Shawano is a small city with a lively downtown and scenic lake
Shawano, Wisconsin is a small city located 40 miles west of Green Bay, along both the Wolf River and Shawano Lake. Locals pronounce it Shawn-o, and the city was named for the Menominee chief Sawanoh, whose name translates to “the south.” This community is small, with a population of around 9,000 permanent year-round residents. However, there’s also a lively tourism scene and many locals own second homes on the lake, which brings more life to the city during the summer months. Throughout the year, many residents find work within the local school system or within one of the area's many manufacturing companies, like Aarowcast. With a growing downtown, a much-loved lake and frequent special events, Shawano is both a seasonal destination and a year-long home for many.
Some residents of Shawano own lakefront properties with boat docks.
Shawano is a small city with around 9,000 permanent year-round residents.
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Homes in Shawano are often priced below the national median
Between investment properties, second homes, new developments and established neighborhoods, there’s a lot going on in the Shawano housing market. “It’s definitely a growing community,” says Realtor Abbi Lonick of Berkshire Hathaway Bay Area Realty. Condos, Cape Cods ramblers and bungalows are common styles here, and prices vary depending on the size and age of the property. The median home price in Shawano is $212,000, which is significantly below the national median. Established two- and three-bedroom homes are typically priced between $190,000 to $325,000, while a newly built three-bedroom can sell for over $400,000.
New Traditional homes are typically priced between $190,000 to $325,000.
The median home price in Shawano like this cottage is $212,000.
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Sun Drop and Twigs celebrate soda pop history in Shawano
Every June, Shawano residents celebrate SunDrop Dayz, a festival honoring the city’s role in the success of the local citrus soda, SunDrop. In 1949, the soda entrepreneur Twigs bottled the first batch of Sun Drop, and today the company continues to distribute their hand-crafted sodas to Wisconsin stores. The Twigs Museum tells the story behind the brand and the creation of Sun Drop, noting that while Keurig Dr. Pepper now owns the beverage; Twigs retains a licensing agreement to continue bottling it.
Pizza and gatherings make the Public Pumpkin Carving event a hit with locals of Shawano.
The Twigs Museum in Shawano tells the story behind the creation of Sun Drop.
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Hundreds watch the spring sturgeon spawn at Sturgeon Park
Shawano is home to 24 parks, so there’s no shortage of outdoor options here. The area features small riverfront spots like Kuckuk Park, which has a playground and a walking path, or opt for the more expansive spaces like Memorial Park. Spanning 19 acres, Memorial Park has a splash pad, a skate park and multiple athletic fields. Sturgeon Park is the most well-known and is popular for fishing and for spotting wildlife, specifically sturgeon. In fact, every spring, people gather at the park to watch thousands of sturgeons — a massive prehistoric fish — travel up the Wolf River to spawn.
Memorial Park is a 19 acre park, home to three softball diamonds and a splash pad.
Sturgeon Park is a 1.71 acre park by the river and is popular for fishing.
Shawano's once abandoned downtown is now flourishing, Lonick says. “A lot of the buildings on Main Street were empty. They’d go on sale and sit empty for years. Now, it’s extremely hard to get your hands on something on Main Street or Green Bay Street. Things sell before anyone even knows they’re for sale. Nothing is empty anymore.” Stores like the Stock Market, a gourmet food and gift store, and Stubborn Brothers Brewery are two of the most popular places in Shawano. For groceries, there’s the local Charlie’s Country Market, an Aldi and a Walmart.
Downtown Shawano features local restaurants and businesses along Main St.
Stubborn Brothers Brewery is one of the most popular places in Shawano.
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Highway 29 keeps Shawano well-connected
Shawano is close to a number of state highways including WIS Highway 29 which residents can take the 40 miles to get to Green Bay. The closest major airport is Austin Straubel International Airport, also in Green Bay. ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano is located right in the city, minutes from downtown.
Shawano School District is one of the top 30 most diverse in Wisconsin
The Shawano School District earns a C-plus on Niche and is also rated as Wisconsin's 29th most diverse district out of 376. There are three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, serving nearly 2,300 students. There’s also one charter school in Shawano for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade and the district has a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Private school options are also available here, like the St. James Lutheran School which serves students in pre-K through eighth grades. Directly to the north of Shawano, the College of the Menominee Nation is a private four-year community college that offers higher education programming guided by the principles and values of American Indian culture.
Shawano High School has 803 students in grades 9-12.
Shawano Community Middle School has 485 students in grades 6-8 with a Niche score of C.
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Property crime in Shawano continues to decrease
Shawano is served by the Shawano Police Department, and crime is low. Violent crime has been consistently very low over the past decade, while property crime has been on a significant downhill trend since 2017.
Written By
Tanner Harding
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Shawano, WI sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Shawano, WI over the last 12 months is $230,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located near parks, the Wolf River, and downtown, this home sits on a spacious lot with solid updates and room to make it your own. Inside, you'll find new paint and carpet, plus updated flooring throughout. In 2016, the previous owner tackled major improvements: furnace, kitchen and bath cabinets, main tub, upstairs shower, entry doors, insulation, flooring, and more. The front entry was opened
This ranch town home is 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage. Great location and lovely walking trail out back. Zoned 2-family residential. The property will receive a new tax parcel number and a new tax amount before closing. Also, the acreage amount will change with the new tax parcel number. This is a zero lot line property.
Welcome to your peaceful retreat, just minutes from Shawano Lake, parks, restaurants, and shopping. This stunning newer construction offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience on 5.47 acres of wooded beauty. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath, Expansive loft area - ideal for a home office, guest space, or additional living area. Spacious wrap-around composite deck - perfect for relaxing
HILLCREST ESTATES is located at 960 County Road B, Shawano, WI and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. HILLCREST ESTATES offers 2 bedroom apartments with square footage ranging from 1067 to 1144 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, Private Entrances, Attached Garage, Washer/Dryer In-Unit and more.
The Historic Lincoln School community offers spacious 2 & 3-bedroom apartments and townhomes. The renovated historic apartments have custom layouts and unique features such as built-ins, hard-wood flooring, and restored windows. Our 2 & 3-bedroom townhomes provide a private entrance, patio, and attached garage. Our ideal location is just off the beaten path with close access to downtown, near all
Managed by Murphy Development. CHOOSE FROM 6 MONTH LEASE or 12 MONTH LEASE. Come home to Natures Way Estates and enjoy the advantages of spacious apartments and ample parking. We have a wide variety of living spaces to choose from, all with large closets and modern amenities. Coin-ops in hallway. Call today to make Natures Way Estates your new home.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
