$660,459Average Value$254Average Price per Sq Ft63Homes For Sale
Suburban town center on the northern banks of Lake Mendota
First founded when the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad expanded its train line from Madison to Saint Paul in 1871, Waunakee sits near the cusp of Madison on the northern shores of Lake Mendota. It's a sprawling area that extends from the suburbs north of Madison out into rural farmland. The name Waunakee means fair and pleasant valley, and that’s precisely how resident Sheryl Schroeder describes the village. “It’s just a great little town,” says Schroeder, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. With its cluster of shops and restaurants along Main Street, this area has a small-town feel. Still, its proximity to downtown Madison, along with excellent parks and schools, means that homeowners here benefit from big-city amenities. Housing prices start around $300,000 and climb well above $1 million for custom, luxury homes overlooking the lake.
Waunakee is one of a kind -- there is no other "Waunakee" in the world.
Waunakee neighbors form tight-knit communities which pride themselves on well-kept properties.
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Established ranch-style homes and newly built Craftsmans
Spanning from the northern shores of Lake Mendota into the farmlands of southern Wisconsin, housing ranges across Waunakee. There are a variety of new and established homes throughout the neighborhood, from brick ranch-style homes to two-story Craftsman; some builds are recently finished, whereas others date back to the early 1900s and have a historic charm. This neighborhood has been seeing growth in newer subdivisions that feature spacious homes on well-groomed, tidy lots. Some are even located near the banks of Lake Mendota, including lots where homebuyers can design their dream home and waterfront properties that are priced at a premium. These luxury homes can sell for upwards of $1 million, though the median for the area is closer to $605,000, with very few houses listing below $300,000.
Two-story modern traditional homes are common in the developments of Waunakee.
Closer to the enter of Waunakee, you will find older, bungalow-style homes.
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Waunakee Community Schools earn top marks across the board
Families can send their kids to public schools in the Waunakee Community School District. Young students might start out at Arboretum Elementary until the fourth grade before moving up to Waunakee Intermediate, which serves students in the fifth and sixth grades. Seventh and eighth graders can attend Waunakee Community Middle before earning their diploma at Waunakee Community High. All four schools score an A rating from Niche, and the district even has its own aquatic center where the Waunakee Warriors swim teams train, though it also hosts American Red Cross swimming lessons and family swims.
Exterior of Kromrey Middle School in Middleton.
The main entrance for Waunakee High School.
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Waterfront activities on Lake Mendota and neighborhood parks
Waunakee is full of parks and outdoor spaces to explore. Sixmile Creek runs through town at Waunakee Village Park, which has paved paths through the trees for walks in addition to playgrounds and sporting facilities. During December, the park turns into a winter wonderland with festive holiday lights lining the walkways. Even as the weather gets chillier, it’s easy to stay active at Waunakee Village Center, located next to the park. This community center features a gym and fitness center and hosts events for youth and seniors alike. Residents of Waunakee can also take advantage of nearby Lake Mendota at Governor Nelson State Park, which features over 8 miles of peaceful trails along the water in addition to sandy beaches for relaxing or fishing for smallmouth bass.
Waunakee has over a dozen parks for nature-lovers to enjoy.
Mendota Park in Middleton is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the water.
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Local restaurants line Main Street in the heart of town
Traveling down Main Street, residents have their choice between an array of local restaurants scattered every few blocks. Lone Girl Brewing Company is a popular spot for sipping on craft beers and munching on pub fare from cheese curds to burgers, and during the warmer months, its rooftop patio is a great place to enjoy the sun. Those who prefer wine to beer can head over to Red and White Winebar, just a few streets over. It features a self-serve wine bar and hosts classes and concerts to make it a place where people come to sit and stay a while. There are even more options near Century Avenue, like classy Ren’s Innkeeper for seafood and steaks or M-N-M’s Coffeehouse for a quick latte pick-me-up. For cooking from home, residents can grab all their groceries at the Main Street Market Piggly Wiggly.
Lone Girl Brewing Company in Waunakee is a large brewpub and restaurant on Main Street.
M-N-M's Coffeehouse serves a variety of hot and cold drinks to Waunakee residents.
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Less than half an hour to downtown Madison
Drive times vary from one end of Waunakee to the other, but commuters can expect a trip into downtown Madison to take about 20 to 30 minutes or 10 to 15 miles. The Dane County Regional Airport is even closer, approximately 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Most places are accessible via Route 113, but for further trips around the Madison area, Interstate 90 is just over 5 miles due east and leads to the University of Wisconsin Health East Madison Hospital.
