$265,443Average Value$164Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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
Stephanie O'Driscoll,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sparta, WI sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sparta, WI over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
ONE LEVEL LIVING with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a bonus den/office/sunroom. gas stove, awesome refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave and kitchen island. This lovely home is MOVE IN READY and MOTIVATED MILITARY COUPLE... waiting for its next owner. Wonderful location close to the Sparta Bike Trail and minutes from downtown Sparta and I-90 built only 2 years ago, providing the convenience and peace
Experience refined country living on 2.75 picturesque acres just minutes from Sparta. This impressive 3 bedroom, 3 bath home features a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet, an inviting 4-season room, and a wraparound composite deck with a wheelchair ramp overlooking the beautifully landscaped grounds. Entertain or unwind in the screened 3 season porch or the expansive lower-level family
Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of ranch-style living with this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home. Offering a practical layout with all bedrooms conveniently located on one side of the home, creating separation from the main living and utility spaces. The attached 1-car garage enters near the laundry area and basement access for everyday convenience. Outside, enjoy both a spacious front yard and backyard
Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of ranch-style living with this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home. Offering a practical layout with all bedrooms conveniently located on one side of the home, creating separation from the main living and utility spaces. The attached 1-car garage enters near the laundry area and basement access for everyday convenience. Outside, enjoy both a spacious front yard and backyard
Welcome to 16595 Harlan Road in Sparta, where modern comfort meets peaceful country living. Situated on 2.16 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath ranch offers privacy, space, and functionality. Built in 2015, the open-concept main level features a spacious living room, dining area, and kitchen with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, generous
Wake up each day to the peace and privacy of country living at 7569 County Road Q in Sparta. Nestled on just under 20 acres, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the space you've been searching for, both inside and out. Two large living/family rooms provide plenty of room to gather with loved ones, entertain guests, or simply unwind and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Step outside onto one
Luxury, craftsmanship, and the freedom of country living come together in this exceptional 10± acre estate just outside Sparta. Offering 2,950+/- square feet of beautifully finished living space, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an extraordinary executive-style shop, this one-of-a-kind property delivers the lifestyle thought of in Wisconsin's driftless region.Tucked among mature pines and
Coltyn BettisUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
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
Turnkey 157± 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
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
Step inside this beauty and you'll appreciate the light, open feel created by the vaulted ceilings and inviting living space. The updated kitchen offers a functional layout with lots of room for entertaining. Recent improvements, include a newer roof and furnace, as well as a fresh color scheme. There is also lots of storage inside. Outside, you'll find a spacious backyard with an abundance of
Located just outside of Sparta, this ranch-style home offers comfortable living with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The living room is highlighted with a large bay window providing abundant natural light and a welcoming atmosphere. An attached 2-car garage offers convenience and additional storage. The partially finished basement presents an excellent opportunity for storage, recreation or future
Property Id: 2773579 Minutes from Downtown Sparta in a rural setting! This 3 bed 1 bath townhouse offers space, privacy, plenty of parking, electric and garbage is covered by Landlord.
Clean, Downtown storefront commercial space for rent. Front reception area, 2 private office rooms, 1 large conference room. Kitchenette/break room with stove and refrigerator. Bathroom with accessible shower. Lots of storage area in full basement. Gas furnace, Central A/C, energy efficient LED lighting throughout. $600/mo. $600 Security Deposit
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