Before French Canadian fur traders colonized it, the land on which the City of Oconomowoc sits was inhabited by the Potawatomi people. The population grew after a rail station was constructed in 1896, bringing in vacationers who built lodge-style estates along the community’s three lakes: Lac La Belle, Lake Fowler and Oconomowoc Lake. A downtown area and several neighborhoods soon formed around the latter two lakes. The city’s name is derived from Coo-no-mo-wauk, the tribe’s word for waterfall. True to that name, a waterfall cascades over the Fowler Lake Dam into Lac La Belle.
Over time, Oconomowoc evolved into a place where most people stayed year-round. “Once you spend time here, you want to live here,” says Realtor Bonnie Lewis-Tschannen, who has been a resident for 20 years and sells homes with Stapleton Realty. “The first thing we noticed was the quaint downtown and that people were friendly right away. It felt like we had always lived here.”
The number of seasonal residents has increased in recent years, similar to how things were a century ago. “Short-term rentals have gained a lot in popularity over the past five years,” Lewis-Tschannen says. “Since more people work remotely now, if they want to spend the month of August here with family, they can do that.”
Today, the city has roughly 9,000 full-time residents, with the population expanding by almost 20% since 1990. “There has been a substantial amount of sprawl outside of the downtown as Oconomowoc has grown,” says Realtor Liz Tobolt, who sells homes with First Weber Real Estate. “It still has a nice hometown feel.”
There has been a substantial amount of sprawl outside of downtown as Oconomowoc has grown.
Downtown Oconomowoc is quaint and lively during any season.
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Suburban contemporaries and lodges on the lake
The median single-family home price is $540,000, more than double Milwaukee’s median price and more than the national median around $400,000. Since 2020, home prices increased by more than 30%, consistent with national trends. Most of the city’s suburban blocks are made up of early 2000s split-levels, ranch-style and contemporary-style homes priced from $240,000 to $600,000. On the southeast corner of town, newly built contemporaries are priced from $520,000 to $780,000. Along the lakes, most of the houses were built as vacation homes between the 1910s and ‘40s. These lodge-style homes are priced from $800,000 to $2.6 million. The city’s condos and townhouses are priced from $220,000 to $360,000.
Since Oconomowoc was built in Wisconsin’s Lake Country lowlands, some residential parts of the city are highly prone to flooding.
Split level homes are popular in Oconomowoc.
Lodge-style, lake homes were built in the 1940's and add to Oconomowoc's charm.
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Spending time on the water
The area’s key recreational feature is its lake access. Overlooking Fowler Lake, Fowler Lake Park has grills, a basketball court, tennis courts and a fishing pier. Some residents join the Oconomowoc Yacht Club, which has a kitchen, a ballroom and motorboat docks overlooking Oconomowoc Lake. In the summer, the city holds free Friday night concerts at the Rhodee Memorial Bandshell, which overlooks the beach. During Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, residents watch fireworks shows from the beaches or their boats.
The city experiences harsh winters and nighttime temperatures often sink below zero degrees Fahrenheit. “Since the lakes freeze over in the winter, people can skate and ice fish,” Tobolt says.
There are several public greenspaces within walking distance of residents. The city is home to Oconomowoc Golf Club, a private club that has been open since 1916. Other golf clubs and parks are connected by Lake County Trail, a 15-mile-long paved bike path. Its trailhead is located at Roosevelt Park, which has an ADA-compliant playground and a skate park. Oconomowoc Historical Museum is next to the park and tells the city’s story using model train sets and miniature landscapes.
Winter does not stop the residents of Oconomowoc from enjoying their lakes.
Oconomowoc Golf Club is a private club that has been open since 1916.
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The downtown where The Wizard of Oz premiered
Oconomowoc has a flourishing downtown area called East Wisconsin Avenue, where boutique shops, cafés, wine bars and international dining options are based out of connected brick buildings from the late 19th century. There are also multiple lakeside restaurants within a 2-mile drive of the city. Twisted Fire serves craft beer and prime steak in a rustic environment. Weissgerber's Golden Mast Inn serves fine surf and turf dishes in an atmosphere modeled after the dining quarters of an old sailing ship. Various produce markets and grocery stores are within a mile of most residents.
The classic film "The Wizard of Oz" premiered at Oconomowoc’s Strand Theatre in 1939, and the city celebrates the anniversary every year. “People gather downtown for "The Wizard of Oz" festival, which always features an outdoor showing of the movie,” Tobolt says. The downtown also has a swirling yellow brick design and life-sized sculptures of the film’s characters.
The Wizard of Oz premiered at Oconomowoc's Strand Theater in 1939.
