$263,893Average Value$164Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
A historic town on the water
Life slows down in the city of Portage, Wisconsin’s third-oldest community. The city is situated at the center of expansive farmlands and nearby nature preserves, which separates its 10,000 residents from the busy atmosphere of downtown Madison. Nestled between the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, Portage features a charming downtown district and a wide array of 19th-century homes. The community takes pride in its rich history as a stopping point along the water route created by the two rivers and makes an effort to preserve the past through local heritage events and museum exhibits. “It’s a nice place, it really is,” says Realtor Scotty Smith with First Weber Real Estate Services, who has sold many homes in town. “The people are friendly, and you do get a small-town feel, but it’s big enough where there are things to do. I think it’s very appealing.”
Portage is a very cute town.
Some portage residents owbn homes right on the Wisconsin River.
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An abundance of recreational opportunities
Locals flock to Silver Lake Beach year after year during the summer months for a picnic on the sand or for a dip in the water, while people from all over the region head to Cascade Mountain, a ski resort that just happens to be about five minutes down Interstate 39 from Portage. Both the Wisconsin River and the Fox River offer prime spots for paddling. Sports enthusiasts can often be found at the sports complex in the city's southeastern corner, featuring soccer fields, a baseball diamond and the local Little League complex. Additionally, residents of Portage enjoy proximity to the 2,466-acre Swan Lake Wildlife area, where they can walk or cross-country ski through the preserve's wetlands, grasslands and wooded habitats. On nice evenings, a crowd may form to listen to live music under the pavilion at Pauquette Park, an event the Chamber of Commerce organizes in the summer.
Portage residents can take their dog on a relaxing walk.
Silver Lake Beach is a great spot to get outside in Portage.
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Portage’s shopping and dining scene
Portage has a variety of modern amenities, mostly concentrated along U.S. Route 51. Locals can pick up their day-to-day necessities at the Walmart Supercenter, Aldi or Festival Foods. A more mom-and-pop shopping experience can be had in Portage’s charming downtown area, where stores offer everything from jewelry to gifts to sporting goods. “Every Thursday from May to October, they have a farmers market, and people bring in all the things they’ve grown,” Smith says. “It’s nice to get local produce and flowers for your kitchen table.” There are plenty of great places to eat, too, whether starting the day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Two Rivers Coffee Roaster or winding things down with a burger, a brew and a game of pool at the Corner Pocket. Head just outside of town for dinner at B&B Hitching Post, which is popular on Friday nights for its fish fry special.
A Portage resident gets help picking out the perfect paint at Beautifully Blemished Market.
Portage residents can head to Two Rivers Coffee Roaster to study.
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Year-round events
The close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere is why Portage residents stick around, and locals can be seen gathering each year to celebrate their community at the Columbia County Fair. For over 170 years, locals and visitors alike have been gathering to enjoy carnival rides, livestock shows, rodeos and delicious carnival food. The Portage Canal Days event specifically celebrates Portage’s heritage as a canal town, and neighbors come out for live music, local vendors and activities for the kids. A slew of other fun things to do happens throughout the year, according to Smith, from Fourth of July fireworks to farmers markets to parades with Santa.
Veterans Memorial Park in Portage has large sports fields, like this baseball diamond.
Residents are free to roam the extensive garden path at Pauquette Park in Portage
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Appealing options for all buyers
Smith says the area attracts all types of people. First-time homebuyers may have luck in Portage thanks to its relative affordability compared to homes in Madison — which Smith says are at least $100,000 higher — while retirees looking to downsize can find a condo convenient to amenities like golf courses and healthcare at the local hospital. Buyers looking for more rural property where they can hunt and fish can find it on the outskirts. Most homes in the center of town, located along gridded city streets, were built in the mid-1800s and early 1900s, featuring styles like Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, and American Foursquares; these homes tend to range from $100,000 to $315,000. Fanning outwards from the city's center are more modern builds, with prices typically topping out around $450,000.
A unique Victorian style home in Portage.
A lovely colonial style home in Portage.
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Details on the local school district
Students attend schools in the Portage Community School District. Most students start off at Woodridge Primary School for kindergarten and first grade before finishing up their elementary school years at John Muir Elementary School; both schools are graded B by Niche. They then go on to attend Wayne E. Bartels Middle School, graded C-plus, and Portage High School, graded B-minus. Portage High School is in talks of either being renovated or rebuilt completely in a new site; after the city receives community feedback on the preliminary options, more concrete plans are expected to be drawn up.
Portage High School offers many extracurricular activities, like archery and bowling.
Portage students can attend Wayne Bartels Middle School.
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Getting around the area
Interstate 39 runs right by the community for convenient commutes to downtown Madison, about 40 miles south. In the center of town, an Amtrak station offers train service to destinations like Milwaukee and beyond. It’s the only form of public transportation in Portage, so most residents will need a car to get around. When it’s time to get out of town, the Dane County Regional Airport is about 35 miles south.
Portage residents can easily head to Madison using I-39.
