Somers is a northern Kenosha suburb with farmland and homes on large lots
On the northern outskirts of Kenosha, Somers is a quiet, rural community just west of Lake Michigan’s serene waters. Hundreds of acres of open fields and farmland surround the village’s residential pockets, attracting homebuyers willing to sacrifice long commutes for larger lots and a quieter atmosphere compared to the more densely populated Kenosha suburbs.
“We have some of the lowest tax rates across the county,” says Jason Peters, Somers administrator. “We are also conveniently located right between Chicago and Milwaukee, and nearby towns like Kenosha and Racine allow for easy access to amenities.”
Buyers choose from condos, single-family homes and new construction
The average home in Somers sells for $300,000, but you’ll find listings as low as $200,000 and as high as $550,000. On the lower end of the market are two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos with around 1,100 square feet, while modern craftsman-style homes with three bedrooms, 2,200 square feet and attached two-car garages make up the higher end of the market. Those looking to start from scratch will find open half-acre lots listed for less than $100,000. The area’s smallest lots are around half an acre, and it’s not uncommon to find some that reach five acres and beyond. Architectural styles range widely here, from log cabins and farmhouses to expansive modern traditional homes and Victorian revivals.
Students attend Kenosha Unified School District
All the area’s public schools earn overall Niche grades of C or higher, starting with Somers Elementary School. With a B-minus rating, Somers Elementary serves around 400 of the village’s young learners and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13-1. Bullen Middle School earns a C grade from Niche and is home to Kenosha Unified School District’s middle school dual language program. Students here will find a selection of performing arts extracurriculars to consider, including mariachi ensemble, drama club and chamber orchestra. Bradford High School earns above-average grades from Niche in college prep, diversity and academics. Kenosha Unified School District provides high schoolers with career and technical education pathways to consider, including the digital technology pathway, with courses like computer applications, digital publishing and web page design. The village is also home to the University of Wisconsin Parkside, where around 4,000 students are enrolled.
Residents enjoy multi-use trails and golf courses
Petrifying Springs Park, known to locals as “Pets,” is a staple site for outdoor recreation among Somers residents. “It’s a popular spot among residents to enjoy the outdoors,” Peters says. “The walking paths and golf courses are a huge draw.” Sports lovers can head to Petrifying Springs to use the baseball diamond or to play a round of nine on the public golf course. With 3 miles of multi-use trails, the park is popular among local hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. Folks can also bring their pup pals to Carlisle Family Dog Park, located at Pets south end, where they can enjoy some off-leash exercise in one of the two enclosed areas. After a full day in the park, when the weather is warm, folks can stop for a refreshing brew at the Petrifying Springs Biergarten. Your exploration of the outdoors can continue with a visit to Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, where you can view historic Somers buildings like the old town hall or stroll along the walking paths through restored wetlands, forests and prairies.
Shopping and Dining
While Somers is a rural village, all homes are within a 15-minute drive of grocery stores and restaurants. At the corner of Washington and Green Bay roads, you’ll find Sam’s Club, Walmart, Aldi and Festival Foods. Before heading home with your haul, stop by Oakfire Pizzeria to order a woodfired pizza along with some bruschetta or calamari.