Sullivan stays calm and uncrowded compared to nearby towns
Sullivan is a small rural village in Jefferson County, far from a city's noise, traffic or commotion. Homes and barns on county roads or many acres of farmland surround the small village, where about 600 people live. "It's a real small town where the neighbors know each other," says Leah Thorp, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Elite who has lived in Sullivan for 24 years. "Many people have lived in the area their whole lives, too. So, those people know everyone." Sullivan is within a short drive of other Jefferson County villages and towns but is more rural than its suburban counterparts. "It's much less congested than the more traditional neighborhood-feeling communities around," Thorp says. Because of its small size, Sullivan's highlights are the people who live there, its natural surroundings and its laid-back atmosphere.
Homes often sell in days due to limited inventory
Bungalows, Cape Cods, Victorians and simple ranch-style homes near the village's center and in the surrounding miles of farmland sell between $180,000 and $380,000. Small pocket neighborhoods off Main Street have more modern styles, like New Traditional, Colonial Revival and Modern Craftsman single-family homes and townhouses. Those and similar standalone homes in the surrounding area range between $400,000 and $780,000. Sullivan has a median sale price of $410,000, with homes selling in less than two weeks, on average. "Housing is so limited in the area, so when homes go on the market and are well-priced, they are under contract within a few days," Thorp says.
A top-rated elementary school with a close-knit environment
Of the three elementary schools in the School District of Jefferson, Sullivan Elementary School scores the highest on state assessments through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Sullivan is also the highest-scoring school across all levels in the district and has only 170 children across all grade levels. "We have a small, nice-sized grade school that is very family-oriented," Thorp says. "They know every single person who walks into the building." Sullivan Elementary School is rated B by Niche. Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson High School also earn a B.
Locals hike, hunt and bike in nearby natural areas
Nature preserves, state forests and recreation outlets are nearby. "People either go hiking or hunting in the Department of Natural Resources hunting lands," Thorp says. "A few campgrounds in the surrounding area attract people from 60 miles away wanting a quiet weekend in nature." The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a 52-mile-long multi-use trail that passes through Sullivan. It stretches from Cottage Grove to Waukesha on an abandoned rail corridor and is popular amongst bikers and runners. Sullivan Veteran's Memorial Park is behind the elementary school and has a baseball diamond, playground, pavilion and sledding hill locals call Mad Dog Hill.
Dining options are limited, and shopping requires a drive
A few watering holes are in the village's little downtown area, including Pourman's Pub & Grill, Sullivan Saloon and Black Frog Grille. Black Frog Grille is open all day but known for its breakfast and brunch with corned beef hash, Bloody Marys, French toast and omelets. The village has a liquor store, a bank and a post office, but shopping is limited. "For grocery shopping and name brands like Target, you're going to have to trek elsewhere," Thorp says. Sendik's Food Market, Aldi and Metro Market are northeast in Oconomowoc, as are local restaurants and specialty shops.
Placed halfway between Wisconsin’s two most populous cities
Sullivan is intersected by U.S. Route 18, and Interstate 94 is a short drive north. Both lead about 40 miles west to the state capital city and about 40 miles east to Milwaukee. "Sullivan is a great bedroom community between the two major cities," Thorp says. ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital is a few miles northeast, and the nearest international airport is about 45 miles east, in Milwaukee.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