Interstate 39 crosses over the Wisconsin River in Portage.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Reuter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Portage, WI sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage, WI over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on a spacious .65-acre lot with peaceful, country-like views, this beautifully updated ranch home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. The home features a completely renovated main living area highlighted by new hardwood floors, updated windows, & an open-concept kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen showcases a large center island,
Welcome to this stunning 2023-built home, where modern sophistication meets comfort. Enjoy an open floor plan with quartz countertops, a spacious kitchen featuring a large island, and a living room with a cozy fireplace. Main floor living with primary suite and walk in closet, a laundry/mudroom right off of the garage, and a home office right when you walk in the front door. This spacious
Luxury 4BR, 3BA full-log estate crafted with massive 12–18” New Zealand logs, set on a private 1-acre wooded hilltop with deeded Wisconsin River access. Just minutes to Wisconsin Dells, Devils Lake State Park, Cascade Mountain Ski Lodge & Devils Head Ski Resort—perfect for year-round adventure. Inside, 2,932 sq ft features soaring 19’ vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, hardwood floors, custom
This end unit, zero entry, ranch condo is located in a 55 and over development in a 2 unit building (shared wall - half duplex). These homes do not come on the market very often! 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Vaulted ceiling in the living room adds a spacious feel and lets the southern sunshine come in. Open concept kitchen/dining area with sliding glass door to the patio. The primary suite has a spacious
Bring your vision and make this home your own! Don’t miss this opportunity to own a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Situated on an incredible 477 feet of water frontage along the Baraboo River, this property offers stunning views and a peaceful setting you won’t find just anywhere. Located just minutes from Cascade Mountain for winter skiing adventures and a short drive to Wisconsin Dells attractions,
Peaceful water views & unforgettable sunsets in this beautifully updated home where comfort, style, & location come together. Large windows fill the home with natural light, highlighting vaulted ceilings & open living spaces designed for both relaxing & entertaining. The inviting sunroom offers a front-row seat to the water, the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Every major update has
Unique opportunity in Saddle Ridge golf community, Columbia County! Originally platted as a duplex lot, seller went through the time and expense to have this lot re-designated as a single family lot where they had planned to build their dream home (previously known as 315 & 316). Life throws curveballs - so plans change This is where YOU come in! Now YOU can build your single family dream home on
Stand-alone Condo-HOA$200/m. Discover this serene 4-bedroom, 3-bath home tucked near Cascade Mountain Ski Resort—an ideal vacation getaway or peaceful full-time retreat. Surrounded by trees in a quiet, natural setting, this updated stand alone condo offers privacy, comfort, space and easy access to year-round outdoor adventure. Just minutes from skiing, hiking, and scenic beauty, it features:
Build your brand new home in Portages newest development neighborhood. Conveniently located minutes from Madison, but with a more accessible price tag, Rolling Prairies modern construction opportunities are perfect for your family.Multiple lots and lot sizes available
Travis HameleUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
Located in the City of Portage, this 1.8-acre parcel offers excellent visibility and development potential. Bordering the Portage Municipal Airport and just minutes from the interstate, this site is ideally positioned for a storage complex or professional office building. With a strong traffic count along Airport Road and proximity to other commercial developments, this property provides a
Travis HameleUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
Now available49 new residential lots in Phase 2 of the Rolling Prairie Subdivision in Portage, WI. These single-family zoned lots offer an excellent opportunity to build in a growing community with amenities designed for lifestyle and convenience. Residents will enjoy access to walking paths, sidewalks, a dog park, and close proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping, and the interstate for
Travis HameleUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
Location Location Location with this stunning 1.5-story brick home on a spacious .58-acre lot in Portage—within walking distance to schools! This 4-bed, 3.5-bath home offers comfortable living and thoughtful updates throughout. Main floor features a cozy living room with gas fireplace and a front den. Finished lower level includes a rec room, office, pool table area, second kitchen, and large
It’s time to slow down and live a comfortable, sustainable life. It’s time to come home to Rolling Prairie. Northside of Portage New Community that Phase 1 has just had construction start. Lot 20 allows for a 10 unit multi family complex. Rolling Prairie features underground internet and utilities, brand new water and sewer system, new sidewalks and roads. Close to shopping, schools, hospital and
Now available—49 new residential lots in Phase 2 of the Rolling Prairie Subdivision in Portage, WI. These single-family zoned lots offer an excellent opportunity to build in a growing community with amenities designed for lifestyle and convenience. Residents will enjoy access to walking paths, sidewalks, a dog park, and close proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping, and the interstate for
Now available—49 new residential lots in Phase 2 of the Rolling Prairie Subdivision in Portage, WI. These single-family zoned lots offer an excellent opportunity to build in a growing community with amenities designed for lifestyle and convenience. Residents will enjoy access to walking paths, sidewalks, a dog park, and close proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping, and the interstate for
Welcome home to Silver Lake Apartments, Portage’s largest and most inviting apartment community! Surrounded by mature oak trees and green space, Silver Lake offers peaceful living with modern convenience. Enjoy two on-site parks, a pavilion, picnic areas, and easy access to Silver Lake Beach—nature and recreation right outside your door.Choose from spacious apartments and townhomes with
Fox Run Apartments – Comfortable Living in Portage, WIDiscover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community at Fox Run Apartments, located in the heart of Portage, Wisconsin. Our thoughtfully designed one,two-, and three -bedroom apartments feature open floor plans, modern kitchens, and every unit has a patio or balcony , creating the ideal place to call home.Residents
Rolling Woods Estates is a beautiful and quiet Portage apartment community located just blocks away from the convenience of shopping, dining, entertainment, private/public schools and Interstate 39. If you desire a great location and beautifully designed apartments with expansive floor plans, Rolling Woods Estates is the community for you. Each luxury apartment includes heat, a one car attached
Lovely cottage style single family two bedroom house, appointed for furnished corporate housing serving Portage-Baraboo-Madison-Wisconsin Dells and other nearby areas. Enjoy walleye fishing out your front door and some of the best views in the county during your time of transition. Yes we accept short term leases and pets. Yes we work with insurance agencies and travel placement firms. This
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