Grafton

 

About Grafton, WI

Grafton, WI has an interesting background that hinges on two important bodies of water: Lake Michigan on the east and the Milwaukee River which cuts right through the area. It is flanked by the City of Cedarburg on the west while Saukville is on its north. Located in Ozaukee County, Grafton is composed of the Town of Grafton and the Village of Grafton.

Homes for sale in Grafton, WI are mainly single-family units that offer space, easy access to natural light and nature, and quick access to Milwaukee via I-43.

The community is also known for its rich history, cozy atmosphere, and pivotal role in the history of African-American blues music. Once the home of the Potowatomi Native Americans until the 1820s, Grafton has a record of entrepreneurship, industry, and creativity.

The village and its growth

Covering more than 5 square miles of land, the Village of Grafton exudes a dense suburban feel, brought about by its old local industries like mills and factories. Mostly powered by the waters of the Milwaukee River, these mills and factories slowly transformed the way of life in the village from an agricultural settlement to a bustling suburban community. It progressed further after World War II, especially with the construction of Interstate 43 which made access to the City of Milwaukee (found 21.4 miles south of Grafton) easier and more convenient. From less than 1,500 residents in 1950, the population size here ballooned to more than 12,000 in 2021, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

And the Village of Grafton continues to grow, especially with more people and communities in surrounding areas desiring to be annexed to the Village so they can also benefit from the wonderful amenities and services this locale has.

The town and its history

Taking into account the numerous parcels of agricultural land, the residential lots, and the wooded areas and bluffs, the Town of Grafton spans around 19 square miles. You’ll find two unincorporated communities here: Ulao and Lakefield.

Ulao figures prominently in the history of Grafton in general as its bluffs were witnesses to the area’s growth. Businessman James Gifford moved here from Illinois in the mid-1800s, purchased a huge chunk of land that included the bluffs, and opened Port Ulao. Since the town was densely wooded, he began a business buying lumber from the farmers in the area (predominantly German and Irish immigrants), processing the lumber, then selling them to the wood-fueled steamers plying the Great Lakes routes. This business venture was a rousing success as he was able to successfully petition for the right to build a plank road that connected  Ulao to inner locales for easier transport of lumber. While the original plan was to make a connection via this road from Port Ulao to the Wisconsin and Rock Rivers, it only went as far as the Village of Grafton. Nevertheless, this became one of the state’s first turnpikes.

However, this success was short-lived. Trade in Port Ulao dwindled as steamships began to use other fuel types instead of wood. Also, much of the woodland in the Grafton area was depleted. Initial plans to turn this side of Grafton into a village never saw light.

A good number of settlements still managed to rise in the Town of Grafton on the wings of its neighbors’ population boom. Then again, the area identifies itself as more agricultural than suburban, given the large swaths of land dedicated to farms. It only had less than a thousand residents before WWII. As of 2018, U.S. Census data states that this figure rose to more than 4,000.

Houses for sale in Grafton, WI

Residences in the Village of Grafton are interspersed with retail, commercial, dining, and recreational venues. The Town, meanwhile, is mostly residential with homes sitting on spacious lots.

Property types

The overall vibe in Grafton, WI is suburban, with real estate composed mostly of single-family homes and some apartments and townhouses in and around it. NeighborhoodScout.com’s data pegs the total number of residences here (single-family types and apartments) at around 5,300. Of the total housing inventory in the area, 54.7% are single-family homes. Apartment complexes come at a far second, taking 25.2% of the housing market.

Almost half of the homes in Grafton, WI’s real estate market were built from the 1970s up to the turn of the new millennium. Those wanting to own a charming home in Grafton with a lot of history will be pleased to know that 4.2% of homes here are considered vintage, having been built as far back as 1939 and earlier. You only need to reach out to a local real estate specialist to help you find these gems.

On the other hand, new construction and homes built after 2000 can also be found in Grafton as these occupy 25.6% of the local housing market.

Typical homes in Grafton usually have three bedrooms – perfect for those with relatively large families or those planning to have one.

Typical architectural styles

Homes for sale in Grafton, WI reflect the town’s history and rural roots. Here are some of the architectural styles you’ll see in the area:

• Colonial – This European-influenced architectural style is known for its rectangular windows and symmetry. Homes following the colonial style also have shutters, pilasters, and dentils.
• Victorian – Victorian home designs are open to asymmetry, include texture in their sidings, are at least two stories, and have wood or metal embellishments and intricate roofs. Homes in this style are also colorful and may have towers and big porches.
• Federal – Inspired by Roman design, brick homes in this style have an imposing façade and an abundance of symmetrically shaped windows. There are usually stairs that lead to a front door adorned by columns.
• Ranch – These asymmetric one-story homes are a testament to Grafton’s suburban vibe. A ranch home usually has a two-car garage and sliding glass doors that lead to a spacious backyard.
• Prairie – This one-story home has flat roofs, brick exteriors, and an open floor plan.
• Craftsman or Arts and Crafts – Homes in this style are known for incorporating natural materials in their design. They also have built-in furniture and open floor plans with big fireplaces.
• Contemporary – Today’s open-plan homes are known for their asymmetric shapes and the way they emphasize natural light and eco-friendliness.

