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Watertown

Watertown

Located in Jefferson County

$324,476 Average Value
$204 Average Price per Sq Ft
71 Homes 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.
The Rock River flows through Watertown, WI.
Watertown is a charming city in between Milwaukee and Madison, 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.
A modern, Queen Ann style home shines in Watertown.
New builds are popping up all over 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.
The Paramount Record Shop is a favorite among Watertown locals.
Literatus and Co. is a beloved book store in Watertown, WI.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pepsi employs a majority of Watertown residents.
Get out of town at Madison Airport, in the Carpenter-Ridgeway neighborhood.
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.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Hayley McCormick
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Derek Fowler
Video By
Derek Fowler

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Caitlin Dennis, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,980
Number of Homes for Sale
71
Median Year Built
2015
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,982
On par with the national average
1,931
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,445
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,431
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 2
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    1412 Stoneridge Dr, Watertown, WI 53098

    $375,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,956 Sq Ft
    • 1412 Stoneridge Dr
    • New 5 days ago

    Opportunity lives inside this Colonial home in established neighborhood on Watertown's north side - close to parks, schools, hospital, shopping & commuter access. Inside, the home features functional layout with generous living space, including a large living room with gas fireplace & sunroom off the dining area with patio doors leading to backyard-perfect for everyday living or entertaining.

    Jennie Castillo Coldwell Banker Elite

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  • Friday, May 1
    Open Fri 5PM - 6:30PM

    501 Pine Hollow Place, Watertown, WI 53094

    $439,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,172 Sq Ft
    • 501 Pine Hollow Place
    • New 9 days ago

    Stylish, energy-efficient, and meticulously maintained, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath contemporary home checks every box. The open-concept kitchen features a large walk-in pantry and flows effortlessly into the dining and living areas-perfect for entertaining. Step outside to a beautiful patio and pergola for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Rounding out the main level is a sunny den, convenient half

    Kristine Martinson Shorewest Realtors, Inc.

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  • Saturday, May 2
    Open Sat 12:30PM - 2PM

    1303 S 9th St, Watertown, WI 53094

    $344,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,909 Sq Ft
    • 1303 S 9th St
    • New 19 days ago

    This 1909 sq ft remodeled cream city brick offers 3 BR's, 2.5 BA's, a 4.5 car garage, spacious room sizes, walk-in closets, and a warm inviting living room with NFP. The mechanicals to include HVAC, electrical & plumbing have been updated & a new roof installed in 2026. The kitchen welcomes you with new countertops, Whirlpool appliances & spacious island for food prep. A main floor primary suite

    Corinne Taylor Shorewest Realtors, Inc.

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Watertown Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$925
Median Condo Rent
$925
Median 1 Bedroom Condo Rent
$925

Demographics

Total Population
21,162
Median Age
41
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,872
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$69,949

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.2%
College Graduates
18.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
34''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
Watertown