The Nicholls/Kindberg Group: February 2016

Pewaukee

In 2013, Money Magazine ranked Pewaukee as one of the “Top 100 Communities to Live” and in 2009, Business Week Magazine ranked it as “The Best Affordable Suburb in the Nation”. Pewaukee, meaning “Lake of Shells”, did not have established homes until 1836. With a population of 13,942 people and six constituent neighborhoods, Pewaukee is the 61st largest community in Wisconsin. Pewaukee real estate is some of the most expensive in Wisconsin, although Pewaukee house values don't compare to the most expensive real estate in the U.S. Pewaukee is a very good place for families to consider because of its combination of good schools, parks, low crime, college-educated neighborhoods, and high rates of home ownership in predominantly single-family properties. The education level ranks among the highest in the nation. The Pewaukee area quickly became known for its unsurpassed beauty and as a fisherman’s dream come true. Today, Pewaukee provides the best musky fishing in southeast Wisconsin while Pewaukee Lake promises year-round fun. The city itself includes 21 square miles of land and water area and is home to over 13,500 residents. Soak in the sun at its free white sandy beach, the only free public beach in Waukesha County. Families can enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, or fishing in the spring and summer, stroll the colorful shoreline in Autumn, or ice skate at the Lakefront Park in the winter. Catch glimpses of the past when living in Pewaukee while experiencing the old charm and beauty of Lake Country. Although Pewaukee has a tranquil small-town feel, it has ongoing festivities for its locals and visitors to enjoy.

Wales

The Village of Wales is in Waukesha County and has undoubtedly grown throughout the decades in both residents and businesses. First settled in the 1840’s by Welsh immigrants, the Village of Wales remains a quaint and humble community that’s rich in culture and heritage. It has a historic downtown district and a blooming surrounding area. It has excellent schools and convenient healthcare and professional services while managing to keep its rural charm. Wales’ residents attend schools within the Kettle Moraine School District. Operating a total of six schools, all designated as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, this school district serves students within Wales, Dousman, and Genesee in its elementary, middle, and high schools. There are six colleges and six major medical centers are all

located within 25 miles. The median household income and median house value are both above state average and the renting percentage is below state average. From charming dining establishments including cozy coffee houses, full-services restaurants, banquet facilities, casual pubs, or an old-fashioned burger and custard stand, you will never have to venture very far to satisfy your every desire when living in Wales. Absorb its rich history when exploring its historic downtown. Enjoy a lovely get-away and hospitality at its best at the award-winning historic Pedal’rs Inn B&B located along the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail. Find a vast array of professional services including dance studios, chiropractors, veterinary clinics, banks, insurance companies, and much more in Wales. Staying active is never a problem when living in Wales. Hike the beautiful hills of Kettle Moraine, enjoy a challenging game of golf or tennis, try snow shoeing or cross country skiing, bike the many scenic glacial trails, join in on a historic walking tour, or simply relax during a day of boating or fishing on a nearby lake

Hartland

Hartland is a quiet place to live with a lot to offer its residents. It has small town charm with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There is a real sense of adventure in Hartland from its many parks including Castle Park, Centennial Park, and Bark River Park, and its many lakes. There are twelve lakes within a five mile radius making Hartland a great place for outdoor recreational activities. A suburb 20 miles west of Milwaukee and located in Waukesha County, “Hartland continues to offer the charm of a small town where residents take pride in their community. This is exhibited by the high quality of life found here and still is, as named by the Potawatomi Indians over 150 years ago, “Shabaquanake”, a growing place”. Hartland is proud of its exceptional schools. The Hartland Lakeside School District has many private and public schools to choose from. There is a selection of day care centers and preschools in the Hartland area as well. Hartland is home to an array of beautiful churches including St. Charles Catholic Church and Lake Country Congressional Church. Downtown Hartland is a destination of choice for locals thanks to its variety of shops and businesses. A great place for business, Hartland has “a successful mix of industrial, manufacturing, commercial, and service businesses located within the village limits. Hartland is proud of its excellent medical facilities both locally and nearby. It has a dynamic economic climate with a thriving professional community, top-notch businesses, superior municipal services, spiking industrial base, low tax rates, and a quality workforce that keeps [Hartland] on the cutting edge of business development”. Hartland continually strives to retain existing businesses and promotes business growth to create new opportunities. The Hartland Chamber of Commerce offers businesses promotional advantages and discounts as well as useful resources for networking and business growth.