Neighborhoods in Grafton, WI

As mentioned earlier, Grafton consists of four constituent neighborhoods:

Grafton North 

It will only take you approximately around 10 minutes to get to Concordia University-Wisconsin from this Grafton neighborhood, and less than an hour to reach other colleges and universities down south, including the Milwaukee campus of the renowned University of Wisconsin. That’s why it’s no surprise that Grafton North is the perfect neighborhood for those pursuing higher education or for parents searching for a safe place to house their children for college. This neighborhood also ranks in the top 6.1% of NeighborhoodScout.com’s college-friendly places to live in Wisconsin.

Village Center

This section of Grafton is where you’ll find the highest concentration of apartment complexes, high-rise apartments, and other relatively small to medium-sized rented residences. You’ll also find single-family homes that have been built fairly recently, with the oldest ones constructed in the 1970s. Home prices here are higher than in other Grafton, WI neighborhoods due to the scarcity of available homes for sale here in relation to the high demand. Still, many prefer to live in Grafton’s Village Center as this is where Downtown Grafton – complete with its offices, shops, and dining spots – is located.

Lakefield

Lakefield is a quiet community of mostly single-family homes built between the 1970s and 1990s and is best for those searching for more space and privacy. With more than half of its working population employed as executives, managers, or professionals, this community is ranked as one of NeighborhoodScout.com’s best neighborhoods for executive living in Wisconsin, second to Ulao.

Ulao

Unlike Grafton’s other neighborhoods where houses can be at least 30 years old, Ulao is where you’ll find spacious homes mostly built in the new millennium. However, there’s still a spattering of vintage homes here, the oldest of which was constructed in the early 1940s. One of the perks of living in this upper-middle-class community is how close residents are to the historic bluffs and shore where James Gifford sold lumber as fuel for passing steamboats along Lake Michigan in the 1800s. This makes homes for sale in the area replete with scenic views from the bluffs.

You can find homes for sale in these lovely neighborhoods of Grafton, WI here.

Plans and developments

The Village of Grafton’s Comprehensive Plan for 2035

To maintain steady growth in the Village of Grafton while keeping the natural setting of the area intact and protected, its local officials drafted the Village’s Comprehensive Plan for 2035 – first put together in 2009 and amended in 2016. The said plan includes policies related to housing that favor the construction of homes to be used as residences rather than for investment purposes. It further requires builders to prioritize the construction of single-family homes before they can build multi-family units. This explains the abundance of single-family homes in the Village.

As this plan follows through, local real estate experts expect an increase in the number of new developments and new construction homes that can append to the existing housing stock of Grafton up to 2035. It already has around 20 subdivisions, with more in several stages of development.

Coming soon: Stonewall Farms

One upcoming development worth looking at is Stonewall Farms, a new subdivision covering 179 acres of land located between Highway 60 and Cedar Creek Road. aims to bring 350 new homes to the Village of Grafton.

The Grafton Village Board gave the go signal to begin construction of Stonewall Farms in March last year, starting with 14 single-family lots and two stormwater management pods.

Once completed, this subdivision will have the following:

• Two farmsteads
• 218 single-family homes
• 14 single-family lots
• 54 duplex units in 27 buildings
• 64 fourplex units in eight buildings

Living in Grafton, WI

Here is what it is like to live in the Heart of Ozaukee County.

Climate

Grafton enjoys comfortable weather throughout the year. In fact, BestPlaces grades Grafton summers as very comfortable with a 9.2 comfort index rating.

Temperatures may go as high as 81°F in the summer and as low as 12°F in the winter. This gives residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in any season.

The community and its residents

Historically, Grafton residents trace their lineage to Germany, Ireland, Poland, Britain, and Italy.

The small-town vibe of the Village appeals most to families who want to provide a safe place with lots of space to run and play for their children – where schools are top-rated and there are many opportunities for family-sized fun and recreation. And, since the area is relatively small, residents here know each other by name.

A majority of Grafton’s residents possess bachelor’s degrees and hold executive positions in their places of work. Given the decidedly white-collar background and lifestyle of its residents, it comes as no surprise that the median household income in Grafton is higher than the national median household income.

Employment

Modern-day Grafton is a far cry from its predominantly agricultural roots, having grown in terms of population size and the wealth of opportunities in and around the area. In the aspect of employment, you will find a number of Fortune 500 companies with offices here like retail giants Costco and Target, as well as financial services titan Wells Fargo.

