Natural setting and small-town living in Wales
Wales was named by Welsh immigrants, who recognized the lush and hilly terrain as similar to their country’s highlands. Tucked in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine region and less than an hour outside Milwaukee, this small village is located halfway between the city and the country. Wales is known for its lower taxes, highly rated schools and natural setting. And even though major cities are farther away, the nearby Interstate 94 is surrounded by large retailers like Walmart. “The nice thing about living in Wales is that it’s so quaint and charming, and within 5 minutes, you are at a bustling hub,” says Ann Moran Lecher, a Realtor with Shorewest Realtors and local to the area.
Midcentury homes are priced lower than nearby suburbs
Though houses in Wales were built throughout the 1900s and into the early 2000s, the largest period of growth was during the '70s and '80s. Architectural styles include symmetrical Colonial Revivals, modern new traditional builds and midcentury modern designs by several students of Frank Lloyd Wright. Compared to areas to the north and east, Wales has larger yards, a more rural atmosphere and lower price points. “Homes are more affordable south of I-94 than north of I-94,” Lecher says. “So, you get more for your money.”
The median sale price in Wales is $560,000, but smaller homes can start as low as $350,000. More modern properties with sprawling floor plans and large yards will typically be $850,000 or more. According to Lecher, homes around the local country club, The Legend at Brandybrook, have sold for up to $2 million.
Charter options at local Kettle Moraine schools
Wales Elementary School is located within the village. It receives an A grade from Niche and shares a campus with the charter KM Explore Elementary School. Kids can move on to Kettle Moraine Middle, also rated A, and Kettle Moraine High School, rated A-minus. The high school is also located within the village and shares its campus with three charter school options. KM Global offers an international curriculum, KM Perform focuses on art immersion and the High School of Health Science gives students hands-on experience in the healthcare industry.
Recreation in the Kettle Moraine forests
Locals can head a few minutes north of town to explore the Kettle Moraine State Forest at Lapham Peak. The park has 17 miles of hiking trails, a large observation tower, and an outdoor theater that puts on summer productions. Many trails are paved and groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter, with artificial snowmakers if the weather isn’t cooperating. “It’s really amazing,” Lecher says. “They have one of the best cross-country skiing tracks around, and it’s very popular.” Wales is also a stop along the rustic Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the paved Glacial Drumlin State Trail, which connects to Waukesha and Milwaukee.
Small-town businesses include a standout custard place
At the heart of town, Mama D’s Coffee has eclectic décor and live music nights every Thursday. The Summit Avenue corridor has more options, including Rise and Shine Café for brunch, and LeDuc’s Frozen Custard, which has been serving up custard sundaes, malt shakes and burgers since 1980. “LeDuc’s is an institution,” Lecher says. “It is fantastic homemade custard.” The small village also has a few more essentials — Pick ‘n’ Save, Walgreens, Culver’s and the well-known Wilke’s Auto Service. “They’ve been around forever, and everybody goes there,” Lecher says. “My husband is on a first-name basis at Wilke’s.”
Community can be found at local parks and churches
Wales Community Park is often used for Little League games and has a popular disc golf course. It’s the go-to spot for celebrations like the annual Wales Party in the Park. This community-wide event offers food trucks, live music, a beer garden and a fireworks show.
Local churches are another place for the community to get together. Bethlehem Lutheran has a preschool, and Jerusalem Presbyterian Church plans a popular chicken barbecue every year. Volunteers wake up early to cook hundreds of chickens on outdoor grills, served with potato salad and handmade pie flavors. “You can find any kind of pie — rhubarb, strawberry, French silk, peach — it’s unbelievable,” Lecher says.
Big brand shopping and commutes to Milwaukee or Waukesha
Wales might seem like it’s off the beaten path, but less than five miles north, a shopping hub around Interstate 41 has stores including Target, Walmart and Home Depot.
Waukesha is 10 miles away for more shopping options, a large hospital and other major employers. Milwaukee is just under 30 miles away, typically a 35-minute trip, and is home to Mitchell International Airport.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
