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Wales

Wales

Located in Waukesha County

$635,136 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

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.

About an hour from Milwaukee, Wales boasts high rated schools and lower taxes.
About an hour from Milwaukee, Wales boasts high rated schools and lower taxes.
The whole family can have a great time at the Dousman Farmer's Market near Wales.
The whole family can have a great time at the Dousman Farmer's Market near Wales.
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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.

Wales is populated with midcentury ranch-style homes.
Wales is populated with midcentury ranch-style homes.
Modern New Traditional homes are a common sight in Wales.
Modern New Traditional homes are a common sight in Wales.
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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.

Wales students begin learning at A-rated Wales Elementary School.
Wales students begin learning at A-rated Wales Elementary School.
Kettle Moraine Middle School is a public institution in Wales.
Kettle Moraine Middle School is a public institution in Wales.
Kettle Moraine High School is an A-rated high school near Wales.
Kettle Moraine High School is an A-rated high school near Wales.
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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.

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a popular Wisconsin destination near Wales.
The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a popular Wisconsin destination near Wales.
The Bark River near Wales is a perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
The Bark River near Wales is a perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
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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.”

Mama D's Coffee sits at the heart of Wales.
Mama D's Coffee sits at the heart of Wales.
Sally's Sweet Shop offers mouthwatering treats in Genesee Township, near Wales.
Sally's Sweet Shop offers mouthwatering treats in Genesee Township, near Wales.
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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.

Wales Community Park is beautiful in any season.
Wales Community Park is beautiful in any season.
River Glen Church is one of several houses of worship in Wales.
River Glen Church is one of several houses of worship in Wales.
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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.

Wales residents can get the essentials at Pick 'N Save.
Wales residents can get the essentials at Pick 'N Save.
Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is the closest airport to Wales.
Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is the closest airport to Wales.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Brad Davis
Photography Contributed By
Brad Davis

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Wales Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$639,900
Median Sale Price
$570,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$650,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
32
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Area Facts

Number of Homes
182
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
2009
Months of Supply
4.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,375
Significantly above the national average
1,927
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
30,492

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wales Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,026
Median Age
46
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,038
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$134,210

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.3%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
46.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.9%
% Population in Labor Force
69.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
46''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

26 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

17 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Wales