Westport is a waterfront suburb of Wisconsin's state capital
Westport, Wisconsin, is located off the Yahara River and Lake Mendota, which together provide waterfront living and recreation in this town of about 5,300 people. Community features include luxury homes, marinas and multi-use parks with diverse habitats. Westport also neighbors Waunakee and has access to its highly rated schools. “Waunakee, 30 years ago, was just a sleepy small town, but then a developer came through and started putting in these very family focused, high-end neighborhoods,” says Stuart Meland, a broker with Madcity Homes. “It ended up becoming a very upscale suburban community that Madison didn’t have previously. Westport is an extension of that, with houses with larger lots and more of a country feel.”
The community has roomy lots, upscale homes and condos
Mature spruce and pine trees surround many homes on lots ranging from about a third of an acre to 2 acres. Residents who live along the water have access to private docks. Westport’s houses include ranch-style, split-level, Colonial Revival and New Traditional homes. “There are mansions, and there are gorgeous neighborhoods like Carriage Ridge. They’re probably the most beautiful houses in Dane County,” says Kyla Jenson, a Realtor with Mahler Sotheby’s International Realty. “But you can find regular houses, too, that aren’t mansions.” Many homes go from about $340,000 to $720,000. Larger and more upscale homes cost about $810,000 to $4.1 million. Condos go from $300,000 to $640,000. The area also has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Lakefront parks have diverse habitats and year-round recreation
Spanning about 10,000 acres, Lake Mendota offers water sports and other outdoor activities. The lake has several beaches, boat landings and fish like largemouth bass, walleye and catfish. Located along the lake, Governor Nelson State Park is a 422-acre site with prairie, savanna and more than 8 miles of trails for cyclists, hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park has similar habitats and amenities. Cherokee Marsh’s fauna includes bald eagles, ospreys and tree frogs. Town Center Park has a soccer field and playground, while Yahara Heights County Park offers open areas for dogs.
Westport has riverfront dining and late-night hangouts
Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant is a staple near the banks of the Yahara River that hosts weekly fish fries, offers prime rib dinners and has sand volleyball courts on site. Mariner’s Inn has been a destination for seafood and steaks since the 1960s. Patrons may dine and drink outside, where they get a close view of the river and marina. Athens Grill serves Greek fare and cocktails. “It’s a super casual environment,” Jenson says. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants. It’s so good.” Willow’s Tavern offers another option for bar fare and drinks. Waunakee’s Piggly Wiggly is one of the nearest grocers.
Highly rated Waunakee schools cover the area
Waunakee Community School District covers Westport and receives an A-plus grade from Niche. Students may start at Arboretum, Prairie and Heritage elementary schools. Arboretum Elementary and Prairie Elementary get A grades, while Heritage Elementary receives an A-minus. Students may then attend Waunakee Intermediate, Middle and High schools, all receiving an A. The high school’s recent athletic successes include its boys lacrosse team becoming state champions in 2025.
Many visit Waunakee for events
Waunakee hosts several annual events, including July’s WaunaFest at Centennial Park. The entertainment includes carnival rides, live bands and a parade. The festival also involves softball and cornhole tournaments and a classic car show. Attendees may stop by the beer garden or shop for handmade goods at the festival’s craft fair.
Wisconsin highways 19 and 113 offer commuter routes
Wisconsin Highway 19 goes to the communities east of Wisconsin’s state capital. Commuters may also drive on Wisconsin Highway 113 to downtown Madison, about 10 miles south. The community is 5 miles west of Dane County Regional Airport, which is close to UW Health East Madison Hospital.
The area can experience frigid winter days
Newcomers to the area should expect some frigid winter days. Westport averages a winter low of 11 degrees and receives nearly 50 inches of snow annually.