Major employers in the area with at least 100 employees are in healthcare, manufacturing, and wholesale. Other sectors here with promising career opportunities include

• Retail
• Education
• Finance
• Accommodation and food services
• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Administration and support
• Waste management and remediation

Cost of living

Buoyed by the relatively affluent status of its residents, Grafton’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average and much higher than in other parts of Wisconsin. The soaring prices of homes here contribute greatly to the higher-than-average cost of living index of Grafton, given the usual issue of a scarce housing inventory that cannot keep up with the demand. Nevertheless, the exciting outdoor activities here, its location by the shores of Lake Michigan, the perfect balance between a small-town vibe and modern conveniences, and many other remarkable things about Grafton more than make up for this.

Real estate in Grafton, WI

December 2022 figures from Realtor.com reveal that homes for sale in the Village of Grafton, WI were sold at a median value of almost $325,000, lower than the previous month’s $345,000 and more than $100,000 lower year-on-year. Despite talks of the housing market on the verge of a slowdown this year, it remains a strong seller’s market in Grafton. Given the length of time used up going through the barrage of offers for the home, as well as the back and forth for the final price, it takes approximately 51 days before a home in Grafton is taken off the market.

Schools in Grafton, WI

When you live in the area, your children have access to these schools in the Grafton School District:

• Kennedy Elementary School – Serving students from pre-kindergarten to the 5th grade, this public school places among the top 5% of all Wisconsin schools in terms of overall math and reading proficiency. The average class size is 16 students.
• Woodview Elementary School – In terms of academic standing, this school is considered above average. They imbibe what they call an “Every Student Every Day” mindset, working closely with their students so they could achieve their full potential.
• John Long Middle School – Serving students from the 6th to the 8th grades, this school is considered above average in terms of academics, student progress, and equity. Its student population size is 446 with 29 full-time members of the teaching staff.
• Grafton High School – This school is ranked 18th among the best Wisconsin high schools in US News. Its students’ academic readiness and college readiness also rate high on GreatSchools.org. Apart from access to Advanced Placement classes, Grafton High also offers a good sports program and several clubs to pique students’ interests.

Things to do in Grafton, WI

After a long day of work or school, there are still countless fun things to do in Grafton, WI!

To give you a better idea of the various fun activities you can engage in, here are some of the many things to do in Grafton, WI:

Go cycling at the Ozaukee Interurban Trail

On your free day, bike through what once was the 30-mile railway route of everyday factory workers and famous blues musicians heading to Grafton and its neighboring communities.

Between cycling, visitors to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail can also go bird watching, take a breather in Bratt Woods, or sample the best food and drinks Ozaukee County has to offer.

Relax in Grafton’s top parks and recreations spots

Grafton, Wisconsin has 20 parks and several natural areas for you and your loved ones to take a break after working all day. These spots include:

• Lion’s Den Gorge – View Lake Michigan from 100 feet above ground and relax among woodland, birdsong, and the murmur of streams.
• Lime Kiln Park – Visit the three remaining lime kilns from Grafton’s past as a major limestone producer before going for a round of archery or 9-hole golf.  Close to the Milwaukee River, the park also has fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities that visitors can enjoy.
• Paramount Plaza and Walk of Fame – Walk along the park’s huge piano keys while reading the names of renowned blues musicians on the Walk of Fame.

For the golf enthusiast, Grafton has two golf clubs to hone their skills:

• Fire Ridge Golf Club – Fire Ridge offers an 18-hole course for the experienced golfer.
• Edgewater Golf Club – Edgewater’s nine-hole par 36 course is challenging enough for skilled golfers but also a good place to start for beginners.

Support local businesses and artists

Grafton’s small-town vibe would be nothing without its family-owned businesses. Here are some of them:

• Heim’s Shoe Store – Visit this 75-year-old shop when you need to repair or buy work shoes.
• Sahale Ale Works – Go for ale and stouts with friends in this independent taproom and brewery.
• John’s Pizzaria – Order a pizza from John’s and have it delivered to Sahale for the perfect beer-and-pizza combination.
• The Arts Mill – Appreciate local artisans in the Mill’s studios and independent shops. You can also develop your own creative skills by taking a class at North Shore Academy of the Arts.

Live the dream in Grafton, WI

If you want to move to Grafton, Wisconsin, you’ll need an experienced real estate professional who knows the area and can guide you through the home-buying journey.

Top Wisconsin broker Jim Emmer has been in the business since 1986, building a solid full-service team of agents who are up to date with the latest real estate market trends. He and the rest of the Emmer Real Estate Group focus on providing quality service and creating long-lasting bonds with their clients.

Ready to move to Grafton, Wisconsin? Get in touch with the team  here   or call their West Bend office today at 262.629.4747.