$264,091Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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
Amy Cornelius,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sparta, WI sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sparta, WI over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to this amazing home built in 2017 on a spacious 1.5 acre lot, conveniently located between Sparta and Fort McCoy. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home features vaulted ceilings and an open concept layout full of natural light. The primary bedroom, 2 more bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and laundry are all conveniently on the main level. The finished basement includes a 4th bedroom, full bath, 2 family
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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
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Coltyn BettisUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
If youve been searching for a smaller acreage where you can build a home and truly enjoy peace and quiet, this property deserves a look. Located just outside of Cataract, this all-wooded tract sits approximately a quarter mile off the main road, offering privacy and a secluded setting surrounded by nature. The wooded landscape provides multiple potential build-site options, allowing you to
Tucked into the quiet countryside of central Monroe County, this 40-acre recreational hunting tract is the kind of place where the woods feel bigger, the air smells like fresh oak leaves, and opening morning comes with the promise of trophy whitetails slipping through the timber. Accessed by a recorded 66 deeded easement, the property offers exceptional privacy while still being within easy reach
Coltyn BettisUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
Secluded 5-acre buildable property in Little Falls Township, Monroe County, WI, set approximately 700 feet off the road for exceptional privacy. The land features a 1-bedroom 0 bath cabin with electric service, ideal for a hunting camp, weekend retreat, or temporary base while planning a future home. The entire southern boundary borders 638 acres of public land, offering direct access to
Turnkey 222± acre hunting and recreational property in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, located near the interstate and a short drive to La Crosse. The farm features rolling ridges, hardwood timber, bedding cover, and secluded food sources that promote consistent deer movement. A 3⁄4-mile ridge system provides multiple stand locations with access for varying wind directions. Designed for whitetail
If youve been looking for a small acreage tract that offers you the ability to build and have great hunting in your backyard, then you need to take a look at this new listing! Located nearly mile off the main road, this property would make a phenomenal building site or used simply for recreational use. Electricity is nearby and can easily be brought onto the property. There is a well-established
If youve been looking for a smaller acreage property where you can build a home and enjoy excellent hunting right out your back door, this property deserves a serious look. Located just outside of Cataract and sitting nearly mile off the main road, this all-wooded tract offers a quiet, secluded setting surrounded by nature. A shared driveway provides access, and electricity is nearby, making it
**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
Updated, lovely 4 bed, 2 bath split level ranch on 2+ acres north of Sparta off Hwy 27. Brand new refrigerator, dishwasher, Speed Queen washer and dryer. Includes gas range with electric convection oven and warming drawer. Small to medium dogs allowed with deposit and pet fee. No cats. Renter pays for all utilities, snow removal, and lawn care. Must carry renter’s insurance. Application
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