25 Wisconsin Towns Where Empty Nesters are Cashing in Big Time from Epic Home Price Growth

The Zillow Home Value Index data from 2014 to 2024 reveals remarkable patterns of growth across Wisconsin communities, presenting a fascinating picture of the state’s transforming real estate landscape.

This charming lakeside community in Kenosha County has seen impressive property value appreciation over the past decade. Starting at $128,397 in December 2014, Paddock Lake home values rose to $184,136 by 2019, before reaching $288,872 by the end of 2024. This represents a 124.98% increase over the ten-year period, with 56.88% of that growth occurring between 2019 and 2024. Paddock Lake’s mix of waterfront appeal, small-town atmosphere, and reasonable proximity to both Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas likely contributed to its strong real estate performance.

2. Little Suamico: 125.87% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Nestled along the scenic shores of Green Bay, Little Suamico has transformed its housing market over the past decade. Property values have more than doubled from $161,471 in 2014 to $364,712 by December 2024, representing a 125.87% increase. The interim value of $223,616 in 2019 shows accelerating growth in the latter half of the decade with a 63.10% jump. Little Suamico’s rural character combined with proximity to Green Bay’s amenities has attracted steady buyer interest and investment.

3. Centuria: 126.28% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This small village in Polk County has witnessed remarkable home value appreciation since 2014. Starting from $125,193, Centuria’s typical home values increased to $185,231 by 2019, ultimately reaching $283,286 by the end of 2024. This 126.28% growth over the decade, with 52.94% occurring in the post-2019 period, reflects Centuria’s growing appeal as an affordable community with natural beauty and recreational opportunities in northwestern Wisconsin.

4. Oconto Falls: 126.50% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Located in northeastern Wisconsin, Oconto Falls has emerged as a surprising real estate success story. Home values have more than doubled from $110,759 in December 2014 to $250,863 by the end of 2024, representing a 126.50% increase. The midpoint value of $155,036 in 2019 reflects stronger growth in the latter half of the decade with a 61.81% jump. Oconto Falls’ combination of outdoor recreation, affordability, and small-town lifestyle has likely contributed to its strong market performance.

5. Newark: 126.58% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This picturesque town in the driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin has seen dramatic property value appreciation. Newark’s home values started at $177,965 in 2014, grew to $252,616 by 2019, and reached $403,225 by December 2024. This represents a 126.58% increase over the decade, with 59.62% growth in just the last five years. Newark’s scenic rural landscapes, agricultural heritage, and increasing appeal to those seeking country living have driven its impressive real estate performance.

6. Port Edwards: 127.23% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Once a paper mill community, Port Edwards has written a remarkable new chapter in its housing market story. Starting from one of the more affordable bases in the state at $81,312 in 2014, home values increased to $111,846 by 2019 before surging to $184,764 by the end of 2024. This 127.23% decade-long growth, including a substantial 65.20% increase in the last five years, showcases Port Edwards’ transformation and growing appeal as an affordable central Wisconsin community with natural beauty along the Wisconsin River.

7. Lena: 127.25% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This small village in Oconto County has experienced a remarkable real estate renaissance over the past decade. From a modest $114,981 in December 2014, Lena’s typical home values grew to $158,382 by 2019 before climbing significantly to $261,291 by the end of 2024. This represents a 127.25% increase over the ten-year period, with a robust 64.97% growth during the latter half. Lena’s combination of rural character, affordability, and reasonable proximity to Green Bay has likely driven this consistent appreciation.

8. Lyndon Station: 128.33% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Situated near the popular Wisconsin Dells tourism region, Lyndon Station has capitalized on its strategic location with impressive home value growth. Starting from $114,837 in 2014, property values increased to $153,726 by 2019 before surging to $262,207 by December 2024. This 128.33% total growth includes a remarkable 70.57% increase in just the last five years. Lyndon Station’s proximity to both recreational amenities and Interstate 90/94 has likely contributed to its strong performance as both a residential and vacation property market.

