Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin is a city in Waukesha County that serves as home to just under 15,000 residents. The city gained its name from a Potawatomi Indian term meaning, “River of Falling Waters,” due largely to the over 20 lakes within a 10-mile radius in Oconomowoc. The city is conveniently located halfway between Milwaukee and Madison and serves as a beautiful rural retreat. Oconomowoc’s natural beauty is offset by its outstanding school system, quality healthcare and bustling economy.

Real Estate in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Oconomowoc has a little bit of everything as far as real estate goes. There is a wide variety of houses for sale in Oconomowoc, one of the safest neighborhoods in Wisconsin. Merchants Platt is a small lakeside subdivision of fine custom homes for sale on large lots, built mostly in the 1900s. The main streets through Oconomowoc are lined with gorgeous old Queen Ann style homes, most of which have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. Houses for sale in Oconomowoc were built predominantly between 1900 and 1940. The pride of ownership in these established neighborhoods is evident through the level of care homeowners dedicate to their properties. If you prefer newer subdivisions, there are several built during the 1960s-1980s that contain many houses for sale in Oconomowoc. All of these subdivisions are neat, clean and stable. Newer still, there are many subdivisions containing houses for sale in Oconomowoc that are completely modern and some that are still under development. Oconomowoc’s real estate market has been growing exponentially in recent years and includes scenic lakeside homes, traditional country farmhouses, contemporary condominiums and apartments.

Living in Oconomowoc

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin is the heart of Lake Country, and its residents take full advantage of the incredible recreation opportunities afforded to them. The water activities are endless, from swimming to skiing, fishing to boating; Oconomowoc homeowners spend much of their time at the city’s lakes. Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle are two of the lakes that lie within the downtown district, bringing a rural feel to the bustling business center of this small town. Lac La Belle has a Friday Night Concert series that includes the American Legion Band. Moonlit Movies plays movies for children in Fowler Park at dusk following the Badgerland Water Ski Shows.

The Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department provide some unique activities and opportunities to Oconomowoc residents. Teaming up with the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, the Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department put on events that would be impossible in larger cities. On one such event, they closed off the main downtown street and showed the iconic film “The Wizard of Oz” on a large screen in the middle of the street for children and families!

Children also enjoy the recently built Imagination Station, a community built, universally accessible playground. This completely inclusive playground provides a unique, heartwarming place where children of all abilities can play, regardless of any physical difficulties. Oconomowoc also has over 45 parks and lake access points, which provide a fun experience for everyone!

Downtown Oconomowoc is undergoing a complete revitalization at this time, including several large developments planned to bring people downtown to work and live. From a large city park downtown right on the lakefront to two large condominium projects, Oconomowoc’s downtown will be completely revitalized with small shops and businesses scattered throughout.

Overall, Oconomowoc is a very laid-back, outdoorsy community. Locals stroll through the beautiful community, taking in the views of the many lakes, and explore the opportunities presented by the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. Additionally, Oconomowoc homeowners like to stop in at the Kiltie Drive-In for a genuine taste of Americana. Everything on the menu is delicious at this summer staple, but be sure to try some of their famous custard! Many Oconomowoc residents break out their vintage cars to drive up to this completely retro drive-in, completing the 50s experience.

Oconomowoc is also an incredibly safe community, serviced by the Oconomowoc City Police Department as well as the Oconomowoc Fire Department. Additionally, Oconomowoc has many highly accredited hospitals, including a nationally recognized behavioral health services hospital and the first network-accredited cancer center in the nation to receive the American College of Surgeons Outstanding Achievement award in recognition of quality care. Not only does the city have some of the best healthcare per capita in the Midwest, but arguably in the entire United States.

Schools in Oconomowoc

The education system in the Oconomowoc area is excellent. The area is served by the Oconomowoc Area School District, consisting of five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The schools offer supplemental learning opportunities in addition to the core curriculums, providing students with a well-rounded education. This system delivers results – Oconomowoc students score above the national averages on the ACT test and the high school graduation rate is almost 98 percent.

Secondary educational opportunities are abundant as well – Waukesha County Technical College is a two-year college located nearby and offers diplomas in a variety of fields. Carroll University is a private liberal arts college offering degrees in more than 36 fields. The University of Wisconsin – Waukesha is a four-year college with a concentration in liberal arts. The city’s convenient location also provides access to colleges in Milwaukee and Madison including University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Business in Oconomowoc

The city’s business climate has been growing rapidly over the years. Current major employers include International Bioflavors, the world leader in the development and manufacture of natural dairy flavors, and Bruno Independent Living Aids, a maker of state-of-the-art stair lifts, power chairs and other personal mobility products. Other businesses are often located in one of the four business parks in the area. The city offers companies some of the state’s lowest tax rates and access to many banks and financial institutions eager to provide capital to new and expanding businesses – all catalysts to the growth and success of the Oconomowoc business community.

History of Oconomowoc

Oconomowoc’s first residents were the Potawatomi Indians, until one of the founders of Milwaukee established a trading post in 1827. Oconomowoc’s name refers to the many lakes and waterways throughout the city, making it a prime area for business when the city was founded. Although business today relies less on water transportation, Oconomowoc remains a stronghold for small and large businesses alike while providing ample entertainment for adults and children of all ages.

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