Oostburg is a close-knit village set on Interstate 43
First settled by Dutch immigrants in the 1840s, Oostburg has developed into a close-knit community with highly ranked schools and well-maintained Victorian-era homes. “You get to know your neighbors and your neighbors get to know you,” says Zach Cotter, a lifelong resident of Sheboygan County and a Realtor at Olive Branch Realty. “You meet people at the grocery store or the hardware store because there’s only one of them. It’s that classic small-town feel that’s going away in a lot of places.” The village has grown in recent years, partially thanks to manufacturing facilities and other employment centers on the east side, as well as its commuter-friendly location on Interstate 43.
A mix of Victorian, midcentury and new builds
Victorian-era homes, including Craftsman properties and American Foursquares, are found in the village’s center, surrounded by ranch-style homes from the latter half of the 20th century. A few 21st-century subdivisions have been added around the community’s edges, filled with new traditional homes. Prices range from $150,000 to $600,000. Two-bedroom condos in low-rise or single-story developments generally sell for between $100,000 and $350,000. Residential areas tend to be very neighborly, with some still adhering to small-town norms. “There’s a lot of older customs that you don’t find elsewhere,” Cotter says. “For some people, it's frowned upon to cut your grass on a Sunday. It’s not everyone, but there’s a contingent.” Though uncommon, some large estates are set on the banks of Lake Michigan, usually with over an acre of land. Prices for these luxury properties typically range from $1.6 million to $1.9 million. Empty lots are available for new construction, ranging from $75,000 to $160,000 for 3 to 6 acres.
Local schools score in the A and B range
Oostburg Elementary earns an A-minus from Niche. The district completed work on a new addition to the campus in 2017, including an outdoor courtyard, playground and a new cafeteria. The A-rated Oostburg Middle offers classes in computer science, financial literacy and digital citizenship. The B-plus-rated Oostburg High has many engineering-related clubs and activities. For the Formula High School Project, participants build small racing cars and compete against other schools, while the Electrathon Vehicle Club designs and constructs energy-efficient vehicles
Veteran’s Park is central to the community
Veteran’s Park spans 9 acres at Oostburg’s center with a playground, lighted tennis courts and sand volleyball courts. The park has one of two Little League baseball fields in the area; Dirkse Park has the other. The Ozaukee-Sheboygan Interurban Trail connects Milwaukee with the city of Sheboygan, passing through Oostburg on the way. Amsterdam Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, has sand beaches less than 10 miles away.
Some local businesses on Center Avenue
There’s a small downtown corridor on Center Avenue, home to a small array of businesses like Piggly Wiggly and Oostburg Bakery, which has been family-owned since 1929. Judi’s Place, founded by a second-generation restaurateur, serves standard diner fare with a welcoming atmosphere. Other restaurant options include chain eateries like Pizza Ranch, which has an Old West-inspired buffet.
Commuting to nearby cities on the interstate
Oostburg is located on Interstate 43, less than 15 miles south of Sheboygan and about 45 miles north of Milwaukee. Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County is under 10 miles away, while Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about 55 miles away.
Biannual community events at Veteran’s Park
On odd-numbered years, the community comes together at Veteran’s Park for AugustFest, a day-long celebration with live music, food vendors and kids' games. The festival ends with an elaborate fireworks display set off from Oostburg High.
