Richfield

About Richfield, WI

Origins in the American frontier

Originally the home of the Menomonee and Potawatomi people, it was only in the 19th century that the United States government obtained the land Richfield sits on. Samuel Spivey, a land speculator, purchased 160 acres in 1841. He was the first recorded landowner in the village.

A couple of years later, the Town of Richfield was established, with most of the land owned by German, Irish, and English settlers. Since it was home to several lakes – Bark, Amy Belle, Little and Big Friess, and Lake Five – Richfield was a highly desirable place for agriculture and frontier living. The western part of the village had beautiful rugged terrain similar to the rare landscapes found in the Russian Ural Mountains, greatly adding to its appeal.

A booming railway town

By 1855, the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad began servicing the village, and this transformed Richfield from a sleepy agricultural town to a bustling commercial center. It saw a huge influx of passengers after just a few years, most of whom were on their way to various summer lake activities or to worship at the Holy Hill Basilica.

Various hotels, establishments, and crossroads communities cropped up with Richfield’s boom, the most notable of which include Colgate, Plat, Hubertus, and Pleasant Hill. These small centers of activity were particularly popular among surrounding families. However, the railroad company fell as fast as it grew, and many local landowners and business owners – who bought company shares – were forced to sell their family farms to pay off their loans.

Becoming a premier residential community

Camps and recreational facilities like the YMCA Camp Minikani – which were built on the shores of Richfield’s many kettle lakes – began to bring back renewed economic activity in the early 20th century, but the town remained primarily agricultural until the 1970s, when suburbanization led to an increase in residential real estate development in the area. The town was incorporated as a village in 2008, and included the communities of Hubertus, Pleasant Hill, Colgate, and Lake Five.

Today, Richfield is an idyllic, family-focused suburban community, home to over 11,700 residents. In terms of quality of life, AreaVibes gave the village a Livability Score of 83/100, which is categorized as exceptional. Niche.com, gave it an overall grade of A- and ranked it 2nd place among the Best Places to Live in Washington County in 2022.

With its rural environment, numerous outdoor recreation activities, and tight-knit community, it’s no surprise that Richfield is considered to be one of the best places to live in Wisconsin.

Homes For Sale In Richfield, WI

What makes homes for sale in Richfield a good investment? Home values here are consistently stable, with a steadily increasing appreciation rate. Between 2020 and 2023, its lowest median sold price was $327,000 (March 2020), while its highest was $657,000 (June 2022).

One of the highlight of owning a Richfield property is the vast acreage. The real estate market consists primarily of single-family homes and stand-alone properties, ranging from stately Colonial estates to modern Ranch-style homes. There’s a great selection of new construction homes and vacant lots as well, where you can build and customize your dream home from the ground up.

Here’s a rundown of the types of properties you can expect in your home search:

Luxury properties

Within its spacious environment Richfield features some of the most exquisite luxury homes in Washington County. Designed to be upscale nature retreats, many of these properties feature expansive lots with beautiful wooded terrain, providing homeowners with both privacy and opportunities for outdoor activities. Many hillside homes also feature breathtaking views of Richfield’s scenic lakes and landscapes.

Quality craftsmanship is evident from the structural foundation of the home to its finishes. Homebuyers can expect airy open floor plans, with vaulted ceilings, walls of windows, and grand fireplaces. Amenities can also include a 3-car garage, a chef-grade kitchen with a huge pantry, a sun-filled great room, four or more bedrooms, an office space, a hot tub or sauna, and extra rooms that you can convert into a workout or game room.

Single-family homes

The Richfield real estate market features a diverse range of single-family properties. From rustic cabin homes to newly constructed, Colonial-inspired houses, the village offers a variety of options that can fit any lifestyle or budget.

Most homes for sale in Richfield, WI boast modern amenities such as state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, open-concept living spaces, spacious primary bedrooms, and spa-like bathrooms. However, some also have historic features that add character and appeal, such as natural stone fireplaces, exposed wooden beams, and original hardwood flooring.

Acreage

Acreage, or vacant land, is a good option for those who are looking for more flexibility and control when it comes to developing their property. By buying land, investors and developers can capitalize on Richfield’s natural beauty, accessibility, and consistent buyer demand. Properties here are also more cost-effective compared to other lake communities, making it a prime location for investment or custom homebuilding.

