Oconomowoc Real Estate Stats
| Average Price | $747K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $350K |
| Highest Price | $4.9M |
| Total Listings | 77 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $331 |
Property Types (active listings)
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More About the Oconomowoc Real Estate Market
Oconomowoc, a close-knit community with a population of 13,700, is centrally located between Milwaukee and Madison in what is known as the "Lake Country Area." The name "Oconomowoc" is Native American and means "where the waters meet."
Oconomowoc features several recreational lakes including: Oconomowoc Lakes, Okauchee Lake, Lac La Belle, Fowler Lake, Silver Lake, Upper and Lower Nashotah Lakes, Upper and Lower Nemahbin Lakes, Ashippun Lake, and Lower, Middle, and Upper Genesee Lakes.
Contact Lake Country Listings for more information about beautiful beach real estate and luxurious homes in Oconomowoc.
History of Oconomowoc, WI
Oconomowoc was incorporated as a city in 1865. Following the arrival of the railroad, Oconomowoc became a favorite summer retreat of tourists and wealthy resorters from Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis and other Midwestern cities. Some of the nation's wealthiest families built stately summer homes on lakes, and by the 1880s Oconomowoc featured six luxury resorts and magnificent beach real estate. From the 1870's until the Great Depression, Oconomowoc was known as the "Newport of the West," and visits by Presidents Cleveland, Harrison, Grant, Taft, Collidge, McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt earned Main Street the nickname "Avenue of the Presidents." The city gained notoriety again in 1939 with the movie premier of "The Wizard of Oz."
The historic residents founded prominent businesses, such as the Carnation Company, now Outlook Foods, the Oconomowoc Canning Company and of course Pabst Farms which was the former rural retreat of the legendary brewer and internationally known for its purebred livestock. Now Pabst Farms is a premier master planned community set on 1,500 acres located at the intersection of I-94 and Highway 67 that features luxury homes, condominiums, shops, offices, entertainment venues, parks, civic facilities, and a technology/research park.
Oconomowoc Community Information
Service businesses provide just under a third of the jobs within a five-mile radius of downtown Oconomowoc. Health care providers based in Oconomowoc are among the major service businesses. Oconomowoc is home to state-of-the-art hospitals like the new Aurora Summit Hospital, as well as Pro Health Care’s Oconomowoc Memorial. Manufacturers are the Oconomowoc area's second-largest employer. Many businesses are located in one of the four industrial/business parks in the Oconomowoc area. Encompassing a total of 293 acres, the parks feature complete infrastructure and ready access to transportation. Oconomowoc’s geographic location allows for easy transportation access for local businesses and the national and regional distribution centers like Roundy’s Foods and Target.
The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) offers well-rounded core curricula; OASD schools offer a variety of special programming, from enrichment courses to vocational training. OASD has about 4,100 students enrolled, and they score above the national averages on the ACT test, and the high school graduation rate is almost 98 percent. In its mission to develop lifelong learners and productive members of the community, the school district is committed to continuously evaluating and improving its programs and facilities. They recently completed the addition of two brand new intermediate schools as well as an addition to the high school that features a gorgeous new auditorium and athletic center.
Oconomowoc residents can enjoy some activities that all of the area lakes have to offer. Whether it’s boating, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or even ice fishing and ice skating, there is something for everyone. Lake living is a big part of "Lake Country." Oconomowoc is known for its parades. The Oconomowoc community loves to celebrate, so you’ll see parades for OHS homecoming, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Christmas. The Independence Day celebrations include fireworks displays on nearly every area lake. The Festival of the Arts is a juried art show held on the shores of Fowler Lake in the park that draws superb artists from around the nation. Oconomowoc has several area golf courses and a ski hill with a well-equipped conference center, resort, & hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oconomowoc, WI
Is Oconomowoc, WI, a good place to live?
