$270,256Average Value$172Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Sparta is a bedroom community with lots of local charm
A bedroom community of La Crosse and the Fort McCoy military base, Sparta attracts new residents with relatively low housing costs and small-town charm. “Sparta is close to the La Crosse area, where there are lots of restaurants and shopping,” says Tara Campbell, a Sparta native and top-producing Realtor with Coulee Real Estate & Property Management. “A lot of military people want to live in Sparta because it’s close to the Fort McCoy base and their spouse can still work in La Crosse.” The community is connected to surrounding towns by the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and centered on a small downtown district, which transforms into a festive holiday market in the winter. On the neighborhood’s east side, vast fields host the annual Butterfest, adjacent to the sprawling Memorial Park on the banks of Perch Lake.
Fort McCoy is a US Army Reserve site between Sparta and Tomah, with several US armed forces branches operating within.
Sparta had a population of 10,025 as of the 2020 census.
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Expanding housing inventory with a wide range of home styles
Most of the homes in Sparta were developed in the early- to mid-20th century, though more homes were added on the north side in the late 20th century, and suburban-style developments have been popping up on the south side in the last few decades. Ranch-style, bi-levels and multistory new traditional homes are the most common housing styles across the board. However, older areas near downtown are also home to many well-maintained American Foursquare and Victorian homes, some of which have been converted into multifamily apartment buildings with between two and five units. Depending on size and condition, most homes and multifamily properties range from $100,00 to $550,000. Fixer-uppers and investment properties might sell for under $100,000.
Bi-level houses are some of the most common found in Sparta, with a variety of entries and porch styles.
You can find American Foursquare houses scattered throughout Sparta, many of which have been converted into multifamily homes.
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Traditional and charter schools in the Sparta Area School District
The Sparta Area School District earns a B-minus from Niche, educating over 2,800 students across eight schools. There are several tuition-free public charter options like the Innovations STEM Academy, which serves sixth through eighth grade students while prioritizing individualized education. Due to budgeting issues, the district had to close several schools at the end of the 2020-21 school year, with the additional closure of Cataract Elementary at the end of the 2021-22 school year. In November 2024, residents voted to pass a Facilities Referendum, increasing the district’s operating budget. The additional revenue will be used to renovate parts of Sparta High School and complete several other projects across the district, though these efforts are in the early stages as of spring 2025.
Innovations STEM Academy in Sparta has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Sparta High School's football team is called The Spartans.
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Bike trails, a fishing lake and lots of public sports facilities
Sparta was the first community in America to institute a Rails to Trails program, converting old railroad tracks into the over 30-mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail. More trails wind through the center of town, with a small pedestrian bridge over Beaver Creek where couples leave engraved padlocks as a symbol of their love. Memorial Park, the largest of several city-owned parks, spans 60 acres on the banks of Perch Lake, where locals go boating and fishing in the summer. The park also has many athletic facilities, including an indoor hockey and skating rink hosting youth sports leagues. The public River Run Golf Course offers 18 holes over 150 acres.
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, a 32.5-mile long rail-to-trail, is considered the first in the United States and is popular for bicycling.
The Sparta Love Lock Bridge in Sparta, WI is a pedestrian bridge where couples are encouraged to leave padlocks, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
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Mom and pop shops downtown and a small selection of larger chains
Sparta’s downtown district, centered on Water Street, houses bars, small businesses and coffee shops. Local staples include Matsumoto Ramen House and Ginny’s Cupboard, a small counter-service sandwich shop. Near downtown is the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bike Museum, which has small exhibits telling the story of the museum’s namesake, a Sparta native and one of America’s earliest astronauts. More dining spots and fast-food options line Wisconsin Street, including Rudy’s Drive In Restaurant, a 1950s-style eatery serving American fare. Sparta has a Walmart and an Aldi; locals drive to La Crosse for other large retailers.
Ginny's Cupboard in Sparta offers a variety of sandwiches and soups, plus a complete espresso drink menu.
The Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum serves as a memorial for the famed astronaut from Sparta.
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Community events, including carnival rides and holiday markets
One of the most popular community events in town, Sparta’s annual Butterfest takes place in June at the corner of Montgomery Street and Rusk Avenue. The four-day festival includes carnival rides, a petting zoo and a Sunday parade. Starting in November, the community hosts a European-style outdoor holiday market in the downtown district called Kriskindlemarkt every weekend for four weeks. “Kriskindlemarkt has been growing like crazy,” Campbell says. “They set up these little sheds with different small businesses, and the selection changes every weekend.” The market’s food vendors sell holiday comfort foods like roasted nuts, brats and warm glühwein.
Butterfest in Sparta's main attraction is its carnival, which boasts over a dozen rides.
