$322,224Average Value$202Average Price per Sq Ft63Homes For Sale
Halfway between Milwaukee & Madison
When 19th-century settlers arrived on the banks of the Rock River, it made sense to name the new village after their hometown of Watertown, New York. Many sought to utilize the river’s waterpower for the burgeoning Wisconsin sawmill industry. Thus, the name stuck. Located halfway between Milwaukee and Madison, Watertown today is home to over 22,000 residents. With a developing downtown area, ample opportunities for waterfront recreation and a private university, the city has grown more attractive with time. “Downtown is one of our most desirable areas,” says Belle Luhman, a local broker with Century 21 Endeavor. “The district goes from Washington Street to 7th Street. It’s the longest historic district in the county.”
The Rock River flows through Watertown, WI.
Watertown is a charming city in between Milwaukee and Madison, WI.
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Queen Annes & Dutch Colonials dating back over a century
The median home price in Watertown sits around $300,000, below the national average and that of nearby Oconomowoc, a similarly sized city on the way to Milwaukee. "We're like a small town, so our houses are probably more reasonable than other areas that are maybe more 'white collar,'" Luhman says. "We're more historic, too. We have a lot of homes from the 1800s." Those surrounding Main Street and the downtown area typically date back over a century, flaunting Queen Anne and Dutch Colonial styles. Many have since converted to multifamily units. West of the river, architecture grows increasingly more modern, with brand-new builds flanking the city's outskirts.
A modern, Queen Ann style home shines in Watertown.
New builds are popping up all over Watertown.
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Downtown Watertown is a hub for small businesses
Beyond its historic homes, downtown Watertown is known for its boutiques, gift shops, pubs and cafés occupying old-fashioned storefronts. “I live on the 400 block of Main, so I can easily walk to our local bookstore, Literatus,” Luhman says. “There’s coffee, sandwiches and Chandler House Bakery. We also have a couple of vinyl record stores that sell guitars.” The downtown area has long been a hub for community gatherings, from movies at the historic Towne Cinema to a Fourth of July Parade with colorful floats and antique cars. Farther east and west of downtown, Main Street offers regional grocers like Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Glenn’s Market. Others rest along the outskirts, including the Watertown Piggly Wiggly on Route 16 and Walmart Supercenter on Route 26.
The Paramount Record Shop is a favorite among Watertown locals.
Literatus and Co. is a beloved book store in Watertown, WI.
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Home of the first kindergarten in the U.S.
Primary students attend the Watertown Unified School District, which earns a B on Niche. The city's history is rooted in elementary education, considering Watertown was home to the first kindergarten in the United States. The original 19th-century school building is now a museum showcasing local history. Maranatha Baptist University also sits along Main Street, just west of the downtown strip. The private college enrolls less than 1,000 students yearly and is widely known for its seminary.
The first kindergarten in the country still stands in Watertown, WI.
Maranatha Baptist University is a private college in Watertown that is known for it's seminary.
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New recreational spaces were community-funded
In the summer, residents flock to the banks of the Rock River for recreation and outdoor events. Riverside Park is one popular hub, home to the Watertown Aquatic Center and the Watertown Farmer's Market. Once a horse and cattle fair in the mid-1800s, the market is considered one of the oldest in Wisconsin. At summer's end, guests flood the park for Riverfest. This annual four-day festival features carnival rides, live music and fireworks. Recent developments include the Bentzin Family Town Square and the Oconomowoc Interurban Trail, both resulting from generous community donations and grants.
Riverside Park is a vast green space in Watertown that hosts local events in the summer.
The Watertown Aquatic Center is a popular spot in the summer.
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Interstate 94 connects Wisconsin’s largest cities
Watertown’s largest employers include the local school district and Watertown Regional Medical Center. It’s also the headquarters for several manufacturing companies, including Pepsi and John Deere affiliates. Rock River Laboratory, Inc., a leader in regional agriculture, is headquartered just south of the city on Commerce Drive.
Commuters are primarily car-dependent since most residents work within 10 miles of downtown. For regional travel, Route 16 stretches east toward Ixonia, while Route 26 leads south to Johnson Creek for the nearest exit to Interstate 94. From there, residents can head 40 miles west to Madison or 50 miles east to Milwaukee. Watertown Municipal Airport is mainly used for general aviation, so most head to Dane County Regional Airport in Madison for commercial flights.
Pepsi employs a majority of Watertown residents.
Get out of town at Madison Airport, in the Carpenter-Ridgeway neighborhood.
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Below-average crime statistics in Watertown
According to FBI data, violent crime in Watertown is lower than it was at its 10-year high in 2015 but remains higher than the period's lowest point in 2019. Property crimes reached a 5-year high in 2022, but fell 22% the following year.
Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Derek Fowler
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On average, homes in Watertown, WI sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, WI over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, one owner, 4 BR 2.5 BA colonial located in the desirable Hunter Oaks neighborhood. This thoughtful layout offers engineered HW floors on the main level, a convenient first floor laundry, & an inviting eat-in KIT w/ SS appliances, granite counters, & a pantry. Upstairs you will find a spacious primary suite w/WIC & private BA along with 3 generously
Showings begin during the open house on 3/14. Located in a convenient area, this home offers an affordable choice for homeowners and investors alike. Enjoy a fenced yard that provides added outdoor space and privacy, along with comfortable living areas and the option to update and make it your own over time. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Welcome to this charming Watertown single-family home offering comfort, space, and a welcoming feel. This cozy home features two generously sized bedrooms and a large dining room, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the expansive backyard surrounded by greenery, providing a peaceful outdoor retreat with plenty of space to relax, garden, or host gatherings. A long driveway offers
Great opportunity to size up your units or owner occupy income producing triplex. Each unit features 3 bedrooms & 1 bath. Unit 222 includes new tub/shower, light fixtures, some newer windows, & appliances. Unit 224 offers a completely remodeled bathroom, new flooring, new carpet, updated kitchen, new SS appliances, newer washer/dryer, some new windows, new garage roof, updated exterior
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained, one owner, 4 BR 2.5 BA colonial located in the desirable Hunter Oaks neighborhood. This thoughtful layout offers engineered HW floors on the main level, a convenient first floor laundry, & an inviting eat-in KIT w/ SS appliances, granite counters, & a pantry. Upstairs you will find a spacious primary suite w/WIC & private BA along with 3 generously
Beautiful land on the shores of Hahns Lake that connects to the Rock River has amazing views. Currently there is an old cottage on the property and a trailer. Both of which would most likely be razed. It would provide a blank slate with septic and well to build a new cabin or home. Conveniently close to Watertown and Hwy. 26.
Attention developers and investors!! Take advantage of this prime piece of commercial property next to Kwik Trip to develop into income producing opportunities.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Rough completion January/February. Located 12 minutes off I-94, this comfortable open-concept side-by-side, ranch, split 2-bedroom condominium home features a universal design for ease of living. The kitchen has quartz counters, s.s. appliances, WIP, island w/ seating & dining area. The gathering room has a GFP w/ stone to mantel height, coffered ceiling & patio door leading
The Cedarburg floor plan features 1926 square feet of living space, including 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The home is a two-story design with an attached front-entry garage. Optional features may be available, and all dimensions are approximate.
Looking to build your dream home on a peaceful and quiet country lot? Look no further! 1 acre parcel with no specific builder required on a dead end road. With endless possibilities on this lot, build your custom home with easy access to Highway 26. Lot has perc test already completed (see associated docs). Don't let this one slip away, schedule your showing today!
Multiple opportunities! Here 12+ acres of great high visibility business zoned-city water and sewer land in the city of watertown. Possible storage units, business condos, stripmalls, etc (subject to city approval) + possible hunting/recreational land! Priced to sell!
The Medford offers a spacious and functional layout, perfect for families or those who love to entertain. With 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home provides ample space for comfort and privacy.
Welcome to the Hunter Oaks Home Owners Assoc Community. This Thoughtfully Designed New Construction Home offers 2 Beds & 2 Baths with an Open-Concept layout designed for Everyday Living. This Side-by-Side Modern Ranch Condo, boasts Solid Maple Cabinets, Quartz Countertops in Kitchen and Bathrooms, Laminate Wood Plank Flooring, Six Panel Solid Doors. Full Lower Level Includes Egress Window, and
The Richmond offers a spacious and versatile layout, perfect for families seeking comfort and functionality. With optional stone or brick elevations, this floor plan provides customizable exterior designs to suit your preferences.
The Lyndon offers a spacious and thoughtfully designed layout, perfect for families or those who love to entertain. With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this floor plan provides ample space for comfortable living.
OPENING SPRING 2026! Lumin Terrace will offer beautiful one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the newly developed Rock Ridge Neighborhood in Watertown, Wisconsin. Each spacious apartment will feature in-unit laundry and modern finishes, including stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring in common areas, carpeted bedrooms, and abundant windows. Select units have private entry. Surface
Low income family apartment community. Two bedroom and Three bedroom and Four Bedroom Townhouse units with basements.Rent based on 30% of tenants income.. HUD provides a utility allowance to cover the average monthly utility bill.Playgrounds for the children.
Ready for immediate scheduled showings - Up for rent is this two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, with a small office room, a large yard, and a detached 1.5 car garage. Home has been fully remodeled! Make it your home. Included with rent are water supply, snow removal, and garbage removal. Home includes water softener along with salt delivery. Not included is mowing the yard, and utilities. It
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