$712,525Average Value$308Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes For Sale
Williams Bay is a village on the north shore of Geneva Lake
The village of Williams Bay curls along the shoreline of Geneva Lake in an area of Wisconsin long known as a vacation retreat. Starting in the late 1800s, affluent city dwellers built spacious summer homes around the lake, which sits about 90 miles from Chicago and 50 miles from Milwaukee. "The population explodes from Memorial Day to Labor Day," says broker Ryan Simons, owner of Simons Realty Group. In Williams Bay, the population of 3,000 doubles in summer, when seasonal residents and visitors come to town. However, as a small village about 6 miles from the larger city of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay is less touristy than other lakeside communities. "It's a little more quaint," Simons says. "They really try to keep much of the feel that it's had for the last 100 years. It's a great place to raise families."
The village of Williams Bay curls along the shoreline of Geneva Lake in an area of Wisconsin.
Williams Bay boasts an array of spacious summer homes nestled along the serene lakeshore.
1/2
Home age and proximity to the lake are price factors
Housing options include ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and cottages dating from the early to mid-20th century. "Some of the cottages and lake homes have been passed down from generation to generation," Simons says. In recent decades, more contemporary and custom-designed homes have come on the scene. Single-family homes typically range from about $200,000 to $760,000, though spacious waterfront properties can go into the multimillions. "We're seeing the smaller homes are being torn down and larger and larger homes are being built," Simons says. Some subdivisions in Williams Bay have homeowners associations and community amenities like fitness centers and pools. Condos generally run $200,000 to $400,000, though larger units and those on the lake may be over a million.
The lake has flooded in the past, though it's not common. Homes with basements may include sump pumps. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Williams Bay offers charming ranch-style homes with spacious yards.
In recent years, more contemporary and custom-designed homes have come to Williams Bay.
1/2
Recreation and sports around Geneva Lake, including on ice
The shoreline of Geneva Lake forms the southern border of Williams Bay. "They get more tourist traffic, and part of the reason is that the lake is beautiful. It has nice clear water, tour boats and the city of Lake Geneva itself is right on the lake," Simons says. A lakefront path connects Williams Bay Beach, the municipal pier and Edgewater Park, which has a playground and a veterans' memorial. In summer, the lake is popular for swimming and water sports — allowed here more than some nearby lakes. Wintertime features ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling, plus plenty of activity at the Skeeter Iceboat Club, which helps the village earn its title as the "Ice Boat Center of the World." The unique vessels sail atop the ice, steered by a metal runner. Other nearby attractions include the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy as well as Geneva Lake Country Club and Big Foot Country Club, both private and both offering golf and tennis.
The southern edge of Williams Bay is defined by the scenic shoreline of Geneva Lake, offering residents and visitors stunning waterfront views and direct access to lakeside activities.
Geneva Lake is popular for swimming and water sports.
1/2
Dining and shopping close by or in Lake Geneva and Elkhorn
On the lake, Pier 290 has American cuisine, outdoor dining and live music on Saturdays. Harpoon Willie's, Café Calamari and Lucke's Cantina are some of the other options. "They don't really have chain restaurants," Simons says. Green Grocer has organic and locally produced meat and produce, packaged and bulk items and wine and beer tastings every Saturday. The Williams Bay Farmers Market is held at Edgewater Park on Friday mornings, May through August. Walmart, Aldi and other stores are about 7 miles away in Lake Geneva. Elkhorn, about 7 miles north of Williams Bay, also has an assortment of stores.
Set right on the lake, Pier 290 serves classic American cuisine with the added charm of outdoor dining and live music every Saturday.
Green Grocer features a curated selection of organic and locally sourced meats and produce, along with a wide variety of packaged and bulk goods.
1/2
Mostly car-dependent, with state Routes and Interstate 43
Sidewalks aren't common in car-dependent Williams Bay, though many streets have short blocks and some are curved, so it's walkable and bikeable as far as traffic and speeding not being a serious concern. There's no bus service, but major roads in the area include state Routes 50 and 67, each of which meets Interstate 43 after about 6 miles. The Mercyhealth Walworth Hospital and Medical Center is less than 2 miles away.
One building for elementary and combo middle/high school
Williams Bay School District serves all grades in one building. Williams Bay Elementary School receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Williams Bay Middle/High School, considered a single school, receives a C-plus and B-plus, respectively. Some high school courses convert to college credits from Gateway Technical College or the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Williams Bay Elementary, Middle & High School share the same building.
Williams Bay Middle/High School, is one school with two rankings: C-plus and B-plus.
1/2
The village has activities and annual events for all ages
The Village of Williams Bay Recreation Department offers numerous activities, such as ping pong socials, self-defense classes, and a meetup for mothers and young children. Outdoor recreation includes a walking club, baseball, a fishing club and flag football. Neighbors come together for annual events like a Fall Festival, a Cinco de Mayo celebration and the Summer Kickoff Bash.