Living In Richfield, WI

Nestled among the rolling hills of Kettle Moraine, Richfield, WI is a nature lover’s sanctuary.

Also, it is located only 25 minutes away from Milwaukee, providing its residents easy access to metropolitan amenities without having to sacrifice the beauty and peacefulness of country living.

Vast parklands

With over 300 acres of parkland, Richfield residents can enjoy a vast selection of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The village’s picturesque lakes and waterways also make it the perfect place for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Here are some of our favorites:

• Bark Lake Park. Looking for the perfect picnic spot? This 5-acre park has plenty of space to run around and enjoy a beautiful day out with the family. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, and a shelter. There is a public boat launch on the north side of Bark Lake, as well as scenic walking paths for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the lake park’s natural beauty.
• Fireman’s Park. Whether you want to play a game of tennis or go for a leisurely stroll, Fireman’s Park is the go-to place for people who enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Spanning across 14 acres, it features a baseball field, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a kids’ playground, providing a myriad of sports activities for people of all ages.
• Heritage Park. This 66.5 acre park is the place where you can watch and support your local baseball, softball, and soccer teams. When there’s no major game on, its well-maintained fields and vast open space makes it the perfect training ground for batting practice.
• Glacier Hills County Park. Want to take a break from the daily grind? Glacier Hills County Park is a great place to unwind. Located just south of Holy Hill, it covers 140 acres and offers panoramic views of the Kettle Moraine area. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the trails that wind around the park’s many lakes, ponds, and glacier formed kettles. And if you want to extend your stay, Glacier Hills offers 9 cabins that are available to rent overnight.
• Richfield Historical Park and Nature Park. History enthusiasts and outdoorsmen can find common ground in the crown jewel of Richfield’s park system – the Richfield Historical Park and Nature Park. Residents can explore over 92 acres of rolling hills, wooded areas, and pristine streams, with numerous hiking trails and great spots for bird watching and nature photography. You can also take a step back in time by visiting its 33-acre historical site, which is full of beautifully restored homesteads that date all the way back to the 1870s. Plenty of picnic tables and benches are also available throughout the park if you want to sit back and relax.
• Little Friess Lake. This lovely 16-acre lake has a public boat launch along its eastern shores, making it Richfield’s go-to spot for sport fishing and kayaking. Little Friess Lake is connected to Friess Lake (the biggest lake in the village) via a small channel, which adds another 121 acres for boaters to explore. Anglers can expect to reel in a variety of fish, including Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Walleye, and Northern Pike.

Dining

Don’t let its small-town charm fool you – Richfield is home to a sophisticated and vibrant food scene. Here’s our recommendations:

• The Fox & Hounds Restaurant and Tavern. The Fox & Hound is probably the most famous and well loved restaurant in Richfield. The moment you approach the wood construction exterior set in beautiful greenery, you’ll know you’re in for a treat, and once you step in, you won’t disappointed. The decor is welcoming and warm, and the food is unpretentious and delicious American fare, executed to high standards. Lunch breakfast or dinner, the meals are appetising with surf, turf and a range of salads available. The extensive drinks and cocktails menu also make this a great place to relax and enjoy evenings with friends.
• The Stillery. This eclectic gastropub offers traditional American comfort food with a modern twist. Bestsellers include their Cajun-style Wisconsin cheese curds, beer cheese burger, and shrimp tacos. The Stillery also offers a highly diverse drink menu, including different kinds of Old Fashioneds, specialty cocktails, wines, and local craft beers.
• The Copper Dock. Named after the stunning view it has of the sunset over Friess Lake – which looks like a “gleaming copper line” – this upscale restaurant provides a cozy yet elegant lakefront dining experience. Their menu consists of a variety of American dishes, ranging from starters and light fare like salmon cakes and french dip to entrees such as grilled ribeye and snow crab.
• Johnny Manhattan’s. Serving Richfield locals the finest steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian dishes since 1999, Johnny Manhattan’s can give you that true Wisconsin supper club experience. In addition to its classic oak wood bar and private dining rooms, they also have a beautiful patio for those who want to enjoy outdoor dining. Their onion soup, spiedini, and pork chops come highly recommended.
• La Cabaña. This family-owned restaurant is all about providing flavorful dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Their broad, multifaceted menu offers everything from traditional Mexican dishes like Bistec a la Mexicana to American comfort food like the classic ground chuck patty burger. If you want the best of both worlds, try their Fajita wrap or steak Zamora.
• Alpine Retreat. Originally established in the 1950s, this rustic German restaurant has gorgeous views of Holy Hill as well as a rich and storied history. First built by Walter Nencka and his family after World War II, it was purchased and operated by the Klemmer and Kools families until 2011. Today, it is run by Steve and Cindy Petrie, former owners of Alpine Village in Mequon. As a nod to Alpine Retreat’s history as well as their own, the menu contains German specialties alongside American favorites, including Jaeger Schnitzel, Beef Rouladen, patty melts, Alpine barbecued ribs, and different kinds of Friday fish fry.

