Tichigan offers lake living and abundant water recreation
Tichigan is one of the many lake communities outside the southwestern outskirts of the greater Milwaukee area. The community of over 5,000 people shares its name with Tichigan Lake, one of two major waterways in the area. Many here have access to upscale waterfront homes and calm paddling waters lined by trees and dense reeds. “Tichigan has excellent water access, so it’s great for people who love to be in the boat or go fishing, swimming and that kind of outdoor recreation,” says Heidi Bergstedt, a Realtor with Re/Max Forward. “And it’s a great location, not far from Milwaukee. So, it’s convenient for commuting to the city, but it gives you that vibe of being out in the country.”
Housing ranges from ranch-style homes to upscale waterfront properties
Tall and mature trees surround many homes that line streets with no sidewalks. Residents living along Tichigan Lake and the Fox River can conveniently get on the water from private docks. Although Tichighan’s median lot size is under a quarter of an acre, the community still offers space, as many of its properties are over half an acre. The housing includes ranch-style, bi-levels, split-levels and Craftsman homes. Prospective buyers may find New Traditional homes near the water or in areas like Buena Park. Many homes under 2,500 square feet sell between $330,000 and $680,000. Larger homes and several near the water go from $720,000 to $1.6 million.
Recreational activities include fishing, boating and golf
Canoers can get on the Fox River and paddle to nearby communities, while anglers can fish for largemouth bass, walleye and trout on Tichigan Lake. The Tichigan Wildlife Area draws hikers and winter snowmobilers, and its diverse habitats are home to birds like mallards, ospreys and bald eagles. Animal lovers may stop by the Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm, where the residents include llamas and goats. Avid golfers may spend their free time on the public Rivermoor Golf Club’s lush 18-hole course. Waterford Town Park has a playground, basketball court and several baseball fields.
Students may attend several Waterford area schools
Students may go to Trailside, Woodfield and Evergreen elementary schools, all of which cover different grades and get an A-minus. Washington Elementary School, which serves kindergarten to eighth grade, covers the northern end of Tichigan and receives a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. Students may then attend Fox River Middle and Waterford Union High, both of which receive an A-minus. Students interested in music may enroll in Waterford High’s new acoustic guitar class. The school’s recent successes include a perfect pass rate on two important AP Economics exams, and the rates were a point or more over the national average.
Restaurants offer lakeside dining, fish fries and ice cream
The Watering Hole is one of Tichigan’s few lakeside restaurants and hosts a Friday fish fry that serves foods like battered haddock and fries. The lawn outside the restaurant provides an outdoor dining and party area, while a nearby creek and dock allow kayakers and other boaters to stop by after a trip on the water. The Cruise is another staple for comfort foods, cocktails and ice cream. “They have excellent pizza, and their breadsticks are to die for,” Bergstedt says. “They have great burgers and drinks and an excellent Wisconsin fish fry, which every good restaurant has to have.” Pick ‘N Save is a nearby grocery store, while there’s a Walmart more than 10 miles south in Burlington.
Tichigan Lake Lions Club keeps the community active
In August, the Tichigan Lake Lions Club hosts its Charity Car Show at Waterford Town Park. Many gearheads come out to see over 1,000 cars ranging from early Chevrolet Camaros and Cadillac DeVilles to new Corvettes. Flannel Fest is another Lions Club event that occurs in November around the Tichigan Lake Civic Center. Many get to channel their inner lumberjack by wearing their favorite flannel and participating in activities like ax-throwing contests.
Commuters are 15 miles from Waukesha and Burlington
Commuters have quick access to thoroughfares like Big Bend Road and Milwaukee Avenue. Big Bend Road goes to Interstate 43, which provides a route to Milwaukee, about 30 miles northeast. About 15 miles south in Burlington, the Aurora Medical Center - Burlington offers emergency and cancer care services. For air travel, many go to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, less than 30 miles northeast.
Snowfall is common during the winter
Those new to this part of the Midwest should prepare for winter snowfall. The community gets about 30 inches of snow annually, which is still lower than in several parts of the Milwaukee area.
