Welcome to Mequon!
Just 15 minutes north of the City of Milwaukee, Mequon, Wisconsin is known for its abundant farmland and diverse real estate. Mequon has a wonderful mix of urban flair and rural charm, with plenty of shopping and outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Homes for Sale in Mequon, WI
Located about 18 miles north of Milwaukee, Mequon is the largest city in Ozaukee County and the third-largest in Wisconsin, encompassing a total area of roughly 48 square miles. The city extends from Lake Michigan towards Washington County and surrounds the nearby Village of Thiensville.
Currently home to more than 25,000 residents, Mequon is a haven that offers an exceptional quality of life in a scenic environment conveniently located close to an array of top-quality amenities. The city is known for its dramatic lakeside bluffs, lush farmlands, picturesque open space and recreational venues, and elegant residences.
Mequon is an ideal choice especially for families, as the city is served by a top-performing K-12 school system regarded as one of the best in the state. For those looking to enroll in higher education, Mequon is home to outstanding institutes like Concordia University Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Area Technical College North Campus, both of which offer a wide range of programs.
If you’re planning to relocate to Mequon, this page will serve as your guide to this beautiful community. We’ll take a glimpse at the city’s rich history, provide insight into the real estate options available, and shine the spotlight on some of its most popular attractions.
Mequon’s History at a Glance
- The land where the city of Mequon now stands was originally a densely forested area with abundant resources. The Milwaukee River once functioned as a boundary between two Native American communities: The Menominee in the east, and the Potawatomi in the west.
- While the Menominee and Potawatomi were the early inhabitants of the land, the city’s name originated from an Ojibwa word which translates to “ladle,” referring to a ladle-shaped bend of the Milwaukee River within Mequon.
- The first settlers of Mequon were mostly English and Irish immigrants who arrived in the area sometime in the mid-1830s. The first church in Mequon was erected in 1840 and has been part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod since 1848.
- During the advent of the 20th century, industry growth and an increasing population formed new layers of government organization. The town’s urban core was incorporated as the Village of Thiensville in 1910.
- After World War II, the remaining portion of the town increased by over 110% from 1950 to 1960 due to suburbanization. When its population reached approximately 7,500 in 1957, Mequon was officially incorporated as a city under terms of the state of Wisconsin’s newly established Oak Creek Law.
Thriving Business Environment
Mequon consistently ranks among some of the best places for business in Wisconsin. This is due to the city’s dynamic and resilient infrastructure, which paves the way to establishing strong, long-lasting business communications. Mequon also has one of the lowest tax rates in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Mequon is home to over a thousand businesses that take advantage of the city’s prime locational assets, with two industrial parks featuring small to mid-sized firms as well as prominent international firms like Rockwell Automation.
Quality Education
Mequon features one of the top public school districts in Wisconsin together with a varied selection of highly rated private schools and institutes of higher education.
The Mequon-Thiensville School District is consistently recognized as one of the top-performing school districts in the state. Serving a student population of over 3,500 students every school year, the public 4K-12 district offers a rigorous curriculum alongside comprehensive programs that include a variety of extracurricular offerings.
For families looking to enroll their children in private schools, Mequon offers top-quality private education through renowned public schools such as:
Those in the market for homes for sale in Mequon, WI will find a diverse selection of stylish and well-built single-family residences ranging from low-key bungalows and ranch-style cottages to exquisite luxury estates surrounded by acres of mature, meticulously manicured landscape. For those dreaming of building their dream custom home from the ground up, land is available as well.
Homes for sale in Mequon, WI are available in a variety of elegant architectural styles including Cape Cod, Ranch, Craftsman, Georgian Revival, Colonial, and Contemporary. Many are designed to offer a seamless combination of sophistication and comfort, providing a high quality of life for homeowners.