Kettle Hills Golf Course

Kettle Hills Golf Course is Wisconsin’s premier 45-hole full-service golfing facility. Covering around 300 acres, its golf course layout integrates the area’s natural wooded terrain, providing a visually stunning and stimulating game. It consists of three distinct courses – the Ponds and Woods 18-hole course, the Valley 18-hole course, and the Rolling Nine 9-hole course – that feature varying levels of difficulty.

Golfers can sharpen their skills using Kettle Hills’ practice facilities, which includes a driving range, a putting green, and short game area. The historic clubhouse – which showcases founder Don Zimmerman’s own rustic woodworking – houses a well-stocked pro shop, a highly rated pub-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and banquet facilities that can be used for private events.

The Range of Richfield

Firearm hobbyists and shooting range regulars can expect a fun and safe experience at The Range of Richfield, the village’s state-of-the-art shooting facility. Designed and built by Action Target, a leading manufacturer in custom shooting ranges, it is well-lit, ventilated, sound-resistant, and meets the regulations of OSHA, ASHRE, and EPA.

The Range features six Standard Lanes and six Premium Lanes, as well as a fully stocked retail shop. But what truly elevates the experience is its Education Center. Whether you’re a novice or an intermediate-level shooter, there’s a wide range of classes and training you can enroll in.

Aside from the usual beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, The Range also offers women’s only classes, private instruction sessions for handgun, AR, and rifle/shotgun handling, and Skill Builder Clinics for experts who want to sharpen certain shooting skills.

Beyond Recreation

Economy and job opportunities

Because of its proximity to major highways, Richfield has always been an attractive location for businesses who want to establish their presence in the region. But recent years have brought major developments to the village, such as a new business park and a Cabela’s store and retail showroom, which add diversity to its local economy and job market.

Washington County also provides several business-friendly initiatives, ranging from low-cost financing options to tax grants and incentives. So if you’re looking for a new place to call home as well as a place to start your business, you’ll find that Richfield is full of opportunities.

Schools

Richfield is serviced by two high-quality public school districts. The Holy Hill Area School District, which consists of the Friess Lake Elementary School and Richfield Middle School, is highly focused on personalized and student-centered learning. They have a small student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1, as well as a variety of special education programs and extracurricular activities that meet the unique needs of every student.

The Germantown School District, on the other hand, is a much larger school district that serves students in grades K-12. According to Niche.com, it is ranked 2nd place among the 2023 best school districts in Washington County due to its innovative and comprehensive curriculum, high graduation rates, and college-preparation programs.

Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate learning environment or a larger school with a wide range of programs and opportunities, your children will receive a high quality education in Richfield, WI.

Find Your Dream Home In Richfield, WI Today!

Your search for beautiful homes for sale in Richfield, WI begins here, with our expert team at the Emmer Real Estate Group. Our locally-owned boutique brokerage specializes in buying and selling a wide range of properties in Southeast and South Central Wisconsin, from luxury lake homes to vacant land.

Led by top Wisconsin broker Jim Emmer, we bring the full extent of our knowledge, skills, and work ethic into every real estate transaction, building genuine connections with our clients to help them go above and beyond their real estate goals. Our full-service team consists of agents that each have their own niche expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best possible results at every step of your home buying or selling journey.

Ready to find your dream home? Get in touch with the Emmer Real Estate Group today! You can call us at 262.629.4747 or send us an email here.