City and Town of Delafield

Nestled in southeastern Wisconsin’s Lake Country, Delafield is an ideal place to live because of all that it has to offer its residents. It is located just 25 miles west of Milwaukee and 53 miles east of Madison. Delafield has all of the beautiful qualities of Lake Country with its stunning scenery and access to numerous pristine lakes. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, serenity and tranquility, history, shopping, dining, or music and art, Delafield has it all. Located just 30 minutes west of the City of Milwaukee, Delafield residents can enjoy all of Milwaukee’s best attributes and attractions in just a short drive. Rolling hills, parks, and country trails make Delafield the perfect place for outdoor adventure. Delafield is home to some of Wisconsin’s best bike trails making hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing great activities for all to enjoy no matter what season it is. Locals and visitors also enjoy curling, ice skating, and golfing on several championship golf courses. Delafield’s nearby and local parks include: Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak, Naga-Waukee County Park, Nashotah County Park, Glacial Drumlin Trail, Ice Age Trail, and other City of Delafield Parks. Nagawicka Lake provides a fantastic place for boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and other fun in the sun activities. Delafield is filled with history and has several historical sites and attractions including: Ten Chimneys, Hawks Inn Museum, St. John’s Military Academy, Old World Wisconsin, Nashotah House, and Cushing Memorial Park. Delafield residents can enjoy 30 other nearby lakes for endless fun with family and friends. Throughout the summer, sailing regattas take place for all to enjoy.

Ixonia

On the 12th of February in 1841 as a part of Watertown, Towns number 7 and 8 north of Range 16 were set off to organize the town of Union. It remained the town of Union for only five years and then was divided into two individual towns. Town 7 was called Concord without any disagreement, but a dispute resulted in the naming of town 8. To simplify matters it was agreed upon to put the letters of the alphabet on slips of paper and have young Mary Piper draw them until a name could be formed. As the result, "Ixonia" was the name given town 8 on January 21, 1846, and remains the only town bearing this name in the United States. The town of Ixonia is located in southeast Wisconsin in the county of Jefferson and remains the only town bearing this name in the United States. Ixonia has a wide variety of beautiful waterways including the Bark, Beaver Dam, Crawfish, Maunesha, Rock, and Scuppernong rivers. There is an abundance of lakes nearby as well. Along with water activities, Ixonia also offers a disc golf course, a horseshow league, and snowmobiling in the winter. There is a selection of schools to choose from for Ixonia residents. The Oconomowoc Area School District, Ixonia Elementary Schools, St. Pauls Ev Lutheran School, and the Watertown Area School District are the school choices of Ixonia residents. Ixonia offers a special tree planting at either Ski Slide Park or Firemen's Park. A plaque displayed in the Ixonia Firemen's Hall will have the name placed on it in honor or memory of the individual named of your choice.

Menomonee Falls

Wisconsin’s Largest Village”, marries a small town charm with a modern convenient lifestyle. Menomonee Falls occupies 33 scenic square miles in the northeastern corner of Waukesha County and just northwest of Milwaukee. This area is saturated with culture, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and sporting activities. One of the village’s most appealing attributes is the Village Center. Anchored at Appleton Avenue and Main Street, affectionately known as the “four corners”, the village center has a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, and service businesses. Decorative street lighting, red-bricked sidewalks and historic buildings all help to enhance the downtown ambiance. Downtown Menomonee Falls is home to the beautiful Mill Pond Park as well as the Lime Kiln Natural Area. While strolling through the parkway, spectators can admire views of Lepper Dam or take the Historic Walking Tour of the downtown buildings. Residents and visitors to the village can enjoy summertime concerts, farmer’s markets, and art galleries. Downtown Menomonee Falls is a distinctive, unique, and growing setting. This Village’s mission is “committed to open, ethical and responsive government, and will actively and responsibly strive to provide the highest quality of municipal services consistent with the changing needs and desires of the community and a realistic assessment of resources available”.