The food and the hospitality at Twisted Fire in Oconomowoc will keep you coming back again and again.
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Highly rated public schools
The Oconomowoc Area School District has an A-minus Niche rating and a 97% graduation rate. The district’s reading and math proficiencies are well above the state and national averages.
For after-school study time or socialization, Oconomowoc Public Library holds writing workshops, fiber arts circles and book clubs.
The Oconomowoc Library is a popular place at all times of day.
Oconomowoc has highly-rated public schools.
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Getting around Wisconsin
Wisconsin Highway 16 and Interstate 94 take commuters 34 miles east to Milwaukee, while Interstate 94 takes them 50 miles west to Madison. Top employers in Milwaukee include Northwestern Mutual, Harley-Davidson and several not-for-profit healthcare companies. Madison’s top employers include General Electric, Cummins and Promega. Wisconsin Highway 67 runs through the city. The nearest major airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International.
Residents have access to ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.
The closest airport to Oconomowoc is Milwaukee's Mitchell Airport about an hour away.
Residents have access to ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.
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Crime
According to FBI data, the city’s violent and nonviolent crime rates are below the state and national averages.
Written By
William Palicia
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Hayley McCormick
Video By
David Fritzson
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On average, homes in Oconomowoc, WI sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Oconomowoc, WI over the last 12 months is $563,200, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic farmhouse character meets modern updates in this charming Oconomowoc home, perfectly positioned just north of the Mill Pond in peaceful Monterey. Natural light fills the kitchen and dining room, highlighting the home's warmth and character. The eat-in kitchen blends vintage charm with everyday function, while both full baths have been thoughtfully refreshed. A main floor primary offers
Updated with a timeless feel, this home offers a smart layout for everyday living. The primary suite and laundry are on the main level, with two additional bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. Open living, dining, and kitchen areas create an easy flow for entertaining. The Kitchen features a good balance of quartz and butcher block counters. The lower level includes a rec room plus room to expand
UPGRADES throughout! Kitchen and bathrooms all remodeled. New flooring throughout plus updated cozy fireplace in living area. This move-in ready 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is nestled in a great neighborhood and location! The bright, functional layout offers spacious living areas perfect for everyday life and entertaining. Enjoy the finished lower-level rec space, ideal for playroom or home gym! Private
Classic farmhouse character meets modern updates in this charming Oconomowoc home, perfectly positioned just north of the Mill Pond in peaceful Monterey. Natural light fills the kitchen and dining room, highlighting the home's warmth and character. The eat-in kitchen blends vintage charm with everyday function, while both full baths have been thoughtfully refreshed. A main floor primary offers
Stunning 5 year old 2 Story set on almost 2.5 acres in Waterville West! 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 baths with almost 3100 square feet plus a partial finished lower level workshop. Awesome 4 Car garage w/ stairs to lower level! Beautiful open concept custom home with Gourmet Kitchen, big center Island plus Buffet and Walk in Pantry. Large Morning Rm with Doors to private Patio and fire pit. Serene private
Updated with a timeless feel, this home offers a smart layout for everyday living. The primary suite and laundry are on the main level, with two additional bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. Open living, dining, and kitchen areas create an easy flow for entertaining. The Kitchen features a good balance of quartz and butcher block counters. The lower level includes a rec room plus room to expand
UPGRADES throughout! Kitchen and bathrooms all remodeled. New flooring throughout plus updated cozy fireplace in living area. This move-in ready 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is nestled in a great neighborhood and location! The bright, functional layout offers spacious living areas perfect for everyday life and entertaining. Enjoy the finished lower-level rec space, ideal for playroom or home gym! Private
An amazing one owner ranch in a prime Oconomowoc location near downtown, parks, and shopping! A standout property featuring an incredible 4-car garage capacity (attached + detached). The detached garage boasts a beautiful 3-season room overlooking a gorgeous, fully fenced, professionally landscaped backyard oasis. Inside, an extra-spacious living room, kitchen, and family room share an inviting,
Renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Final colors, finishes, and landscaping will differ. All prices, promotions and specifications are subject to change at any time without notice based on the discretion of Veridian Homes.
NEW CONSTRUCTION - ready March 2026! Look no further for Luxury Ranch Condominium living with 2 Bedrooms plus a Sunroom, featuring open design concept with 9' Ceilings throughout. Beautiful kitchen for entertaining with large island, soft close cabinetry and quartz countertops. Enjoy a spacious great room that features a stunning stone to ceiling fireplace and box tray ceiling! The Sunroom opens
This home is under construction. The Francesca 2428 is an ideal home that needs both communal & private spaces. The 1st-floor is home to the gathering room, formal dining room, & dinette. The kitchen features quartz counters, a prep island w/ seating, walk-in pantry, s.s. appliances, & tile backsplash. The main floor also features a private home office. Heading upstairs, you're met w/ 3 secondary
Renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Final colors, finishes, and landscaping will differ. All prices, promotions and specifications are subject to change at any time without notice based on the discretion of Veridian Homes.
