lake Geneva is less than 10 miles west and Kenosha is just over 20 miles east. Wisconsin Highway 50 goes through the center of the community and is Kenosha County's main road. "It can get busy at times, but once you hop off onto one of the county roads, they're pretty empty," Mueller says. The nearest hospital is Aurora Medical Center Burlington, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about 40 miles northeast.
New Munster has a CAP Index Crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4.
One school for lower levels, and a newly renovated high school
Children living in New Munster can attend Wheatland Center School for prekindergarten through eighth grade. The school is rated B by Niche. High school students residing in New Munster's southeast corner, around Lily Lake, are zoned to attend B-rated Wilmont Union High School. Most students, however, continue learning at Westosha Central High School, rated B-plus. The school takes its name from combining the words 'West' and 'Kenosha,' and underwent an almost $40 million renovation in 2023. Students can apply to attend schools outside their district through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Open Enrollment program.
Leaving the area for shopping and dining is to be expected
Stores and eateries are few and far between in New Munster, but there are a few convenient options. Best Bargains is a wholesale store for groceries and pantry items in the community. River Valley Ranch & Kitchens is a gourmet grocery store with fresh locally grown mushrooms, seasonal produce, garden accessories and crafts from local artisans. Local Folks Restaurant & Pub is a no-frills American restaurant on the same street. However, Mueller says that most residents travel outside the area to go shopping. "In any direction, residents can be at a grocery store or a shopping center with a Walmart or Kohl's within 20 to 25 minutes," he says. Burlington is the nearest city, but those willing to drive slightly farther to Lake Geneva have many locally owned restaurants and specialty shops to explore. "Lake Geneva is a real touristy town, but it still has a lot of charm," Mueller says.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