Waunakee is full of newer developments, especially in the outskirts.
Don't forget to check out Lone Girl Brewing Company in Waunakee, right by the railroad tracks.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Scott Mason Bittinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daron Lenzendorf,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Waunakee, WI sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waunakee, WI over the last 12 months is $615,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully renovated first floor open concept condo has the perfect blend of modern updates & everyday convenience. The completely updated interior features brand-new kitchen cabinets, new countertops, updated flooring, an updated bathroom & fresh paint throughout. Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this unit offers privacy while still being within walking distance to the middle and high
Approximate completion Dec / Jan...spectacular custom built ranch. This stunning home offers over 4,500 sqft, 6 bedrooms, 3 1⁄2 baths, open kitchen & dining is a chef’s dream with quartz countertops & island, custom Amish cabinets, stainless appliances & walk-in pantry. Great room with soaring ceilings, wall of windows, stone fireplace and custom built-ins, 4 season sunroom + 3 season porch &
Beautifully maintained, one-owner ranch condo in Waunakee! This 2-bedroom, 3-bath home features a gas fireplace, stainless steel appliances, a spacious 2-car garage, and a newer composite deck with paver patio. The lower level offers abundant storage, a large unfinished area, plus a finished family room for extra living space. With a newer A/C and thoughtful care throughout, this condo is move-in
Motivated Seller! Great location near Lake Mendota with easy access to Madison, Middleton, and Waunakee. This bright 2nd-floor unit features an open-concept great room with vaulted ceilings, a wall of windows, and skylights for abundant natural light. Enjoy a private deck overlooking peaceful greenspace and a versatile loft ideal for extra living space, office, or hobbies. The primary suite
This spacious lot, just under half an acre, is located in the desirable Carriage Ridge neighborhood in the Town of Westport. With ample space to build your dream home with Victory Homes of WI, the property offers a perfect balance of privacy and community. Enjoy the charm of the neighborhood, along with convenient access to nearby amenities, parks, and a short drive to the greater Madison area
This beautifully renovated first floor open concept condo has the perfect blend of modern updates & everyday convenience. The completely updated interior features brand-new kitchen cabinets, new countertops, updated flooring, an updated bathroom & fresh paint throughout. Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this unit offers privacy while still being within walking distance to the middle and high
Approximate completion Dec / Jan...spectacular custom built ranch. This stunning home offers over 4,500 sqft, 6 bedrooms, 3 1⁄2 baths, open kitchen & dining is a chef’s dream with quartz countertops & island, custom Amish cabinets, stainless appliances & walk-in pantry. Great room with soaring ceilings, wall of windows, stone fireplace and custom built-ins, 4 season sunroom + 3 season porch &
Just Completed November 2025! Introducing Conklin Construction’s stunning Landon Estate Model in premier Golden Ponds, a luxury home inspired by their '22 Parade design. This elegantly crafted design is an entertainer’s dream, offering timeless style & versatility for any stage of life. Soaring 10' ceilings grace the main level. Enjoy morning coffee in your sunroom overlooking the expansive
Approximate completion February / March 2026...This impressive modern ranch offers an open floor plan with over 3,800 sq ft, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open kitchen & dining with quartz countertops, large island, custom Amish cabinets, stainless appliances & walk-in pantry. Great room with soaring ceilings, huge windows for tons of natural light, gas fireplace and custom built-ins, 4 season sunroom
Welcome to Waunakee Schools and the heart of Kilkenny Farms! This beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath two-story home is impeccably maintained and backs to peaceful greenspace, just a short walk to the neighborhood pool and Tierney Park. The chef’s kitchen features a full stainless steel appliance package, double ovens, expansive island, and walk-in pantry. The main level offers a private
Construction status: to be started with an accepted offer. Beautiful ranch home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 car garage and open living area. Private master bath suite, with tiled shower. Walkout basement would allow approx. 1100+ sq feet of finished space. Kitchen appliance package, fine grade and seeding, and LP Smart siding is included. Seller is a licensed real estate agent. We have
Luxury meets function in this meticulously finished Carriage Ridge home. Soaring foyer leads to a light-filled great room w/ hardwood floors & eye catching chevron/ & shiplap fireplace. Open-concept gourmet kitchen & eating area overlook a tranquil, wooded backdrop, while the formal dining room & three-season porch are great for entertaining. ML primary ensuite w/ a spa-like bath + office. UL
Update:Kennedy Road is OPEN! Building permit Ready! Lets get digging! Explore Westport's newest Development, Yahara Estates! Exploring a new build, bring your favorite Builder to begin construction on the home you always DREAMED of this Fall. Many lots offer exposure; consult your builder on specifics. Close to Lake Mendota for boating and fishing. Westport Taxes & Waunakee schools don't get any
Update:Kennedy Road is OPEN! Building permit Ready! Lets get digging! Explore Westport's newest Development, Yahara Estates! Exploring a new build, bring your favorite Builder to begin construction on the home you always DREAMED of this Fall. Many lots offer exposure; consult your builder on specifics. Close to Lake Mendota for boating and fishing. Westport Taxes & Waunakee schools don't get any
Lot 9 Kilkenny Farms West. Located in Waunakee's Southern corridor Kilkenny Farms West neighborhood was selected as a 2026 MABA Parade of Homes neighborhood. The community boasts multiple parks and walking trails. It is walking distance to schools, shopping and dining! There are a great selection of homesites in various sizes and exposures to build your brand new home!
