WAUKESHA COUNTY
County Offices
1320 Pewaukee Road
Waukesha
262-548-7020
www.waukeshacounty.gov
Chamber of Commerce
223 Wisconsin Avenue
Waukesha
262-251-2430
www.waukesha.org
Services
Consistently ranked among Wisconsin’s fastest-growing counties, Waukesha is a magnet for residential and business development just 25 miles from downtown Milwaukee. Expansion in all sectors and directions has stimulated a thriving local economy, while civic leaders work diligently to protect the region’s natural beauty through parks and preservations. The county is well known for its superior educational system that consistently earns regional, statewide, and national accolades. The county provides an impressive selection of institutions of higher education that include Waukesha County Technical College, Carroll College, and the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. Within a reasonable commute from home are many other public and private colleges and universities as well as highly specialized institutions that prepare students for professional careers, including a nursing college and a college of medicine. The campus for the University of Wisconsin concentrates on offering an affordable start to a four-year degree as well as a wide variety of career and vocational programs.
Newcomers to Waukesha County can look forward to easy access to quality healthcare for routine or specialized needs. The comprehensive network of services and facilities is anchored by four leading hospitals: Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Elmbrook Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, and Community Memorial Hospital. Waukesha Memorial Hospital is a tertiary care institution with specialties in heart care, cancer care, behavioral health, senior health, and women’s health. The full-service hospital of Oconomowoc Memorial maintains a focus on cancer care, cardiology, women’s health services, obstetrics & gynecology, orthopedics, sports medicine, and surgical specialties. Providing outstanding services in emergency and general medicine, surgery, ambulatory care, and women’s health is the mission of Elmbrook Memorial, while Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls has emerged as a regional healthcare resource for residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee counties.
Lifestyle
Residents of beautiful Waukesha County, with its velvet rolling hills and pristine lakes, place a high value on quality of life. This rapidly growing region west of Milwaukee County is known for handsome business parks and upscale residential housing. Glaciers moving across this terrain 15,000 years ago carved out dozens of panoramic lakes that now serve as centerpieces for magnificent homes and high-end enclaves. To the southwest, the county encompasses part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest to offer enchanting hiking trails around lakes, hills, and ridges. Woodland beauty paints a “Monet painting” background for many lovely new homes and contemporary developments. The northern part of the county stretches into Wisconsin’s scenic Lake Country.
Many of the rural areas that have experienced a population boom in recent decades have taken steps to preserve and protect vast green spaces and wildlife habitat. Park feature miles of panoramic trails for hiking, biking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. More than 70 lakes make this an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering some of the finest boating, fishing, and water recreation in the state. In this environment of breathtaking natural beauty, golf has become a popular sport in public and private clubs. City, town, and village parks and recreation departments provide a wide range of quality facilities, programs, and amenities that include nature trails, boat launches, campgrounds, horseback riding trails, hiking and biking trails, swimming beaches, tennis courts, golf courses, and sports fields or courts of every type.
Residents of Waukesha County are some of the most cultural active in the state. Thriving theatre groups that include Wisconsin’s oldest active theatre organization join the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra and Waukesha Choral Union to anchor the kaleidoscope of performing arts. The recent completion of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts has significantly strengthened and unified the art community. Festivals, celebrations, ethnic fairs, and special events fill the calendar with exciting dates to remember. Even the smaller communities have developed long-standing traditions that bring neighbors and families together while they attract throngs of visitors for a genuine “town party.” For all the elements that make up the good life, consider making Waukesha County your new home.
Brookfield
City Hall
262-782-9650
www.cityofbrookfield.com
Chamber of Commerce
262-786-1886
www.brookfieldchamber.com
Now featuring a beautifully restored Original Village of Brookfield, this growing community has matured into a highly balanced and thriving city. The attractive mixed-use Towne Center and the handsome Corporate Lakes business park are examples of the attention to quality development. Brookfield Square Mall, Stonewood Village shopping, theatres, restaurants, night spots, specialty shops, and services add to the convenience of daily life. Brookfield is known for an exceptional parks system, featuring the outstanding Brookfield Soccer Park and a popular aquatic center. Mitchell Park with its array of sports facilities has transformed into a cultural park with the opening of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. Franklin Wirth City Park features playgrounds, an Olympic pool, ball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails, picnic areas, a toboggan slide, and a full compliment of recreational activities. Brookfield Town expands the opportunities for country living with city convenience, offering a large selection of homes on half-acre or acre sites.