9. Boyceville: 128.70% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This western Wisconsin village has built impressive growth in its housing market since 2014. Boyceville’s home values have more than doubled from $120,126 to $274,728 by the end of 2024, representing a 128.70% increase. The interim value of $170,967 in 2019 shows consistent growth throughout, with a 60.69% jump in the latter five years. Boyceville’s affordability, small-town charm, and reasonable distance to larger communities like Eau Claire have likely fueled this substantial appreciation.

10. Arkdale: 129.24% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This central Wisconsin community near recreational lakes and forests has seen dramatic transformation in its housing market. From a modest $93,548 in December 2014, Arkdale’s typical home values grew to $126,288 by 2019 before leaping to $214,446 by the end of 2024. This represents a 129.24% increase over the decade, with a substantial 69.81% growth in the final five years. Arkdale’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and vacation property buyers has likely driven this impressive performance.

11. Necedah: 130.91% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Located in central Wisconsin’s recreation-rich Juneau County, Necedah has emerged as a surprising growth leader. Starting from one of the state’s most affordable bases at $89,407 in 2014, home values grew to $122,601 by 2019 before surging to $206,449 by December 2024. This remarkable 130.91% ten-year growth includes a substantial 68.39% increase in just the last five years. Necedah’s combination of affordability, outdoor recreational opportunities, and access to the nearby Necedah National Wildlife Refuge has attracted increasing buyer interest.

12. Trego: 131.91% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This northwestern Wisconsin community has experienced a stunning transformation in its housing market. Trego’s typical home values have more than doubled from $118,045 in 2014 to $273,755 by the end of 2024, representing a 131.91% increase. The midpoint value of $161,358 in 2019 reflects accelerating growth in the latter half of the decade with a 69.66% jump. Trego’s location along the scenic Namekagon River with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities has likely fueled this impressive appreciation.

13. Suring: 134.76% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This small northeastern Wisconsin village has crafted an impressive trajectory in its housing market since 2014. Starting from an affordable $97,933, Suring’s home values increased to $132,553 by 2019 before climbing significantly to $229,906 by December 2024. This 134.76% decade-long growth includes a remarkable 73.44% increase in just the last five years—one of the highest five-year growth rates among Wisconsin’s top performers. Suring’s affordability and proximity to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has likely attracted outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking rural living.

14. Ixonia: 135.27% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This southeastern Wisconsin town between Milwaukee and Madison has capitalized on its strategic location. Ixonia’s home values have surged from $178,682 in December 2014 to $420,378 by the end of 2024, representing a 135.27% increase. The interim value of $248,896 in 2019 shows accelerating growth in the latter half of the decade with a 68.90% jump. Ixonia’s rural character combined with access to major employment centers has driven its strong performance in Wisconsin’s competitive real estate landscape.

15. Friendship: 135.43% Growth (2014 to 2024)

The aptly named village of Friendship has fostered remarkable growth in its housing market. Starting from one of the state’s most affordable bases at $82,717 in 2014, home values grew to $112,629 by 2019 before climbing substantially to $194,743 by December 2024. This impressive 135.43% ten-year growth includes a notable 72.91% increase in just the last five years. Friendship’s location near Castle Rock Lake and other recreational amenities in central Wisconsin has likely contributed to its strong appreciation.

16. Gillett: 135.50% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This northeastern Wisconsin city has experienced remarkable transformation in its housing market over the past decade. From a modest $90,199 in December 2014, Gillett’s typical home values grew to $126,815 by 2019 before surging to $212,416 by the end of 2024. This represents a 135.50% increase over the period, with a substantial 67.50% growth in the final five years. Gillett’s affordability and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Nicolet National Forest has likely fueled its impressive appreciation.

17. Sobieski: 136.40% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Located near Green Bay, Sobieski has established itself as one of northeastern Wisconsin’s real estate growth champions. Property values have more than doubled from $185,541 in 2014 to $438,611 by December 2024, representing a 136.40% increase. The interim value of $254,377 in 2019 shows accelerating growth in the latter half of the decade with a dramatic 72.43% jump. Sobieski’s combination of small-town atmosphere with proximity to Green Bay’s amenities and employment has driven its strong market performance.

