A top choice in Washington County for employment and connections
Ripley's Believe It or Not claims that West Bend was the only city in the nation not to experience the Great Depression because of its stable and unaffected economy at the time. While businesses have changed, and new industries have taken the front seat, the city named for a western bend in the Milwaukee River continues to grow as an accessible employment hub of southeastern Wisconsin. "Since we're the largest city in Washington County, a lot of people decide to live here when moving to the county for work," says Philip Fritsche, events coordination of the Downtown West Bend Association. "There are more housing, shopping and dining options in West Bend."
West Bend Insurance Company, Froedtert Health and Serigraph employ many of residents, and those working in Milwaukee can commute just 40 miles along Interstate 41. However, what shines about the growing city is its close-knit community and wealth of local events. "The sense of community is one of the biggest draws," says Kelly Leitner, broker and owner of Leitner Properties LLC. "West Bend is a bigger city, and it's continuing to grow, but it still feels like a small town because of the people."
Froedtert West Bend Hospital serves the area for healthcare needs.
The Hub - Social Good Brews in West Bend hosts numerous events that encourage locals to engage with the community.
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High demand leads to new developments
West Bend's oldest and least expensive homes are located in the downtown area on gridded streets, while grand new builds are on multiple-acre lots towards the city's outer edges. "They're expanding a lot with new subdivisions, but there is still some affordable housing," Leitner says. Houses range between $115,000 and $1.5 million, with a median price around $350,000 – $56,000 less than the national median. As the population of West Bend steadily grows, so does the demand for housing, and houses sell after only 24 days on the market. "There is a good mix of people moving here," Leitner says. "There are condos, single-family homes, duplexes and apartments. So, there's an option for every type of buyer."
A scenic view of the West Bend neighborhood in autumn.
Newly built homes in West Bend can offer larger lots for home buyers.
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Shopping and community events in Downtown West Bend
The downtown area was revitalized in 2023 with major street renovations and brand-new sidewalks. "For being a smaller city, there is a lot of vibrancy and newness," Fritsche says. "There's also an impressive nightlife scene." Throughout the summer, there are wine and beer walks where residents can pop into different small stores and shops in Downtown West Bend. "They'll do a tasting there, then peruse the shop a bit," Leitner says. "It's a good way to highlight local businesses." Music on Main shuts down the streets for music, vendors and food each Thursday of the summer, and the Farmers' Market each Saturday brings in one of the biggest crowds in southeast Wisconsin to shop at 161 stalls.
The Washington County Historical Society has four museums in West Bend, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art displays pieces created by Wisconsin artists. The Bend Theater, locally referred to as just "The Bend," is a renovated theater from the early 1900s that screens nostalgic movies.
South Main Street is the leading shopping destination, with big box stores, national grocers and chain restaurants.
West Bend, WI residents head Downtown to watch Music On Main.
Try out a new guitar from West Bend Music Academy.
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Two high schools in the same building
With an influx of young families moving to the area's new subdivisions, well-rated public and private school options are a top priority. Rated a B-plus by Niche, the West Bend School District has six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. The high schools operate in the same building but have separate sports teams, administration, students and staff. Four private schools, each affiliated with a different religious institution, are within the city limits.
The entry to Badger Middle School in Downtown West Bend.
The entry to East High School in West Bend.
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Geocaching Capital of the Midwest
West Bend has earned the title "Geocaching Capital of the Midwest." In August of 2024, the West Bend Cache Ba$h took place throughout the city with 66 new geocaches and $1,000 worth of prizes to give away.
The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department operates 36 locations in West Bend and tends to over 46 miles of trails. Regner Park is a jeweled prize in the city, with its beach and swimming pond, garden labyrinth, turf baseball diamond and splash pad. The park's permanent tents and pavilions host many events, including German Fest.
In the many months with below-freezing average temperatures, an average of 45 inches of snow falls. The cold weather doesn't stop West Bend residents from staying active outside. Instead, they cross-country ski, snowshoe, tube and ice skate in their parks and nature preserves.
West Bend Municipal Airport is in the city but has no scheduled flights. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 45 miles south.
A view from the outfield at Carl M. Kuss Field in Regner Park, West Bend.
Sunburst Ski Area is a few minuntes north of West Bend.
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Regular crime updates on the West Bend Police Department's Facebook page
The West Bend Police Department reports that, as of October 2024, violent crime is down 10% from the previous year and property crime is down 19%. Weekly and monthly reports detailing the crimes and types of calls received are posted on the department's active Facebook page. With data provided by the FBI, violent crimes in West Bend occur at a rate well below the national average. Property crimes occur at a higher rate, but still lower than the U.S. average.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Kuehl,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in West Bend, WI sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Bend, WI over the last 12 months is $340,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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