Butler
Village Hall
262-783-2525
Chamber of Commerce
262-781-5195
The small, welcoming village of Butler is convenient to the western Milwaukee County suburb of Wauwatosa, where village residents can easily access shopping and specialized services along Blue Mound Road and the North Avenue Corridor. Wauwatosa also provides a core of advanced healthcare facilities. Area youth receive a quality education in the Menomonee Falls or Sussex-Hamilton school districts. Village life in Butler revolves around homespun pleasures, the serenity of friendly neighborhoods, active clubs and civic or social organizations, and the security of a hometown feeling. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle with a lively calendar of special events that center around church, social, and school activities. The restoration of the Historic Clarke House in 1955 was a proud community effort spearheaded by the volunteer Butler Community Foundation.
Delafield, Nashota
Delafield City Hall
262-646-6220
www.cityofdelafield.com
Nashotah Village Hall
262-367-8440
Chamber of Commerce
262-646-8100
www.delafieldchamber.org
Few communities can rival Historic Delafield for offering a quaint and distinctive retreat in the panoramic hills of the Kettle Moraine. The city surrounds sparkling Lake Nagawicka just 30 minutes west of Milwaukee near Interstate 94. Highlights include award-winning restaurants, historic sites and attractions, antique and specialty shopping, and year-round recreational activities. Commercial corridors include the Highway 83 interchange and the equally popular and inviting downtown district with its friendly merchants and exceptional artisans. Wonderful annual festivals and celebrations, scenic biking and hiking trails, a family ice arena, private yacht and sports clubs, challenging golf courses, ski hill, shimmering lakes, and vast expanses of velvet parkland add to the quality of life. Recreational jewels include Nagawaukee Park, Cushing Park, Fireman’s and Lapham Peak State Parks. The small village and surrounding town blend seamlessly for a hometown atmosphere.
Eagle
Town Hall
262-594-5800
www.townofeaglewi.us
Village Hall
262-594-3400
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
The town and village of Eagle are located approximately 35 miles from Milwaukee to offer a serene country atmosphere within a reasonable commute from metropolitan amenities. Highlights of this community include Eagle Springs Lake for swimming, boating, fishing, and ice-fishing. Other popular pastimes include lively jamborees, Old World Wisconsin, horseback riding, and golfing. Eagle is located at the very western border of Waukesha County, attracting newcomers to a strongly rural and equestrian atmosphere. Several riding stables offer guided tours on horseback through the Kettle Moraine area, and expansive properties are available for those who enjoy keeping or raising horses. The outlying forest is ideal for camping, hiking, biking, and picnicking. Inspired by the great outdoor museums of Europe, Old World Wisconsin offers a premier museum of immigrant farm and village life with historic interpreters. More than 50 historic buildings represent 10 ethnic farmsteads and a crossroads village.
Elm Grove
Village Hall
262-782-6700
www.elmgrovewi.org
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
Offering a reasonable 20-minute trip to the international airport and just a 10-minute drive to downtown Milwaukee, the village of Elm Grove is recognized as one of the most scenic residential communities in all of Wisconsin. Every effort has been made by planners and residents to preserve the charm and appeal of their quaint village atmosphere. Curbs and sidewalks are missing from residential neighborhoods to preserve the “country feeling.” Meandering shady streets, lovely homes graced by mature greenery and fruit trees, and attractive cityscapes that reflect community pride are all threads in the tapestry of this residential haven. This highly desirable address is limited in growth by natural boundaries, a fact that will contributed toward the preservation of the high quality of life. Elm Grove is surrounded on three sides by Brookfield and on the east by Wauwatosa for commercial conveniences and expanded amenities.
Genesee, Genesee Depot
Genesee Town Hall
262-968-3656
www.towngenesee.org
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
The Genesee area encompasses the sprawling town of Genesee as well as the hamlet of Genesee Depot and the village of North Plains. The area evolved as a cluster of “village” trading centers created in the 1800s. Although this popular area has experienced rapid development of suburban subdivisions, many visionary builders have taken effort to preserve the natural beauty of the gently rolling hills through generous parcels. Home sites of three acres and larger are common, and Genesee is well-known as the “horse-lovers paradise” for its multi-acre wooded lots. Also gracing the community is the vast acreage of county parks and the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Regional lakes encourage a water-oriented lifestyle filled with outdoor recreation. One of the highlight attractions in this area is Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot, the celebrated home of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. In addition to preserving their personal décor and collections, this idyllic inspires today’s emerging actors, writers, and artists.