18. Como: 137.09% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This lakeside community in southeastern Wisconsin has made impressive waves in the housing market. Como’s home values have soared from $143,525 in 2014 to $340,277 by the end of 2024, representing a 137.09% increase. The midpoint value of $196,950 in 2019 reflects stronger growth in the latter half of the decade with a substantial 72.77% jump. Como’s lakefront appeal, proximity to Lake Geneva, and reasonable commuting distance to both Milwaukee and Chicago have contributed to its strong performance.

19. Oconto: 140.65% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This historic community along the shores of Green Bay has charted impressive growth in its housing market. Starting from an affordable $89,536 in December 2014, Oconto’s typical home values increased to $127,009 by 2019 before surging to $215,468 by the end of 2024. This 140.65% decade-long growth, including a robust 69.65% increase in the last five years, showcases Oconto’s transformation and growing appeal as an affordable waterfront community with historic character.

20. Twin Lakes: 140.72% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Bordering Illinois in southeastern Wisconsin, Twin Lakes has leveraged its recreational appeal to achieve remarkable home value growth. Starting at $145,675 in 2014, property values climbed to $236,936 by 2019 before reaching $350,661 by December 2024. This represents a 140.72% increase over the decade, with a relatively modest 48.00% growth in the latter half. Twin Lakes’ lakefront appeal, resort atmosphere, and proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area have fueled its impressive long-term appreciation.

21. Milwaukee: 142.39% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Wisconsin’s largest city has engineered a remarkable comeback in its housing market. From a surprisingly affordable $82,599 in December 2014, Milwaukee’s typical home values grew to $121,552 by 2019 before surging to $200,214 by the end of 2024. This impressive 142.39% ten-year growth, including a solid 64.71% increase in the last five years, reflects Milwaukee’s urban renaissance, neighborhood revitalization, and growing appeal to younger buyers seeking urban amenities at more affordable prices than other major Midwestern cities.

22. Abrams: 142.68% Growth (2014 to 2024)

This northeastern Wisconsin community has witnessed dramatic transformation in its housing market since 2014. Abrams’ home values have surged from $148,292 to $359,870 by December 2024, representing a 142.68% increase. The interim value of $203,723 in 2019 shows accelerating growth in the latter half of the decade with a remarkable 76.65% jump—one of the highest five-year growth rates among the top performers. Abrams’ rural character combined with proximity to Green Bay has driven its exceptional performance.

23. Sheboygan: 145.45% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Known as the “Bratwurst Capital of the World,” Sheboygan has cooked up impressive growth in its housing market. Starting from a relatively affordable $96,754 in 2014, home values increased to $141,800 by 2019 before climbing substantially to $237,482 by the end of 2024. This 145.45% decade-long growth, including a robust 67.48% increase in the last five years, showcases Sheboygan’s economic resurgence, Lake Michigan waterfront appeal, and growing status as a more affordable alternative to Milwaukee and Chicago.

24. Genoa City: 154.84% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Straddling the Wisconsin-Illinois border, Genoa City has capitalized on its strategic location with extraordinary housing market growth. From $107,115 in December 2014, property values increased to $175,159 by 2019 before surging to $272,974 by the end of 2024. This remarkable 154.84% total growth includes a substantial 55.84% increase in the post-2019 period. Genoa City’s appeal to Illinois commuters seeking Wisconsin’s lower cost of living and tax advantages has likely fueled this exceptional performance.

25. Beloit: 165.73% Growth (2014 to 2024)

Leading all Wisconsin communities with the most dramatic housing market transformation of the decade, Beloit has rewritten its real estate narrative. Starting from the most affordable base on our list at just $67,000 in 2014, Beloit’s home values grew to $106,327 by 2019 before surging to $178,038 by December 2024. This extraordinary 165.73% ten-year growth, including a robust 67.44% increase in the latter five years, reflects Beloit’s economic revitalization, downtown renaissance, educational institutions, and growing appeal as an affordable alternative with historic character and riverside amenities.