Some examples of features you can find in many Mequon homes for sale include:
- Lush manicured yards
- High vaulted ceilings
- Bright and airy open floor plans
- Spacious living and dining rooms equipped with fireplaces
- Exquisite baths with top-quality features
- Elegant gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and chef-grade stainless steel appliances
- Beautiful primary suites with large walk-in closets and ensuite baths
- Large bonus rooms perfect for use as a home office, theater, or hobby studio
- Abundant storage space
For those dreaming of a laidback lifestyle by the water, some homes for sale in Mequon, WI are situated along the shores of the spectacular Lake Michigan. Lakefront homes in Mequon are the perfect choice for buyers looking forward to waking up to the soothing sounds of the waves, soaking in picturesque views each day, and entertaining guests with sumptuous al fresco dinners under the stars.
Waterfront homes for sale in Mequon, WI are designed to take full advantage of the gorgeous scenery and serene setting, with features such as:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spacious balconies and sundecks
- Expansive screened-in porches overlooking the lake
- Covered patios perfect for entertaining
Living in Mequon, WI
There’s plenty to love about Mequon, from its laidback atmosphere, picturesque parks, top-rated golf courses, superb shopping and dining, and convenient access to Milwaukee. Here are some of the many features and attractions that make it an excellent place to call home.
Outdoor Recreation
Mequon residents can enjoy an unforgettable journey through a picturesque landscape by navigating the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, a 30-mile paved trail that runs along the entire length of Ozaukee County.
Opened in 1908, this well-maintained multipurpose trail connects Mequon to other Ozaukee communities including Belgium, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, and Thiensville. Visitors can walk, run, bike, skate, or ski through an enchanting landscape consisting of vast farmlands, wetlands, woodlands, and serene waterways. You’ll also be able to stop by many of the walkable downtown districts throughout Ozaukee County.
Although the trail is used primarily for recreation, it also functions as a daily commuter route for locals making their way to their workplace.
Founded through a partnership between Mequon, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Mequon Nature Preserve is a 510-acre mosaic of natural wetlands, emerging woodlands, and restored prairie.
The preserve features over five miles of scenic trails, which visitors are welcome to explore. Kids can check out Marty’s Playspace, a unique playground with features like balance beams, giant bird nests, climbing beams, sensory boards, huts, and a hammock station all made of natural and locally sourced materials.
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in southeastern Mequon, Donges Bay Gorge is a 23-acre preserve containing upland woods, lake bluffs, beach frontage, and a ravine extending through the property.
Donges Bay Gorge is a favorite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as its slopes, ravine, and shores are ideal habitats for a diverse variety of wildlife including wild turkey, waterfowl, woodpeckers, fox, opossums, raccoons, woodland mice, songbirds, and deer.
The trail at the preserve takes visitors on a scenic journey past bluff views of Lake Michigan, through dense woodlands, and across a bridge over the ravine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful trails in the region and is perfect for those looking forward to a relaxing hike, with the refreshing lake breeze, the sound of gentle waves kissing the shore, and the panoramic views of the preserve’s deep winding ravine.
Whether you’re out to enjoy a quick morning jog, taking your dog out for a walk, or looking to spend time outdoors with the family, Mequon is home to several well-maintained parks equipped with an array of amenities.
Head to this page to see where parks are located and to find out what features are available at each park.
Shopping
East Towne Square is an indoor mall that features a dazzling assortment of women’s boutiques, jewelry stores, gift shops, salons and spas, and restaurants.
With more than 219,000 square feet of retail space, Mequon Pavilions is the largest shopping destination in the city. The shopping center features a great selection of national retailers like Marshall’s, Massage Envy, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Located just ten minutes east of Mequon is Thiensville Village Market, which features more than 70 of the best vendors in the region. Shoppers can find a vast array of fresh produce, plants, award-winning cheeses, meat and poultry, baked goods, smoked fish, and artisanal products.
After shopping, you can enjoy a snack at one of the picnic tables located at the beautiful park just outside the market while enjoying live performances by talented local musicians.