City and Town of Oconomowoc

In the “heart of lake country” is the city and town of Oconomowoc. The Native American name “Oconomowoc” means “where the waters meet”, referring to the junction of Fowler Lake and Lac LaBelle. Despite the beautiful nearby lakes, Oconomowoc offers much more than just mesmerizing scenery. Downtown Oconomowoc celebrates a small town feel with big city style. There is everything from fantastic dining, special boutiques, fun events, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Oconomowoc continues to grow as a shopping destination. The eclectic mix of established stores, new boutiques, and unique destinations create a memorable experience. Shopping during the day followed by an evening filled with fun entertainment. Oconomowoc has a great blend of bars, pubs, and breweries that guarantee a fun night. There is joy to be had all year round in Oconomowoc both indoors and outdoors. There are museums, performing arts and cultural entertainment, galleries, recreation trails, golfing, water sports, boating, beaches, parks, and shopping that are all certain to entertain and please. The 15-mile Lake Country Trail is a popular hiking and biking spot for locals and visitors seeking activity outdoors. The Oconomowoc Area School District offers both private and public schools. According to the consumer advocacy group NerdWallet.com, “Oconomowoc was recently named as the top place to find a job and as a place to raise a family in the state of Wisconsin” (2015). The area has an abundance of residential offering from homes and apartments to condominiums and new developments. Whether you are seeking a smaller abode or a single-family home to grow into, Oconomowoc is undoubtedly a great place to live.

Okauchee

Okauchee is located within Waukesha County with Okauchee Lake as its centerpiece. Okauchee Lake is the main attraction for Okauchee and is something that its residents pride upon. The lake offers plenty of fun for family and friends from boating, swimming, fishing, water sports, or simply relaxing. Okauchee Lake is also studded with great restaurants to grab a bite in between your fun in the sun. Okauchee shares all that Oconomowoc has to offer as well from its school districts, churches, hospitals, and more.

Chenequa

Deriving from the Potawatomi Indian word "Pine" for the rare Southern Wisconsin White Pines, Chenequa has been known as Tree City USA since 1985. Founded in 1928, the village of Chenequa is located in the Lake Country portion of Waukesha County, about 30 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. The town completely surrounds the 703 acre Pine Lake also including portions of Beaver Lake and North Lake. The great outdoors are essential to the lifestyles of the residents. Chenequa is devoted solely for residential purposes to assure peace, serenity, and restfulness to its citizens. It is the second most wealthy incorporated area in Wisconsin. Requirements for village zoning for non-lake lots is a minimum of 5 acres while lake lots require 2-4.5 acres depending on lake frontage. Chenequa Country Club is the ideal country club for residents of Chenequa. The club sits alongside Beaver Lake and has a course that covers 174 treed and rolling acres, four asphalt and three clay tennis courts that some call the “best clay courts in Wisconsin”, and a newly renovated and expanded clubhouse. University Lake School resides in the village of Chenequa. This is a quaint village that is rich in nature with access to three stunning lakes that are great for boating, fishing, and having fun with family and friends.

Genesee

Genesee Township is located near the center of Waukesha County, between Waukesha and Ottawa, in the beautiful Kettle Moraine area of southeast Wisconsin. Formed over 10,000 years ago by glaciers, the area was founded by German, Welsh, Irish, and English immigrants in the early 1840’s. Genesse has two parks; Genesee Town Park and Genesee Sunset Park where those who are adventurous can take on the challenge of the 47-mile glacial drumlin trail. Locals and visitors like to stop by Ten Chimneys, a national historic landmark of the home of the late Broadway actors Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt in Genesee Depot. There is a variety of senior and assisted living centers throughout Genesee as well as the highly respected Genesee Lake School.