Hartland, Chenegua
Hartland Village Hall
262-367-2714
www.villageofhartland.com
Chenegua Village Hall
262-367-2239
Chamber of Commerce
262-367-7059
www.hartland-wi.org
Located 20 miles west of Milwaukee in the heart of Wisconsin’s “Lake Country,” the village of Hartland excels in offering small-town charm and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Residents are proud of the area’s outstanding schools, fine churches, lovely homes, excellent medical facilities, great shopping, convenient services, and popular restaurants. The village has developed and nurtured a strong and vibrant local economy in thriving business centers and industrial parks. More than a dozen lakes are available with a five-mile radius from home, ensuring virtually unlimited water-sport activates. Golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, recreation programs, lush parks, and nearby forests for outdoor adventures combine to offer opportunities for an active lifestyle. The exclusive small village of Chenegua claims some of the most prestigious estates in the county for those who desire opulent lakefront living. Many grand old mansions and architecturally controlled developments combine with the private Chenequa Country Club in this upscale enclave.
Lac La Belle, Lake Oconomowoc
Village Hall
262-567-6817
Chamber of Commerce
262-567-2666
www.oconomowoc.org
Those who are looking for a panoramic and tranquil lakefront community just beyond the amenities of a well-developed city will want to explore the residential options in Lac La Belle and Lake Oconomowoc. Country clubs, yacht clubs, and private sports clubs combine with upscale housing and beautiful contemporary subdivisions all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Spectacular homes are nestled against the wooded beauty and clear lakes of the Kettle Moraine region. Oconomowoc originally attracted wealthy Midwestern families from the larger cities who desired an idyllic summer destination for vacation homes, celebrations, and special events. Today, the city managed to blend old-world charm with elegance and state-of-the-art sophistication. In contrast to the lake communities’ contemporary styling, the city nestles the splendor of Victorian architecture around gazebos, quaint walks, and historic band shells.
Lisbon, Lannon, Sussex
Lisbon Town Hall
262-246-6100
www.townoflisbonwi.com/
Lannon Village Hall
262-251-7690
Sussex Village Hall
262-246-5200
www.village.sussex.wi.us
Chamber of Commerce
262-246-4940
www.sussexareachamber.org
Located approximately 20 miles from downtown Milwaukee, the town of Lisbon and the associated villages of Lannon and Sussex share a close location and a sense of community pride. This area offers quiet country living at it finest, enhanced by the availability of local shopping, convenient services, and lovely parks. Popular outdoor sports include horseback riding, skiing and winter sports, golfing, hiking, biking, camping, and nature study. Residents also enjoy a location in close proximity to major highways that provide fast travel to downtown Milwaukee and its western suburbs for world-class cultural attractions and metropolitan entertainment opportunities. The township surrounds the village of Sussex and neighbors Lannon as well. Scores of subdivisions have sprung up in Lisben alone, supported by local businesses and a bevy of parks that include the centerpiece 120-acre Lisbon Community Park. The former quarry settlement of Lannon, once a part of Memononee, has a tradition of strong support for and participation in baseball.
Menomonee Falls
Village Hall
262-532-4200
www.menomonee-falls.org
Chamber of Commerce
262-251-2430
http://www.fallschamber.com
Well-balanced and impressively developed, the village of Menomonee Falls is uniquely situated as the most northwestern neighbor of the Milwaukee metropolitan suburbs. Cradled in the pastoral hills of Waukesha County, the village enjoys close proximity to urban amenities and world-class cultural attractions as well as vast state parks, deep forests, sparkling lakes, and wildlife refuges. Lake Michigan is less than 10 miles from home for virtually unlimited water sports, boating, and sailing. Menomonee Falls has experienced a boom in new-home construction and residential growth since the early 1990s, so the selection of housing is exceptionally attractive and abundant. Many companies and businesses have also relocated to this area, drawn by the quality of life and excellent transportation facilities. The charming Village Centre contrasts with modern business centers and industrial parks.
Merton, North Lake, Okauchee Lake
Merton Village Hall
262-538-0820
www.villageofmerton.com
North Lake Town Hall
262.966-2651
www.townofmerton.com
Okauchee Lake Management
262-966-0286
www.olmd.org/
Chamber of Commerce
262-567-2666
www.oconomowoc.org
Quaint local villages dot a rolling, wooded countryside to offer diverse residential environments where residents enjoy lakefront and rural living at its finest. Regional attractions like sparking lakes, the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, the Ice Age Trail, and championship golf courses combine with quaint retail districts, neighborhood parks, and historic sites in family-oriented communities. Homes in this area range from modest bungalows and turn-of-the-century styling to elaborate estates and exclusive custom residences. Just 20 miles from Milwaukee, this tranquil area is ideal for an active outdoor lifestyle that includes fishing, biking, hiking, camping, water sports, and winter sports. The small hamlet of North Lake is home to the Merton town offices, while Okauchee Lake crosses the Merton township boundary into Oconomowoc township. Both lake communities surround crystal waters and wooded beauty with fine residential development.