Great opportunity with this excellent lot in a great area. Lower taxes in Dodge co, great schools of Oconomowoc! Build your dream home today! Sewer connection already paid for.
Welcome to this impeccably maintained 3-bedroom ranch, where easy one-level living meets modern comfort. Located in Hickory Creek, one of Oconomowoc' most sought-after neighborhoods, this home immediately welcomes you with its bright sun filled open layout. The spacious kitchen--the heart of the home is perfect for hosting festive gatherings while the great room features custom built ins and a
There's no better place to experience the best of Lake Country living. At The Locklyn Apartments in Ocnomowoc, Wisconsin, you get easy access to all the places you love, plus the serenity of a community that makes you feel completely at home.
Victorian Mansion - Close to Lac La Belle beach and easy walk to all of downtown Oconomowoc amenities. This one time stately mansion has been converted to 4 beautiful rental units. Available is this spacious first floor unit with 2 Bedrooms, 2 full Baths and a Marble Fireplace. Kitchen with Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher , Private Entrance . Home sits on a mature 1+ acre lot with many gardens
The Gateway Apartments offer the energy and convenience of downtown, coupled with the serenity and beauty of Lake Country. We are blocks to Lake Fowler and the beach. The Gateway is also only steps away from restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Enjoy the many concerts and festivals near Lac La Belle, and watch the parades, holiday lights, and Holiday Train from your balcony! Outside, The
Live the dream lake lifestyle with a fantastic opportunity to rent a fully furnished home on Okauchee Lake. Not looking long term - short term rentals are allowed. This single-family home offers almost 2,000 square feet of living space, including a great room with fireplace that opens to the kitchen and dining area. There are three bedrooms on the main floor, including a primary suite complete
Jane DiChristopherMahler Sotheby's International Realty
Special deal on all remaining units! Receive one month free rent on all unit styles when you start a 12+ month lease by March 31st, 2026. *Restrictions apply, contact our team for details! Norden Range is a beautiful, no-compromise community designed to provide the highest quality of apartment living. Each residence is thoughtfully designed and detailed to support a homelike experience.
Parkside offers 2 Bedroom Uppers and Lower Apartments. Storage Locker with Each Apartment. **Stove, Refrigerator, AC Unit**Coin Operated Washer/Dryer in Basement** Detached Garage -Selected Apartments Parking Lot No Pets or Visiting PetsGreat Community, Great Location. Nearby Downtown, Beach, and Roosevelt Park/Bike Trail 24 Hour After Hour Maintenance Emergency Office
Find your home at River Park Apartments in Oconomowoc, WI. You can walk just a few blocks to the beautiful nearby lake - Lac La Belle! Chaffee Road Park is also just one block away! Our community is perfectly located for those looking to live outside of the hustle and bustle of the city while maintaining an easy commute to and from work or school. River Park Apartments are perfect for those
Experience all the luxuries you desire at The Preserve at Prairie Creek Apartments in Oconomowoc. This pristine community in exclusive Lake Country is your place to call home. Our ideal location allows you to walk to grocery, specialty stores and restaurants for a truly carefree living experience.The Preserve at Prairie Creek offers spacious one, two and three-bedroom innovative floor plans which
Mandel Group is pleased to offer a tastefully designed apartment community, Hackney House, developed on the iconic Pabst Farms and strategically located just minutes from I-94, offering easy access to Milwaukee and Madison. Hackney House offers a suburban setting with instant access to community amenities, we are just steps from the YMCA, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and more. With
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Lake Country Village Apartments offers a peaceful retreat with modern comforts and convenient access to shopping, dining, and major highways. Choose from spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans featuring gourmet kitchens, granite countertops, and bright living areas with large windows and private balconies or patios. Enjoy
Morningside Orchard Apartments offers both one and two bedroom units. We also have fully furnished executive apartments with flexible lease options. There is a beautiful heated pool area, and we are close to the downtown area for restaurants, city parks and beaches.
The Berkshire Independent Senior Apartments (AGES 55+ ) are designed to specifically meet the changing needs of today’s seniors. Our comfortable units are an ideal option for those who no longer want the responsibility and upkeep of a house but still desire privacy, security and independence. Our apartments are spacious and most have new flooring installed. We are located one block away
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