Summit

If you seek a quiet and rural setting in Lake Country but with urban amenities, then Summit is the place for you. Located in western Waukesha County, Summit’s location provides for great outdoor recreation and state parks. Milwaukee and Madison are nearby which makes professional sporting events and cultural performances easily accessible to Summit’s residents. In addition to a variety of quality housing developments and excellent school districts, there are many shopping and dining opportunities close by. Residents of Summit are in abundance of opportunities to live, work, and play in their continuously growing and thriving community. Summit was initially a part of Milwaukee County. The town was first settled in the spring of 1837 by Andrew Baxter. In 1838, Curtis Reed, who was the first town chairman, became the first postmaster. By 1840, there were 335 settlers in Summit's 36 square miles.

Merton

The Village of Merton is a cozy community located in the Lake Country area, twenty miles west of Milwaukee. Not only is it a quiet area where you can raise your family in a rural setting but it is also a great place to live for any outdoor enthusiast. There are several parks and lakes that surround Merton, including Okauchee Lake, North Lake, and Lake Keesus. The beautiful lakes are surrounded by great hotels and cottages that provide the perfect summer haven. There are great ballparks spread throughout the town and the popular Ice Age Trail available for those seeking to hike and explore. A fantastic library, little boutiques, and delicious restaurants make the town of Merton an admirable place to live. Merton is a part of the well respected Arrowhead School District, which is known for its high academic standards, in addition to its top ranking athletic teams. Merton has eight elementary schools, two union high schools, and a full K-8 school district. Merton also has three different fire districts and three ambulance districts as well. With a wide array of churches for residents to choose from, Merton has something to offer everyone.

Nashotah

Incorporated in 1957, the Village of Nashotah is a beautiful place to live with plenty to offer its residents. Rich in history and a rustic and feel, this village is a place filled with outdoor activities, older establishments, and a true sense of community. Nashotah is home to the oldest restaurant in Wisconsin, the Red Circle Inn. The Pabst Brewing Family bought the inn in 1889 and it soon became the perfect place for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy all that the surrounding lake area has to offer. Nashotah Park is a popular destination for residents of Nashotah during the spring and summer. Nashotah makes a fantastic home for many seeking a rich feeling of history, nature, a close-nit community, and easy accessibility to surrounding areas both within and outside of Lake Country. Lake Country School pre K-8 serves the village residents with students attending Arrowhead High School for grades 9-12. A private pre K-8 school is in the village, Lake Country Christian Academy, as well as other private schools in the surrounding communities.

Ottawa

Covering 36 square miles with a population of 3,867, the Town of Ottawa has always been considered a superb place to live! Ottawa is the perfect town for outdoor recreation due to nearby lakes, recreation trails, and its popular parks. The Glacial Drumlin Trail and the Ice Age Trail both provide scenic views and an adventurous route for biking, hiking, inline-skating, snowmobiling, and access to shorter trails leading to the Kettle Moraine State Forest area. The Town of Ottawa provides youth sports and recreation activities through the Kettle Moraine Recreation Association. Ottawa Town Park hosts several special events at its three regulation softball fields, tee-ball field, five soccer fields, and two sand volleyball courts each season, including the Junior Lasers Baseball Tournament. There are three boat launches for public access to Pretty Lake and Hunter’s Lake in town. If you desire to reside in a small charming town where you are surrounded by pristine lakes, natural beauty, lush forestry, and a warming sense of community, then the Town of Ottawa would be a great place for you and your family!