Oconomowoc has earned its reputation as the heart of Lake Country, and we've watched the community grow while maintaining its charm over the years. The city sits between Milwaukee and Madison, giving you access to both metro areas while enjoying a walkable downtown with boutique shops, restaurants, and lakefront parks. Education here is strong, with the Oconomowoc Area School District posting nearly 98% graduation rates and test scores above state averages. Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle provide immediate recreation right in town, while over 20 additional lakes lie within a 10-mile radius. The community calendar stays full with the Festival of the Arts, Badgerland Water Ski Shows, farmers' markets, and free summer concerts at the bandshell. Healthcare options include Aurora Summit Hospital and ProHealth Care facilities nearby. We find that buyers relocating here appreciate how Oconomowoc balances natural beauty with practical conveniences for everyday living.
How far is Oconomowoc from Milwaukee?
Oconomowoc sits about 30-35 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, which translates to a 35-45 minute drive via Interstate 94. The highway runs through the southern portion of the city, making access straightforward for daily commuters. We have many clients who work in Milwaukee and find the commute worth it for the quality of life here. Madison is roughly 50 miles to the west, so you're positioned almost exactly between Wisconsin's two largest cities. Waukesha is about 15 miles east if you work in that area. What makes Oconomowoc's location appealing is being far enough from urban congestion to feel like a getaway, while keeping major employment centers within reasonable driving distance. The drive itself takes you through Lake Country, which our buyers often describe as one of the more pleasant commutes they've experienced.
What types of homes are available in Oconomowoc?
Oconomowoc's housing inventory ranges from historic Queen Anne homes near downtown to multi-million dollar lakefront estates. The main streets through the city feature gorgeous restored homes from the 1900-1940 era, many with original architectural details intact. Lakefront properties on Oconomowoc Lake, Lac La Belle, Fowler Lake, and surrounding waters command premium prices, with some exceeding $4 million for estates with private piers and significant shoreline. Established neighborhoods from the 1960s through 1980s offer well-maintained homes at more moderate price points. Newer subdivisions continue developing on the outskirts, providing contemporary construction with open floor plans and modern amenities. Condominiums and townhomes give first-time buyers and downsizers options with lower maintenance requirements. We can show you properties across this entire spectrum based on what fits your situation.
What is there to do in Oconomowoc, WI?
The lakes drive recreation here, but Oconomowoc offers far more than water activities. Fowler Lake Park features a renovated boardwalk, fishing pier, boat launch, and playground right downtown. The Badgerland Water Ski Show Team performs free shows on Fowler Lake throughout summer, and Moonlit Movies concerts draw families to the bandshell weekly. Almost 50 parks spread across the city, providing sports fields, courts, trails, and picnic areas. The Oconomowoc Arts Center brings live theater, music, and visual arts programming year-round. Shopping downtown includes boutiques, antique stores, and specialty retailers along Wisconsin Avenue. Restaurants range from casual lakeside spots to upscale dining at places like Twisted Fire and Weissgerber's Golden Mast Inn. The annual Festival of the Arts ranks among the nation's best juried art fairs, attracting thousands each August. Parades mark Memorial Day, Independence Day, Halloween, and Christmas, keeping the community engaged throughout every season.
What does Oconomowoc mean?
The name Oconomowoc comes from the Potawatomi language and translates to "where the waters meet" or "river of falling waters," depending on the interpretation. Either way, the name perfectly describes what you'll find here. The Potawatomi and Winnebago tribes were the first recorded inhabitants, drawn to this area by deep woodlands, clear lakes, abundant wildlife, and the raw materials needed to build permanent settlements. When white settlers arrived in the 1830s, they kept the Native American name as they established the trading post that eventually became the city. By 1865, Oconomowoc had incorporated and started attracting wealthy families from Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis who built summer estates along the lakes. That resort heritage shaped the architecture and character you still see today. We enjoy sharing this history with buyers because it explains why Oconomowoc developed the way it did and why the lakefront lifestyle remains central to life here.