A resort and new residential development planned for Williams Bay
In 2024, the Village of Williams Bay Board approved a proposal for a new lakeside resort on the former campus of George Williams College. Reception from residents was mixed. Plans call for a resort, a 90-acre public nature preserve, an amphitheater and a retreat center. Separately, a residential project, also approved by the board, could bring more than 40 single-family homes to an area about a half mile from the lake.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Brad Davis
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cobian & Co Group*,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Williams Bay, WI sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Williams Bay, WI over the last 12 months is $496,290, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This attractive like new home in Bailey Estates features the sought after Madison floorplan and is located on a spacious lot, conveniently adjacent to the subdivision community park. Move in ready condition featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, dramatic two-story high living room with abundant natural light and gas fireplace, main floor primary bedroom with soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual vanity
Welcome to Dartmouth Woods, an exclusive enclave of 9 homes tucked into 11 acres of greenspace with mature trees and coveted Geneva Lake frontage. Enjoy unparalleled access to the water with your private pier, designed to accommodate both a boat and wave runner, along with an additional buoy. This home makes an impression from the moment you arrive, with timeless curb appeal and captivating lake
Bailey Estates Truman a 2-3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch home with 1912 square feet of comfort. Open floor plan features roomy kitchen/dinette, large great room & four seasons room, 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms & study to complete this great build. Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. HOME TO BE
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Gerstad builders proudly presents the Jefferson. This 2-4 bedroom/2 full bath with 2170 square feet of luxury is designed with quality craftsmanship. Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. Photos are examples; not actual representation of property this HOME TO BE BUILT. There are models available
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Welcome to this 4-bedroom home in the heart of Williams Bay! Step onto the inviting front porch and into a bright, comfortable living room, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The formal dining room provides a warm setting for gatherings, while the spacious kitchen offers ample cabinetry and plenty of workspace for all your cooking needs. Situated on over half an acre, the large lot offers room
Step into this beautifully remodeled 5-bedroom,3-bath home offering the perfect blend of elegance,comfort, and everyday functionality. Soaring vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout create an airy,light-filled living space designed to impress.The spacious primary suite is a true escape,complete with an integrated audio system and private walkout to a spectacular three-season room featuring
Bailey Estates Truman a 2-3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch home with 1912 square feet of comfort. Open floor plan features roomy kitchen/dinette, large great room & four seasons room, 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms & study to complete this great build. Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. HOME TO BE
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Is there a 3-bed single-family home in Cedar Point Park near Geneva Lake? Yes, and it’s fully updated. Located just a few houses from the lake, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem offers full-time comfort or a vacation vibe in one of Williams Bay’s most desirable neighborhoods. This home showcases an open floor plan with top-to-bottom updates—from new metal roof and systems (electric, plumbing, HVAC,
Kevin ClarkBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners
Bailey Estates Truman a 2-3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch home with 1912 square feet of comfort. Open floor plan features roomy kitchen/dinette, large great room & four seasons room, 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms & study to complete this great build. Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. HOME TO BE
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
The Palmer is our grandest ranch home to be introduced to the Bailey Estate family. 3 bedroom/2.5 bath ranch home with 2017 square feet of comfort. Spacious kitchen, large great room and dining room complete this open floor plan. Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. Photos are examples; not
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
New construction- 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort in a great location with seasonal lake views a block from the lake with ample parking and outdoor space. Designed with an open-concept layout, the chef's kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room and impressive two-story living room with hardwood floors. A main floor bedroom, full bathroom, office and laundry
Welcome to Gerstad Builders Roosevelt. A two-story, 2094 square foot, 3-4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home, that you can refine and define to fit your own tastes. Located in beautiful Bailey Estates, this is sure to be a dream pleaser! Personalize your new home with as much or as little upgrades as suits your family. Close to Williams Bay schools, downtown and Geneva Lake. Photos are examples; not actual
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Gerstad Builders presents - The Journey a 3-4 bedroom/2 bath ranch home with 2,178 square feet of comfort. This open floor plan features a roomy kitchen, dining area, dining room, office or flex room & spacious great room. Primary with private bath & walk in closet, bedrooms 2, 3, full bath and main level laundry complete this floor plan. Personalize your new home with as much or as little
Christine Fox Associates Team*Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Embrace the lake lifestyle. This Condo offers personal enjoyment. Located just blocks from Geneva Lake, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath residence provides generous space for you or your guests. The home features a spacious living room, a well appointed kitchen with breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and a formal dining room. The primary suite is a true retreat with a spa like
Gorgeous furnished one bedroom, one full bath upper unit in the heart of Williams Bay is available for short term rental or something more long term. The unit has an in unit laundry, and a private balcony area. There is a one car detached garage, and assigned off street parking. Location means you are in walking distance to the beach, fine dining, and in season live entertainment. Owner is open
Well appointed and generously sized two bedroom, two full bath first floor duplex is fully furnished and ready for occupancy. This unit offers private balcony as well as in unit laundry. The location is in the heart of Williams Bay - that means you are in walking distance to the shore path and beach, fine dining, and entertainment. The landlord is paying for the sewer, water, cable, internet,
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.