Dousman

Nestled in the gorgeous Kettle Moraine areas of Southeastern Wisconsin, Dousman is a great place to reside, work, and have fun. A mix of multigenerational families and new residents contribute to the growing community. The real estate within Dousman is a blend of traditional homes and new development, adding to several new neighborhoods. Neighboring the Town of Ottawa and the Village of Summit, Dousman contracts with the Village of Summit for police but has its very own Dousman Fire District. The residents of Dousman attend the Kettle Moraine School District which has six schools, all of which are Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

Dousman is home to many attractions ranging from recreational trails, parks, museums, and concerts. The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a 47-mile trail that was created in 1989 on an abandoned railroad and run between the City of Waukesha to the east and the Village of Cottage Grove to the west. The trail is a scenic route for bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and skaters to enjoy in the summer and snowmobilers to enjoy in the winter. One of the most popular attractions near Dousman is the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit which is located 4 miles south of Dousman off of Highway 67. The State Forest is speckled with year-round activities for all to enjoy with its glacial trails and pristine lakes. Those seeking adventure can easily enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, camping, and much more. Lapham Peak State Park is another park that those visiting or living in Dousman can enjoy. Located off of Highway C in the Town of Delafield, this park offers a wide range of activities such as a lovely view from the 45-foot observation tower. Lapham Peak State Park is also home to the SummerStage Theater venue which is an outdoor facility used for cultural, educational, and community outreach purposes. Throughout the year, SummerStage offers plays, music events, and family events. Those living in Dousman can easily visit Old World Wisconsin which is located just 11 miles south of Dousman off of Highway 67 in Eagle. Old World Wisconsin is a fantastic outdoor museum portraying immigrant farm and village life. No matter what you look for in a place of residency, Dousman has it all.

The Town of Lisbon

Located just a 20-minute drive from Milwaukee, the Town of Lisbon is just north central in Waukesha County. Lisbon offers its residents the best of both worlds with its small town atmosphere and its easy accessibility to all that the City of Milwaukee offers. Comprised mostly of a residential community, Lisbon also has over 170 acres of park land and three large golf courses. Residents of Lisbon are lucky and proud to attend two excellent school systems, Hamilton and Arrowhead School Districts.

Lisbon offers a plethora of parks and recreational activities for those looking to spend time outdoors and enjoying the beautiful Spring through Fall seasons and adventure in the Winter time. Lisbon offers plenty to those looking to live and lead a fully productive life and those seeking a great sense of community.

Village of Sussex

After the first settlers landed in 1843, the Village of Sussex didn’t come about until 1924 when Sussex and Templeton joined together to become the Village of Sussex. With a population of almost 11,000, Sussex is located in Waukesha County, approximately 19 miles northwest of Milwaukee and nine miles north of Waukesha. Sussex prides on its well-maintained and accessible parks and recreation facilities to enhance health, community, economy, and the environment. Village Park and Armory Park are two of Sussex’s most popular parks due to their ice rank, disc golf course, and baseball diamonds.

Sussex is a close-nit community where residents love to spend time outdoors and socialize with neighbors. There are numerous fun events throughout the year in Sussex that bring residents together including the annual Farmer’s Market, Spring Fest, Zumbathon, and Rock-a-thon events. Residents of Sussex attend Arrowhead, Hamilton, or Richmond School Districts. There are also a variety of churches nearby.

Spectacular Surrounding Areas

Waukesha (Southeast of Lake Country)

Located near the center of Waukesha County in southeastern Wisconsin, 18 miles west of Milwaukee and 59 miles east of Madison. Originally known as “Prairie Village”, the city of Waukesha was lush with forestry and prairies along the banks of the Fox River, the first home to resident Indian tribes. During the last quarter of the 19th century, Waukesha gained worldwide notoriety as a resort area due to the alleged “healing effects” of the local spring water. It now is the 7th largest cities in Wisconsin with almost 70,000 residents. In 2015, Waukesha ranked 8th on the list of American’s 50 Best Cities to Live by 24/7 Wall Street and in 2012 it ranked 98th on the list of 100 Best Places to Live by Money Magazine as well as named for 100 Best Communities in the U.S for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance. Being named a Preserve America city by former First Lady, Laura Bust, Waukesha holds several accolades. Waukesha has undoubtedly prospered into a thriving city that’s defined by quality education, strong health care facilities, diversified industry, attractive and inviting residential areas, and a highly experienced hospitality industry. Some successfully well-known businesses located in Waukesha include GE Healthcare, ProHealth Care, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Coper Power Systems, and Generac Power Systems. There is never a shortage of things to see or do in Waukesha all year round whether it’s exploring its multiple parks or museums, swimming in Fox Brook Beach, boating or fishing at a nearby lake, golfing, or strolling through the carefully restored architecture of the downtown district. Waukesha School District is filled with highly respectable and quality schools.

