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. “You get to live in a quaint and charming small town, but you're also five minutes away from the confluence of shopping options around Interstate 94,” says Ann Moran Lecher with Shorewest Realtors, who lives in the area. Wales has lower taxes, highly rated schools and a natural setting, but residents have to drive for miles to reach bigger cities.
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. “Everything south of Interstate 94 is typically more affordable,” Lecher says. “You can get more house and more yard 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. “We have a wide range of prices, from modest homes in established neighborhoods to places around the country club that can go for over $2 million,” Lecher says. “But no matter the price, there is a lot of pride of ownership here. It’s rare to see a property in need of maintenance.”
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, campgrounds 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 amazing to have that park so close by,” Lecher says. “Skiing is very popular, and there’s an observation tower that lets you see all the way to Holy Hill, 20 miles away.” 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 every Thursday night. “It’s just an adorable spot,” Lecher says. The Summit Avenue corridor has more options, including Rise and Shine Café for brunch and LeDuc’s Frozen Custard, which has been serving custard sundaes, malt shakes and burgers since 1980. “LeDuc’s is an institution,” Lecher says. “Their custard is fantastic, and it’s all homemade.” The small village also has a few more essentials — Pick ‘n’ Save, Walgreens, Culver’s and two auto shops. “When we take our car to get repaired at Wilke’s, they know us on a first-name basis,” Lecher says. “I can’t stress enough how much of a small-town community this is.”
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. “They cook hundreds of chickens, and you can get homemade sides and every type of pie imaginable,” 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
