Saratoga Town offers a mix of rural and riverside settings
Despite its location between Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa, Saratoga Town offers a quiet atmosphere where people can have both riverfront living and a rural setting. The Wisconsin River flows along its western side, separating it from Nekoosa, while the western side fades into farms and fields. “In Saratoga, you’re between everything, but you’re more secluded,” says Weston Meyer, Realtor with NextHome Partners. “It’s for people who want more acreage. You’re going to find the houses more spaced out.” Still, it’s location also means residents can access both what Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa have to offer, from grocery stores and schools to annual community events. Saratoga Town has a 1 out of 10 Cap Crime Index Score, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Boating on the Wisconsin River and golfing at Sand Valley
Access to the Wisconsin River is a big part of living in Saratoga Town, allowing people to go boating or fishing on nice days. “Once you get down below the dam, by Nekoosa, you can go all the way to Petenwell Lake, which is known for its fishing,” Meyer says. Just across the river in Nekoosa, Riverside Park has a playground and open field right along the water. “Nekoosa has a big fishing tournament every year about mid-March, and fishermen come from all over to fish walleye,” Meyer says. “Somebody always catches a 30-inch or 31-inch, which is a pretty decent size.” Historic Point Basse is also right along the river. The grounds are a restored farmstead, where reenactors wait for visitors at the 1842 house, schoolhouse and blacksmith shop. The nature trails here are open year-round. Just south of Saratoga Town, Sand Valley includes 5 golf courses along its 12,000 acres, all open to the public.
Saratoga Town's diverse housing and acreage options
Saratoga Town’s residents live off country roads without sidewalks, where trees press close to the street and only break for driveways and front lawns. Some people have small fields and gardens on properties. Some homes sit along the riverfront and occasionally offer private docks. Manufactured homes typically sell for less than $100,000, typically between $50,000 and $60,000. Split levels and ranch-style homes range from $180,000 to $430,000. Custom homes are rarer on the market, but two recently sold for $619,000 and $800,000. Out of the outlying Wisconsin Rapids communities, Saratoga Town offers more options for space. Properties range from half an acre to 10 acres, with options falling between all price points.
Two school districts serve Saratoga Town students
Saratoga Town’s location between Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa also means that students might attend either city’s public schools. Those on the eastern side of the community, closer to the river, will head to Nekoosa School District, which receives a C-plus from Niche. Nekoosa High School offers career pathway options for industries like agriculture, construction, communication and healthcare. Students on the western side attend Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Lincoln High School offers AP classes and concurrent enrollment through the University of Wisconsin’s local branch.
Longstanding local restaurants with outdoor seating
Branding Iron Supper Club has been in the area for 51 years, where people can sit outside on nice days at the little garden patio, framed by ivy and flowers. Pancakes and Burgers’s menu delivers exactly what it advertises, but also some skillets and sandwiches too. Romano’s Pizzeria and Pub is along the lake, where patrons can boat to it, and watch the passing river from the outdoor picnic tables. The local Walmart Supercenter is about 4 miles north in Wisconsin Rapids, while Piggly Wiggly is across the river in Nekoosa, about 6 miles away.
Driving to nearby amenities and the local solar panels
Both downtown Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa are about 6 miles from Saratoga Town. Wisconsin Route 13 goes north to south, linking the town with Wiscosin Rapids, while motorists can get to Nekoosa via Wisconsin Route 73. This route also offers the only crossing over the river in Saratoga Town. Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is about 7 miles north. About 41 miles north, Central Wisconsin Airport offers flights to Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis through major airlines. Wood County Solar converted a former dairy farm into a solar power plant, where there are now rows and rows of solar panels along the land, though their presence doesn’t produce any noise or disturbances for Saratoga Town residents.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
