$687,808Average Value$54Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Locals live where they play in Northern Door
Northern Door is on the tip of the scenic Door County peninsula, known for its 300-plus miles of coastline. Waterfront recreation and real estate are the hallmarks of this community, shared by tourists, snowbirds and full-time residents, especially during the busy summer season. The community is a collection of small towns, some quiet and others buzzing with shopping, dining, arts and cultural opportunities. "I always tell people, if I can make a living and live in a place like this, I'm the luckiest person in the world," says Amy Jorgenson, a resident of Northern Door's Washington Island for over 30 years. She is also a broker and co-owner of Dwell Door County Real Estate. "It's like living where you play."
Waterfront homes and farms with acreage
This rural area blends waterfront real estate with spacious farms. Wood-paneled cabins and farmhouses are common. Lots average about 1 acre, but are often larger, allowing for barns, guesthouses and other outbuildings. Maintaining the agricultural heritage is a sentiment shared throughout the area, according to Jorgenson, who herself has horses and cows. While many residents are seasonal, most homes are winterproofed for year-round living. The median single-family price is about $690,000, over twice that of nearby Green Bay. Waterfront properties can cost between $1 and $5 million. Jorgenson says water levels can rise seasonally and potentially damage docks and erode land. "It's not a big deal, it's just something we know is going to happen," she says. Condos are also widely available.
Boating, camping, stargazing and other outdoor activities
For Jorgenson and many other residents, it's all about being outdoors. "Hiking, biking, walking, fishing, boating — we do all those things on a regular basis," she says. Sandy beaches are located along the sprawling shoreline. Washington Island's Schoolhouse Beach is unique for its smooth, glacier-polished limestone rocks. At the peninsula's far end, Newport State Park is a designated dark sky park with ideal conditions for stargazing. Locals kayak alongside tall bluffs and camp at Peninsula State Park, with over 460 campsites to claim. "We go to camp there even though it's only 20 minutes away because it's so beautiful," Jorgenson says. "It's like you're getting away even though it's not far away." In the winter, many residents take up ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Downtowns with bars, restauarants and boutiques
Fish Creek, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay are the main shopping and dining destinations, with bars, restaurants and boutiques.The options are more limited in the winter when many businesses close for the off-season. "In the last 10 years, the town of Sister Bay has purchased a lot of waterfront, and that was the smartest thing they ever did because they've left it open so that everyone can enjoy the water," Jorgenson says. Franchises are uncommon, and most towns have an independent market with fresh produce and other grocery items. Sister Bay also has a Piggly Wiggly. Al Johnson's is Sister Bay's famous Swedish restaurant where goats graze on the grass roof. Inside, servers wear traditional Swedish attire and patrons enjoy Swedish meatballs, lingonberry pancakes and other breakfast and lunch items.
Public and private school options
Three of Door County's school districts fall in this area, each offering one elementary, middle and high school. Sevastopol School District and Gibraltar Area School District earn overall A-minus grades from Niche, and Washington Island School District earns a C-plus. With small enrollment sizes, students benefit from more individual attention. The A-minus-rated Gibraltar High School boasts strong athletic and academic programs, including 18 advanced placement classes. Private school options include St. John Bosco Catholic School and St. Peter's Lutheran Elementary School.
Events and activities throughout the year
Northern Door has a creative spirit, from local theater troupes to art classes, galleries, open mic nights and concerts. In its 90th season, the Peninsula Players Theatre performs summer shows in an open-air venue near the lake. Events and festivals fill the calendar throughout the year, from Fourth of July fireworks to wine and beer fests and fishing tournaments. Dating back about 80 years, the Sister Bay Fall Fest has become one of the peninsula's largest gatherings and features an arts and crafts show, a fish boil and parade. The winter brings a European-style Christmas market with Nordic foods to enjoy while shopping.
Highways and ferry services
Highways 42 and 57 are the main arteries through the peninsula. Traffic can pick up in Sister Bay during tourist season. The Door County-Washington Island ferry carries locals to and from the island. It operates throughout the day during the busy season and is more limited in the winter months. Green Bay is about 85 miles south from the tip of the peninsula. Fixed bus routes aren't available, but Door County Connect offers on-demand rides.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Isaksen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Polar Plunge
Fish Creek Park
Sand Dunes Park
Schauer Park
Mud Lake State Wildlife Area
Sister Bay Beach and Waterfront Park
Sister Bay Dog Park
Noble Square
Garrett Bay Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Northern Door
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Northern Door Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Northern Door, Sturgeon Bay sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Northern Door, Sturgeon Bay over the last 12 months is $150,000.
This one bedroom water view unit has an unbeatable view! The view allows you to see towards the Egg Harbor Marina and Islands making this the perfect unit to watch boat traffic, catch a sunset, or view fall colors. Located in the Flagship building, it is one of the closest units to the onsite Landmark Restaurant "The Carrington Pub." It is rental ready and wonderfully appointed. Besides the
This beautiful wooded property located just minutes from Frank Murphy Park offers ample space inside and out. The stunning character of the beams and pine wood floors gives the home charm and ambience and large windows illuminate the space. With three beds and three full baths, this home is suitable for a lot of company. The garage is extra long and could accommodate many toys or room to work. It
Welcome home to the perfect new build on 4 acres just outside of Sister Bay. First floor primary with large walk in closet and spa-like bathroom. Additional space includes an office, upper flex/play space and an additional guest suite above garage w/ private full bath. Unfinished basement has 9' ceilings completed stone fireplace and plumbed for an additional full bath. Furnished 1 bed/1 bath lux
Picturesque 5+ acre parcel on Isle View Road, ideally located just outside Ellison Bay and very near to Lake Michigan, Europe Bay, and Newport State Park. Newly constructed road, completed survey, and electric service in place. Minimal covenants to protect your investment. The perfect spot to start your dream build!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Isaksen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
11,837
Median Age
60
Population under 18
14.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$66,460
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,360
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.2%
College Graduates
47.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.9%
% Population in Labor Force
51%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
