$325,944Average Value$206Average Price per Sq Ft74Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Glenna Vilmin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Watertown, WI sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, WI over the last 12 months is $319,900, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch in Watertown, offering a comfortable layout, a spacious eat-in kitchen, and the added convenience of an extra-deep 1.5-car garage. Improvements completed within the past three years--including the roof, windows, furnace, central air, water heater, and leaf filter system--provide lasting peace of mind. Enjoy quiet mornings or relaxed
Jennifer BiroKeller Williams Realty-Milwaukee Southwest
Discover the rare opportunity to build your dream home on the banks of the Rock River. This 0.39-acre vacant lot offers a unique combination of natural beauty and urban convenience in the heart of Watertown. Whether you're an investor or looking to build a forever home, 505 Dewey Ave is a rare blank canvas on the water. Bring your builder and your vision!
Exceptional over 4000 sq feet of mixed-use opportunity on 2.1 acres in the middle of Oconomowoc and Watertown only 10 minutes from downtown Oconomowoc! 6 miles to I94. entrance at Hwy F. This versatile property features a turnkey restaurant/bar with seating for approximately 108 guests plus 18 bar seats, full liquor and video gaming licenses, a vacant 2-bedroom apartment, 34'x50' outbuilding with
Attention developers and investors!! Take advantage of this prime piece of commercial property next to Kwik Trip to develop into income producing opportunities.
The updates are all done, just move right in! This inviting home offers the perfect blend of style and function with updated windows, flooring, lighting, electrical, a beautifully remodeled kitchen, and updated bathrooms. Spacious bedrooms feature generous closet space, including two closets in both the primary and second bedroom. Newer backyard patio creates the perfect spot for grilling,
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.
Brand New Zero Lot Line Construction coming in 2026! Gorgeous views in an established sought after Watertown subdivision. This ranch layout features soaring cathedral ceilings with a spacious open concept feel. You will want to entertain in a home like this, with a custom kitchen featuring a large island overlooking your formal dining and great room. Primary suite includes a large walk in closet,
Move-in-ready new construction. The Harper, Plan 1573 makes every foot of the floor plan feel spacious. The first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, & gathering room area. The kitchen features quartz counters, an island w/ additional seating & stainless steel appliances. Alongside the main living areas is a convenient powder room. Venture upstairs, & you'll find the 3 private
The Harper, Plan 1573 makes every foot of the floor plan feel spacious. The first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, & gathering room area. The kitchen features quartz counters, an island w/ additional seating & stainless steel appliances. Alongside the main living areas is a convenient powder room. Venture upstairs, & you'll find the 3 private bedrooms w/ plenty of closet space, a
Move-in-ready, new construction. The Harper, Plan 1573 makes every foot of the floor plan feel spacious. The first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, & gathering room area. The kitchen features quartz counters, an island w/ additional seating & stainless steel appliances. Alongside the main living areas is a convenient powder room. Venture upstairs, & you'll find the 3 private
Move-in-ready, new construction. The Harper, Plan 1573 makes every foot of the floor plan feel spacious. The first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, & gathering room area. The kitchen features quartz counters, an island w/ additional seating & stainless steel appliances. Alongside the main living areas is a convenient powder room. Venture upstairs, & you'll find the 3 private
Move-in-ready, new construction. 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 out to a private patio.
Move-in-ready, new construction. 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 out to a private patio.
LUMIN TERRACE IS OPEN! CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! Lumin Terrace offers beautiful one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the newly developed Rock Ridge Neighborhood in Watertown, Wisconsin. Each spacious apartment features in-unit laundry and modern finishes, including stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring in common areas, carpeted bedrooms, and abundant windows. Select units have
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.
Property Id: 2756807 Cozy 1100 square feet space. With a connected garage parking available. 5 minute drive to downtown Watertown 10 minute drive to I94 10 minute drive to Watertown hospital. Back yard patio Small pad for a fire pit Finished basement I’m willing to allow pets but there will be a pet rent depending on size Renter is in charge of
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