New Berlin (Southeast of Lake Country)

Located in the southeast corner of Waukesha County, expanding 36.9 square miles. The city is situated between Madison and Milwaukee, while Green Bay and Chicago are just a short drive away. Since becoming a city in 1959, New Berlin was transformed from a mostly agriculturally-based community to a suburban and industrial community. The city offers a wide range of housing opportunities including single-family homes to lovely and affordable apartments and condos. The rural views and forestry areas simply add to the city’s charm. This tight-knit city is great for families to live in. Its residents gather for holiday parades and youth sporting events. A New Berlin hallmark is its highly organized Parks and Forestry Department. In a perfectly situated area, New Berlin is nearby any of your needs whether it is shopping, recreation, businesses, lakes, or anything else. New Berlin offers plenty of great schools for its residents. There are nearby elementary, middle, and high schools as well as Holy Apostles Catholic grade school and Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School.

Brookfield (East of Lake Country)

Located in the heart of Southeastern Wisconsin, about 15 miles west of Milwaukee, and is one of the most sought-after areas to live in Waukesha County. It is a beautiful community of choice for families and businesses with many wonderful qualities. Brookfield is a premier sustainable place to live, work, shop, dine, and have fun. The "Brookfield Concept" is to “establish and maintain substantial open space around structures for generous light, air, convenience of access, safety from fire, and the enhancement of property values.” Brookfield's neighborhoods offer quiet residential character in low-density developments and a variety of housing options from single-family homes to condominiums and apartments. Pride of ownership is evident throughout the city with well-maintained homes and professional landscaping. Brookfield's desirability as a place of residence results in low vacancy rates for both owner occupied housing and for rental housing. Several senior housing developments, such as Brookfield Woods Senior Apartment Community, Care-Age of Brookfield, Heritage Place Rentals, and Willow Brook offer senior citizens other housing alternatives. Quality of schools is one of Brookfield's most desirable attributes. The School District of Elmbrook enrolls students from several municipalities and is comprised of six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one special education school.

Village and Town of Mukwonago

Located in Waukesha County, with a portion extending into the Town of East Troy in Walworth County, the Town of Mukwonago is a prime intersection of leisure, economic growth, academic pride, safe surroundings, nature, and rich history. With a now estimated total around 4.8 square miles in size, the Town of Mukwonago began its influx in residents around the 1960s and 1970s when the construction of the Rock Freeway (I-43) from Milwaukee to Mukwonago came about. Because of the agricultural activities originally operated by descendants of the first Town settlers, Mukwonago is now a mix of agricultural and residential areas today. Residents of Mukwonago appreciate the area’s natural beauty and its agricultural advantages that they embarked upon the original long-range land use plan to preserve the quality of life for future generations.
Mukwonago lays just minutes from Milwaukee and allow for convenient access to Chicago and Madison. The mixture of quaint small-town characteristics and urban amenities, this Town attracts visitors from all over and offers plenty to those looking for a wonderful place to reside. Mukwonago was proudly featured in 2015 Niche Rating as “one of the best towns in Wisconsin to raise a family”. From wide open spaces, a variety of parks, sparkling waterways including the Fox River, great schools, and economic growth, no wonder why Mukwonago would make a fantastic place to live!

The Nicholls/Kindberg Group

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Nicholls/Kindberg Group Featured in Delafield Neighbors in July 2014

Lake Country Bike and Recreation Trails

Waukesha County Golf Courses

Monday, February 15, 2016

Cities and Towns of Wisconsin's Lake Country