On the western shores of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan defines itself by the finer things in life. "We're a beer-drinking, bratwurst-eating, surfing kind of a community," says Susan Erdmann, a broker with Real Estate Property Shop. Called the "Bratwurst Capital of the World," the area's favorite meat is soaked into the local culture, leading to an annual festival and many residents taking the Sheboygan Brat Oath: a strict code of conduct when it comes to frying and serving the city's favorite dish. This good-natured camaraderie and a thriving manufacturing industry have given this city of 50,000 a reputation for job security and fun.
The Johnsonville Sausage company in Sheboygan, calls out what they are known for "Brats"!
Stop at the Black Pig in Sheboygan for a beer and great comfort food.
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Victorian homes in the Ellis Historic District
The median price for homes in Sheboygan tends towards the low $200,000s, almost half the national median price. In addition to modern condos, the Ellis Historic District is known for 19th—and early 20th-century homes, including Victorian and American Foursquare designs. The Raider neighborhood in the north has many mid-century homes, while Weeden Creek has some of the area's largest, most recently built homes.
Manufacturing is steeped in the local economy and culture, claiming seven of the 10 top employers in the city. "We've got a very blue-collar, union-member sort of community here," says Erdmann. The biggest companies include Kohler, Johnsonville, Fresh Brands and Sargento Foods. Another top employer is Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County, which has more than 100 beds, surgical services and a pharmacy.
Sheboygan's Ellis Historic District has a wealth of beautiful homes.
Newer homes are found on the outer edges of Sheboygan's suburbs.
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The Malibu of the Midwest
With a nickname like "The Malibu of the Midwest," it's no surprise that many local outdoor activities center on sailing and surfing. "We have such a beautiful coastline, and the waves are perfect for surfers," says Erdmann. "Even with how frigid it gets in the winter, you'll still see them out there—they look like little baby seals on the horizon!" Sheboygan is home to nearly a dozen golf courses, including Whistling Straits, known for hosting regular PGA golf tournaments.
The city maintains more than 700 acres of public parks, complete with beach access, skate parks and dog-walking areas. Sailors can launch their boats from Kiwanis Park, while hikers can hit the tree-lined trails of Evergreen Park.
South Side Municipal Beach in Sheboygan has incredible views ot the coastline.
The sign says it all "Sheboygan Malibu of the Midwest!"
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Thriving arts scene at the Kohler Arts Center
Theater and the arts are popular, with several local theater groups, the Sheboygan Symphony and an art gallery supported by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. The Weill Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of touring acts and events, including live music, classic films and stand-up comedy. The Sheboygan County Fair is held every Labor Day weekend and draws tens of thousands of people from all over the state for live music, rides and fried food. The Brat Days Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city's favorite meat with a parade, family-friendly activities and a carnival. The winner of the festival's brat-eating contest takes home a trophy and a year's supply of bratwurst.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center in downtown Sheboygan is a cultural center for the arts.
The Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan has music, comedians and more each month.
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Locally-sourced dining options
Boutiques and locally owned restaurants are popular downtown, with particular attention paid to organic food. "A lot of the restaurants work with local growers—the area is really into sustainable living," says Erdmann. "That's a lot of Sheboygan in general." General shopping and retail can also be found in the city, while residents visit the nearby village of Kohler for higher-end merchandise.
Everything is prepared in front of the guests at Il Ritrovo in Sheboygan.
Stefano's Slo Food Market in Sheboygan.
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Between Green Bay and Milwaukee
The city is bordered to the west by Interstate 43, which gives direct access to other nearby lakefront such as Green Bay, 70 miles north, and Milwaukee, 60 miles south. Public transit is available through the Shoreline Metro bus system. The nearest commercial airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which has nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations, including Atlanta, Puerto Vallarta and Montego Bay.
College prep at North High
The Sheboygan Area School District has a B rating from Niche, with particular accolades paid to its diversity and college prep programs. The district offers over 20 institutions, including North High School, which Niche recognized as one of the state's top 50 public college prep schools.
Sheboygan South High School scores a B by Niche.
Lincoln-Erdman Elementary School in Sheboygan has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
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Important to know
According to the Sheboygan Police Department's 2023 annual report, instances of force have decreased since 2022. FBI data reports that violent crime in the city has been on the decline since 2021, while property-related crime has declined since 2020.
According to the National Weather Service, Sheboygan sees fewer tornadoes and severe weather events than the rest of the state. "Now and then, we'll have a blizzard, but the world doesn't stop," says Erdmann. "My dog doesn't get a walk, but otherwise, everything's still on."
On average, homes in Sheboygan, WI sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sheboygan, WI over the last 12 months is $180,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
I'm an expert Wisconnsin Real Estate Consultant with Creative Results Corporation. I have offices located in Appleton, WI and Green Bay, WI. I provide home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! With over 200 transactions in the state of Wisconsin, I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
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.
