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."
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Austin Lewis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Heather Zimbal,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Sheboygan, WI sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Sheboygan, WI over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open-concept ranch condo with a bright & versatile layout. Spacious great room features a cozy gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling & neutral decor. Kitchen/dinette offers plenty of natural light & room to gather. Sunroom adds a cheerful space to relax year-round. Primary suite is a private retreat with generous closet space & en suite bath. Laundry hook-ups are available on the main floor, with the
Showings start 9/20. Move-in ready & recently remodeled, this 3-bed, 1.5-bath home has it all. The main floor features a spacious living room, updated eat-in kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a full bath. Upstairs, you’ll find a 3rd bedroom with a loft for added flexibility. The partially finished lower level offers a rec room, half bath, & laundry area. Step outside to enjoy a fully fenced backyard with
You won't want to miss out on this gorgeous, completely remodeled home. Well thought out layout for convenient & functional living. The main floor features a spacious living room with natural fireplace, dining room w/patio doors to the deck, modern kitchen w/breakfast bar & dining nook, attached 2 car garage, closet space, and perfectly located 1/2 bath. Upstairs you will find a huge laundry
Open-concept ranch condo with a bright & versatile layout. Spacious great room features a cozy gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling & neutral decor. Kitchen/dinette offers plenty of natural light & room to gather. Sunroom adds a cheerful space to relax year-round. Primary suite is a private retreat with generous closet space & en suite bath. Laundry hook-ups are available on the main floor, with the
Beautiful 3 bedroom, ranch home conveniently located within minutes of elementary and middle schools. Easy access to main roads and shopping centers. Hurry and schedule a showing before this house is gone. Perfect starter home or for someone that is looking to settle down.
Cute and affordable 3 bedroom home on the northside of Sheboygan. Main floor has a large living room, kitchen with appliances included, full bathroom and one bedroom. Upstairs there are two more bedrooms, one is a walk-thru bedroom. Laundry room is located in the basement, there is a 1.5 detached garage and a nice backyard. Schedule your private showing today.
Select from our range of comfortable one- and two-bedroom apartments & townhomes, each equipped with a full kitchen and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Designed with your comfort and savings in mind, every apartment features a high-efficiency furnace, water-saving fixtures, and Energy Star® appliances. Heat is included in the rent. This means you get to enjoy luxurious living and
Charming upper duplex in Sheboygan! This lovely 2-bed, 1-bath unit has been fully redone and was an Airbnb until December 2023. Enjoy an in-unit washer/dryer, a large kitchen, an extra office space, and off-alley parking for two cars. There's also a full basement for storage. Pets considered. Tenant pays elect, gas, water and sewer. Available September 1st!
The ever-affordable Club at Oak Creek Apartment Homes in Sheboygan, WI is now offering practical studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes with a full suite of in-unit features, like private patios, solid-surface countertops, and large closets and storage spaces. Live here and take advantage of our wonderful swimming pool, sand volleyball court, and so much more. The Club at Oak Creek
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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.
