Ozaukee County, WI Real Estate

Ozaukee County Wisconsin

Ozaukee County is the smallest county in Wisconsin by landmass, but packs an amazing array of recreational opportunities in such a small space. With 25 miles of Lake Michigan shores, Ozaukee County offers gorgeous views of the lake as well as the many water activities that accompany it. Ozaukee County includes some of the safest neighborhoods close to Milwaukee. Between its proximity to Milwaukee and its own quiet suburban charm, Ozaukee County truly does have something for everyone.

Ozaukee County Real Estate

Because Ozaukee County encompasses many of the safest suburbs of Milwaukee, most of the houses for sale in Ozaukee County are single-family homes. Bayside has plenty of brick ranches and cape cods interspersed throughout its many subdivisions. The quaint, historic village of Cedarburg is filled with large homes surrounded by plenty of land. Mequon has a comfortable suburban feel and is united by plenty of quiet back roads. Homes in Mequon tend to be updated with modern amenities whether they are modern and recently built or old and historic. Overall, Ozaukee County tends to see families stay for long periods of time, establishing deep roots in this friendly, community-focused county. Although many of the homes for sale in Ozaukee County are large, single-family homes, there are plenty of condominiums and apartments for rent as well.

Living in Ozaukee County

Residents of Ozaukee County enjoy plenty of activities throughout the year. From exciting festivals to outdoor farmers markets, Ozaukee County homeowners can always find something to do! Saukville residents demonstrate their dedication to keeping Ozaukee County’s natural beauty alive through their annual River Fest. During this festival, Saukville homeowners take to the trails and clean up the beautiful land surrounding their portion of the Milwaukee River. Cedarburg is host to the last free fair in Wisconsin, the Ozaukee County Fair at Firemen’s Park every summer. One of the last free fairs in the Midwest, the Ozaukee County Fair brings together the residents of Ozaukee County for 4-H and school art competitions, carnival rides, live music, farm animals and of course fried food! Check out Mequon’s Harley-Davidson Dealership, Suburban Motors, to add some edge to this absolutely charming county.

In addition to the exciting activities in Ozaukee County, there are also plenty of annual festivals to keep residents busy. Cedarburg is the epicenter of festivals in Ozaukee County. In the fall, head out to Cedarburg’s Wine and Harvest Festival. Aside from the displays of Wisconsin’s finest food and beverages, families can also participate in grape stomping and hayrides! As the weather turns cooler, Winter Festival keeps Ozaukee County residents entertained with ice carving competitions and chili cook off. Stop by Cedarburg’s Strawberry Festival in the summertime and experience arts and crafts booths, live music and tons of strawberries!

Ozaukee County also has an extensive Parks and Recreation Department, especially considering its small size! Head over to Cedarburg’s Covered Bridge Park to see the last original wooden covered bridge in Wisconsin. It is a popular spot for photographs due to its beautiful, rustic architecture as well as the adorable creek that runs underneath the bridge. Feed your inner Tiger Woods at Hawthorne Hills Park and Golf Course in Saukville. Because so much of Hawthorne Hills Park is untouched, it is also a beautiful retreat for hiking, walking and bird watching. To see all of Ozaukee County, visit the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. Running through the entire length of Ozaukee County, the Interurban Trail contains 30 miles of paved trail connecting historic downtowns and the natural beauty of the area. In the summer, many will walk or bike down the trail while the winter sees many cross-country skiers!

Culture in Ozaukee County

In addition its natural beauty, Ozaukee County is also home to many cultural opportunities. The residents of Ozaukee County celebrate the visual arts in the Ozaukee Art Center in Cedarburg. Featuring exhibits and workshops across a wide variety of media, the Ozaukee Art Center is home to many different types of fine arts. Check out Mequon’s Gathering on the Green for live performances from a variety of groups. From ballet to live music, Gathering on the Green is always an entertaining festival in Mequon!

Schools in Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County has some of the strongest schools in Wisconsin. Forbes names Cedarburg’s School District as one of the “Best Schools for your Housing Buck.” Grafton Elementary School, a member of the Grafton School District, was recognized as a 2013 Blue Ribbon School for their academic excellence. The Mequon-Thiensville School District, servicing Ozaukee County’s cities of Mequon and Thiensville, was rated #1 K-12 district in Wisconsin!

Business in Ozaukee County

Because Ozaukee County houses mostly suburbs of Milwaukee, many of the businesses there tend to be small, family-owned businesses. Whether boutique clothing shops or mom-and-pop grocery stores, Ozaukee County has a wealth of small businesses. The business community in the county is steadily growing, fed mostly by business owners moving to live in the suburbs as opposed to the city of Milwaukee.

Ozaukee County History

Before 1835, the residents of Ozaukee County were mostly members of the Potawatomi and Menominee tribes. When, in 1835, the President began selling land in what would become Wisconsin, settlers recognized the strength of the land because of the rich soil and moderate climate. Ozaukee County itself was settled mostly by German immigrants, whose influence can still be seen to this day through such events as German Festival in Ozaukee County.