Butterfest in Sparta was named after the city's history of award-winning butter makers.
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Commuting on Interstate 90
Located on Interstate 90, Sparta is about 10 miles from Fort McCoy and less than 30 miles from La Crosse. Mayo Clinic Health System Sparta is the only hospital in town, and La Crosse Regional Airport is about 30 miles away. There is no public transit in Sparta, but Greyhound buses provide some intercity transit.
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dean Taylor,
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 Sparta, WI sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sparta, WI over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready and well maintained, this charming home offers 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath with beautiful wood floors. Recent updates include newer flooring and landscaping. The full basement provides additional storage and space. Location is everything! It is conveniently close to schools, shopping, downtown, and the golf course. Don’t miss this opportunity, this home won’t last long. Schedule your
Enjoy peaceful water views with abundant wildlife and beautiful sunrises and sunsets from this charming cottage-style home. The main level features two bedrooms and a bright, comfortable living space. Enjoy the welcoming front porch and a versatile back sunroom. The lower level includes a partially finished area with a family room, laundry space, and a versatile bonus room that could be used as a
Escape to peace and privacy with this cozy 3-season cabin set on 6.88 scenic acres. Powered by an off-grid solar electric system, this property offers a truly self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by nature. Step out onto the spacious walk-out deck and take in views of your private pond, perfect for relaxing, watching wildlife, or enjoying a morning coffee. The land includes a sand volleyball
This beautiful modern home located just five minutes from Sparta perfectly blends style, functionality, and convenience. Set on three acres, the property offers an expansive backyard perfect for recreation or hobby farming. Inside you’ll find an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings on the main level, 9 foot ceilings on the lower level, and ample natural light, creating a bright and welcoming
Welcome to your next home, investment property? This beautifully built brand-new twin home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths and an attached 2 car garage. Perfect for comfortable living and convenient storage. With 1386 square feet of well-designed living space, you'll enjoy an open layout, quality finishes, and low maintenance living. Each unit comes with a professionally installed solar
Welcome to your next home! This newly constructed, custom built home checks all the boxes. This spacious 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths property features the highly coveted Ranch Style design with open floor plan offering open space and convenient single level living. You'll be hard pressed to find a higher quality built home at this price considering this home even features cost saving solar panels!
Welcome to your next home. This beautifully built brand-new twin home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths and an attached 2 car garage. Perfect for comfortable living and convenient storage. With 1386 square feet of well-designed living space, you'll enjoy an open layout, quality finishes, and low maintenance living. This home comes equipped with a professionally installed solar energy
Located just minutes from Sparta, WI in the heart of Wisconsins Driftless Region, this 286 acre property offers a rare combination of proven hunting land, diversified habitat, and fully established turnkey improvements. The acreage features gently rolling hardwoods & pine plantations with timber value, 12.5 acres cleared for food plots, an outstanding internal trail network, and access from three
Coltyn BettisUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
Discover the potential of this older home nestled on over half an acre of serene land. Located where the city meets the countryside, this property offers a rare blend of space, privacy, and possibility. Step into the lush backyard gardens, where a variety of flowers bloom throughout the seasons, creating a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of daily life. Whether you're
Great opportunity to build your dream home in the extremely sought after Heather Hills neighborhood of Sparta. You will find this lot is located in a quiet and premier community close to schools and amenities. The lot has city water/sewer and all the hookups to streamline the home building process. Come get this lot before it's gone!
Robert SlatteryCoulee Real Estate & Property Management LLC
Discover comfort and versatility in this updated 6-bedroom, 2-bath home offering a full bath on each level and two main-floor bedrooms. The renovated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and new cabinetry, while an inviting sunroom provides the perfect place to unwind. Upstairs, an oversized bathroom with new laundry appliances adds everyday convenience. The expansive, fenced backyard
Whether you're planning to build a single-family home or an investment property, this lot offers a prime location with easy access to HWY 16 and the charm of a great neighborhood.
Tara CampbellCoulee Real Estate & Property Management LLC
**Promo First Month Rent Free With 12 Month Lease**(Promotion applies to new tenants only)Dogs (up to 40lbs) and cats are welcome for $40/month per pet and a $250 refundable pet deposit. **Breed restrictions apply**Rental Requirements:1) 3X monthly rent income2) Credit Check3) Criminal background check4) Tenant rental history**The appearance of the unit
3-Bedroom Home for Rent – 726 Wellington St, Sparta, WIAvailable March 1, 2026Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 1 bath duplex located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood near Meadowview Middle School in Sparta.This home features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room with approximately 1,200 sq ft of living space, offering a practical and comfortable
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