Mukwonago
Town Hall
262-363-4555
www.townofmukwonago.us/
Village Hall
262-363-6420
www.townofmukwonago.us/
Chamber of Commerce
262-363-7758
www.mukwonagochamber.org
Named for a Native American term that means “Land of the Bear,” the Mukwonago community is one of the fastest growing in the county. Approximately 30 miles from Milwaukee, residents enjoy the transportation efficiency of Interstate 43 for commuting ease. Both the town and the smaller village provide a country atmosphere close to the bright lights of the city, where a growing number of local employers enhance the tax base. Recreational opportunities abound around the four seasons. Phantom Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing, while championship golf courses challenge players from novice to professional. Fine museums, convenient services, retail opportunities including the exclusive “Midnight Magic” extravaganza in December combine with county, village, and township parks filled with sports facilities and recreational amenities. Historic charm abounds throughout the Mukwonago community in grand old architecture and treasures from yesterday including wonderful antiques and collectibles.
Muskego
City Hall
262-679-4108
http://www.cityofmuskego.org/facilities.aspx?RID=27&Page=detail
Chamber of Commerce
262-679-255
www.muskego.org
Civic leaders and residents are justly proud of the city of Muskego in providing a quality environment where industrial, commercial, residential, and recreational development is harmoniously integrated. Adding to the balance of the community are exceptional city services, an excellent school system, and a prime location in close proximity to the attractions of metropolitan Milwaukee. This expansive rural setting provides a pleasing atmosphere for family living and thriving commerce and business. The city surrounds the sparkling lakes of Little Muskego, Big Muskego and Denoon for virtually unlimited outdoor recreation and water sports. Modern subdivisions have been springing up rapidly since the 1900s, providing convenience to major highways as well as the Southridge and Brookfield Square Shopping Centers. Nestled in the heart of Lake County, Muskego excels in small-town charm and a relaxed country atmosphere graced by fine churches and lovely homes.
New Berlin
City Hall
262-786-8610
www.newberlin.org
Chamber of Commerce
262-786-5280
http://www.newberlinchamber.org
Fertile farmland and agricultural activity gradually gave way to suburban development in the New Berlin area, where large tracts of still undeveloped land suggest further growth and expansion. More than a dozen city parks and a public golf course green the cityscape, adding sports facilities and recreational amenities. Approximately 10 percent of the community is zones for business and industry, and the city boasts a new industrial park that is ranked among the finest in the state. New Berlin has managed to integrate modern convenience and advancements with the personalized hospitality and friendliness of a small town. The city is large enough to be self-contained, yet remains comfortable, livable, and tranquil for “city living with a touch of country.” The new City Center, an impressive mixed-use development combining offices with a new library and fine residences, contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic district and magnificent architecture.
North Prairie, Ottawa
North Prairie Village Hall
262-392-2271
www.northprairie.net
Ottawa Town Hall
262-896-8300
http://www.tn.ottawa.wi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
262-567-2666
www.oconomowoc.org
Since the early 1900s, North Prairie has been home to family living, superb recreation, opportunities for development, and a strong community spirit. Nestled in Wisconsin’s breathtakingly beautiful Lake Country and bordering on the forests of the Kettle Moraine, the village is easily accessible via State Route 59. North Prairie continues to grow in popularity and vitality, drawing newcomers to small-town charm and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A growing local economy, fine old churches, lovely homes shaded by mature greenery, contemporary construction, and commercial centers add to the quality of life. New golf courses, popular restaurants, convenient services, and lush parks make this area ideal for family living. The town of Ottawa adds a selection of residential options and recreational amenities including a Town Park with boat launches on three lakes and multi-purpose trails through pristine forest.
Oconomowoc
City Hall
262-569-2186
http://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
262- 567-2666
www.oconomowoc.org
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Lake Country, Oconomowoc shines as a full-service community steeped history and graced by natural beauty. A remarkable list of businesses and industries call this area home, attracting employees who appreciate the area’s high quality of life. Called the “Newport of the West,” in its early development, Oconomowoc was popular with wealthy families who lined the lakeshore with palatial homes and sweeping landscapes. Many of yesterday’s mansions have become year-round residences. The largely late 19th-century downtown district and many stately historic structures preserve the past, showcased in walking tours around Fowler Lake. Fine restaurants, unique shops, and convenient services appeal to residents and visitors alike. Landmarks include the lakefront band shell, the fieldstone train depot, the restored city hall, the rustic boardwalk, and the charming gazebo. The Oconomowoc Lake community is particular famous for majestic estates, handsome homes, and historic architecture.