Heritage Hills Apartments is a unique community, nestled within the gorgeous Heritage Hills Neighborhood. This area is within walking distance to charming downtown Waunakee, with unique shops, raved-out restaurants, a brand new library, parks and so much more. Making it an ideal place to call home!
Calling all nature lovers! Rare opportunity to rent half a house on an 80-acre organic farm surrounded by orchards across from Pheasant Branch Conservancy! This spacious 3BR/2BA ranch style apartment is the upper half of the house pictured (the lower half is a separate unit with a long-term tenant). Includes private laundry, 1-car garage (the right-hand side of the 2-car garage pictured) &
Experience luxury living at The Crest Luxury Apartments, nestled in the heart of Waunakee, a vibrant and diverse suburb of Madison, WI. As one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing cities, Waunakee offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Residents enjoy top-rated schools, a historic downtown, scenic parks, safe neighborhoods, and a variety of shopping, dining, and
Lamphouse is conveniently located in the heart of historic Waunakee, steps from restaurants, parks, shopping and more. This community offers on-site full-time management and maintenance, high end finishes, social events, and great amenities. You can enjoy a great conversation around the rooftop firepit, shoot pool in the large community room, exercise in our large fitness center, or enjoy a round
The Laurel at Kilkenny is now open! This beautiful property offers luxury rental living in Waunakee's most affluent neighborhood. Residents will enjoy a shared community room with a living room, fireplace, and full kitchen, an outdoor patio with a fireplace and grilling station, plus a fitness center with a separate exercise studio.Choose from one, two, and three-bedroom
JANUARY RENT SPECIAL: Get One Month Rent Free!*Century Commons Senior Apartments offers spacious, maintenance-free living right in the center of charming Waunakee, Wisconsin. Our community is designed for convenience, comfort, and connectionjust steps from local shopping, restaurants, banking, clinics, and everything you need for everyday living.Our thoughtfully designed one and two-bedroom
JANUARY RENT SPECIAL: Get One Month Rent Free!*Designed with comfort and ease in mind, our community offers a relaxed, maintenance-free lifestyle for active seniors.Choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans, each featuring fully equipped kitchens, generous storage, in-unit laundry, in-floor radiant heat, cable TV, and private patios or balconies.Our
Country View apartments are where Waunakee's active seniors love to live. Country View is an independent living apartment home for adults 55 and older. You will love small town living with easy access to Madison. We are located close to everywhere you need to be! Our community is in the heart of Waunakee across from the Piggly Wiggly. Walk to Post office and Village Mall. All of our apartments
** FIRST MONTH RENT FREE WITH A 12 MONTH LEASE!**(Applies to new tenants only)Tenant is responsible for Electric, Heat & ACDogs (up to 40lbs) and cats are welcome for $40/month per pet and a $250 refundable pet deposit. **Breed restrictions apply**Rental Requirements:1) 3X monthly rent income2) Credit Check3) Criminal background check4) Tenant rental
Currently available for rent, this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,786 sq ft of modern living in the desirable Heritage Hills neighborhood. Built in 2021, the home features a welcoming open layout with contemporary finishes and a convenient location near schools, parks, and downtown Waunakee.The main level features a bright, open-concept living space with a modern kitchen
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