Dining
Once a sleepy Midwestern suburb, Mequon has recently had an influx of new, independent restaurants, making the city a top dining destination north of Milwaukee.
Be sure to visit some of its highly rated restaurants such as:
If you’re craving delicious, authentic Greek cuisine, Santorini Grill will definitely hit the spot. This local, family-owned and operated restaurant serves a wide variety of classic Greek fare, including salads, gyros, zucchini, and filet mignon souvlakis, all prepared using fresh, top-quality ingredients.
Be sure to cap your meal by ordering their baklava, a delicious pastry combining a sweet, rich flavor with a crumbly texture that will delight your taste buds.
Mequon Pizza Company serves a variety of mouthwatering thin-crust and deep-dish pizzas, sandwiches, salads, lasagna, and other classic Italian favorites in a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
The restaurant does a fantastic job of complementing their traditional Italian menu items with many of Wisconsin’s favorites, like their incredible Friday fish fry.
Although the Midwest isn’t exactly known for seafood, Mequon and other towns along the shores of Lake Michigan have restaurants that serve an assortment of delightful fish dishes, including the famous Wisconsin fish fry.
One of the best seafood restaurants is the St. Paul Fish Company, which opened their first branch in downtown Milwaukee’s public market. Housed within a tastefully restored brick commercial building, this top-rated restaurant welcomes guests by greeting them with their impressive fresh fish display, which offers a wide variety of raw seafood including sea bass, lake perch, mahi-mahi, salmon, shrimp, and scallops, all sold by the pound for customers to bring home.
Be sure to order their traditional Milwaukee Fish Fry, hand-breaded fish fried to perfection and served with a side of fries and coleslaw.
Events
Every year, residents look forward to a stellar lineup of fun-filled festivities in Mequon.
In February, the Mequon Nature Preserve hosts the annual Winter Frolic Festival to enjoy an array of activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing, sleigh rides, bonfires, live performances, chainsaw sculpture displays, and many more.
Pommerntag, a one-day festival celebrating Pomeranian (northern German) heritage is held at the Mequon Rotary Park, treating guests to a fun day of traditional delicacies, entertainment, displays, and other activities.
Head to nearby Thiensville for the yearly Family Fun Before the Fourth, a fun-filled day for the entire family. Held at the Thiensville Village Park every Saturday before the Fourth of July, the celebration kicks off with a parade followed by games, performances, and entertainment, and ends with a colorful fireworks display.
During the summer, Gathering on the Green treats visitors to a two-day outdoor art festival showcasing the region’s most talented artists and inviting some of the biggest national touring acts to Mequon’s picturesque Rotary Park. One of the most anticipated events during the festival is a dazzling fireworks display synced to a live orchestra.
In September, Mequon locals cap off the summer with the highly anticipated Taste of Mequon, a spectacular festival highlighting the area’s top restaurants and vendors. Taste of Mequon attracts over 5,000 attendees every year.
Holidays in Mequon are never complete without the Winter Wonderland of Mequon and Thiensville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. These events feature live music, gift bazaars, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate and refreshments, and more – the perfect way to get into the spirit of the holidays!
These are just some of the many fun events and festivals you can look forward to in Mequon!
Find the Best Homes for Sale in Mequon, WI!
Ready to start your search for your dream home? Emmer Real Estate Group is here to provide first-class assistance in your search for the finest homes for sale in Mequon, WI!
Our team proudly serves south-central and southeastern Wisconsin, including Mequon and other highly desirable communities throughout the Metro Milwaukee area.
Throughout the years, our team of real estate experts has helped countless home buyers and sellers achieve their goals through our well-executed marketing strategies, access to top-tier resources, and unparalleled knowledge of the different communities.
If you’re ready to begin your search for homes for sale in Mequon, WI, you can reach the Emmer Real Estate Group at 262.629.4747 or contact us here.