Pewaukee
City Hall
262-691-0770
www.cityofpewaukee.us
Village Hall
262-691-5660
http://www.villageofpewaukeewi.us
Chamber of Commerce
262-691-8851
www.pewaukeechamber.org
Graced by the natural beauty of Pewaukee Lake, the village of the same name is located approximately 15 miles west of Milwaukee. This growing community provides an attractive and affordable variety of housing that blends charming older homes with newer construction in a medley of architectural styles and settings. Supported by a strong base of business and industry, Pewaukee is home to a blend of major corporations, large companies, small businesses, and family-owned shops and services. The main street district commands view of Pewaukee Lake, offering a popular and lively place to dine and shop or just relax against a backdrop of natural beauty. The village enjoys a prime location in close proximity to Milwaukee and Madison, so a number of colleges and universities are nearby. More than a dozen lush parks grace the community with green space, sports facilities, and recreational amenities.
Summit, Dousman
Summit Town Hall
262-567-2757
www.summittown.org
Dousman Village Hall
262-965-3792
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
In spite of the sweeping changes that have occurred in the Dousman area over the decades, community pride has been strong and constant. New business growth, booming real estate development, and surges in population have changed the face of the town and village as well as surrounding communities. Ottawa is nearby, blending contemporary residential villages with small to large farms on the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine. Exciting redevelopment plans complement the newer construction of conveniences and lovely residential neighborhoods. Housing is available in a wide range of prices and styles from modest bungalows to executive and family homes. The area is 30 miles from Milwaukee and 40 minutes from the international airport. Regional recreational sites offer opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, golfing, boating, water sports, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping. Summit preserves historic Native American mounds near Silver Lake.
Vernon, Big Bend
Vernon Town Hall
262-662-2039
www.townofvernon.org
Big Bend Village Hall
262-662-2747
https://villageofbigbend.com
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
The charming square-mile village of Big Bend and Vernon Township offer a comfortable community atmosphere near the recreational jewels of Lower Muskego Lake and Lower Phantom Lake. Many homes in this area are graced by natural beauty and command breathtaking waterfront vistas. The housing selection blends modest cottages and quaint farms to contemporary subdivisions and custom estates. This area features a number of popular developments with pastoral names like Glen Oaks Estates, Woodcrest Heights, and Lake Forest. Nearby Mukwonago now offers retail and service convenience and an industrial park, while Riverside Park serves as a focal point of recreation and community life. Easy commutes to Milwaukee are ensured by Interstate 43. Regional highlights include snowmobile trails, the rolling Fox River, and the Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area.
Wales
Village Hall
262-968-4550
www.vi.wales.wi.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
As you might expect from the name of the community, Wales was founded by Welsh settlers in the 1840s and preserves the richness of its heritage. Panoramic lakes, lush county parks, and the Kettle Moraine State forest are all available close to home for virtually unlimited outdoor adventure and recreation. The village is still small enough to offer a close-knit spirit where neighbors know and support each other and the local government is responsive. The village provides recreation programs for youngsters from age 5 through 17 in soccer and baseball as well as other events and activities. This serene community lies at the edge of Genesee Township to offer a vintage settlement now encircled by subdivisions of newer homes. The original founder stipulated a “no tavern” policy for the village on the penalty of taking back large tracts of land, an unusual request that has been honored over the decades.
Waukesha
City Hall
262-524-3500
https://waukesha-wi.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
262-542-4249
www.waukesha.org
The flourishing city of Waukesha serves as the seat of county government and a hub for culture, healthcare, employment, and entertainment. Just 20 miles from Milwaukee, this bustling community features local attractions, excellent services, and lovely residential neighborhoods. The city is home to celebrated theatre and symphony, championship golf courses, lush city parks, the Waukesha County Fair Grounds & Exposition Center, a general aviation airport, institutions of higher education, and leading medical centers. Residents are also minutes away from the scenic splendor of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. More than 75 lakes dot the county, and many are easily accessible from Waukesha for world-class water sports, boating, and fishing. The charm of the historic downtown harmonizes with contemporary plazas and shopping centers. Wisconsin’s oldest college, Carroll College, combines with a center for the University of Wisconsin for superior educational opportunities.
