Ozaukee County: Where Lakefront Charm Meets Small-Town Hospitality

From the historic streets of Port Washington to the upscale communities of Mequon, Ozaukee County offers diverse living options with easy access to Milwaukee. Discover your perfect home in one of our welcoming communities.

Quick Facts About Ozaukee County

  • Established: 1853

  • County Seat: Port Washington

  • Population: Approximately 90,000 (2020 Census)

  • Area: 1,116 square miles (233 square miles of land, 883 square miles of water)

  • Major Zip Codes: 53024 (Grafton), 53097 (Mequon), 53074 (Port Washington), 53080 (Saukville), 53012 (Cedarburg)

  • Location: 20 miles north of Milwaukee

  • Named after: Chief Ozaukee of the Menomonee tribe

Why Choose Ozaukee County?

Lake Michigan Lifestyle

Ozaukee County offers the perfect blend of coastal living and Midwest charm. With miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, residents enjoy beautiful beaches, waterfront parks, and stunning sunrise views. The lakefront location provides year-round recreational opportunities, from summer swimming to winter ice fishing.

Strong Communities

The county is home to several charming communities, each with its own distinct character:

  • Cedarburg: Known for its historic downtown and year-round festivals

  • Mequon: Offering larger lots and upscale amenities

  • Port Washington: A picturesque marina town with a rich maritime history

  • Grafton: A growing community with excellent schools and shopping

  • Belgium: A small-town atmosphere with big-city accessibility

  • Saukville: Located at the intersection of Highways 33 and 57, combining rural charm with modern amenities and a strong business park

  • Fredonia: A peaceful village offering genuine small-town experience with strong community values and affordable housing options

Education Excellence

Ozaukee County consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top counties for education:

  • Multiple award-winning school districts

  • High graduation rates

  • Several private school options

  • Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon

  • Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) - Mequon Campus

Quality of Life

Consistently ranked as one of the healthiest counties in Wisconsin

  • Low crime rates

  • High median household income

  • Excellent healthcare facilities

  • Abundant parks and recreation areas

Economic Advantages

Strong job market

  • Diverse economy including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors

  • Easy commute to Milwaukee's business district

  • Growing small business community

  • Lower property taxes compared to Milwaukee County

Recreation & Culture

  • Interurban Trail for biking and hiking

  • Multiple golf courses

  • Award-winning wineries and breweries

  • Year-round festivals and events

  • Historic downtown districts

  • Numerous art galleries and museums

Real Estate Options

Ozaukee County offers diverse housing options to fit various lifestyles:

  • Historic homes in Cedarburg and Port Washington

  • Luxury lakefront properties

  • New construction developments

  • Family-friendly subdivisions

  • Rural properties with acreage

  • Condominiums and townhomes

Transportation & Location

  • Easy access to I-43

  • 20-minute drive to Milwaukee

  • 2-hour drive to Chicago

  • Port Washington Marina

  • Ozaukee County Transit Services

  • Close proximity to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Climate

  • Four distinct seasons

  • Average summer high: 80°F

  • Average winter high: 30°F

  • Annual snowfall: 45 inches

  • Lake effect weather patterns

  • Moderate rainfall throughout the year

Local Highlights

  • Port Washington's lighthouse and marina

  • Cedarburg's historic covered bridge

  • Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

  • Harrington Beach State Park

  • Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts

  • Luxembourg American Cultural Center

Growing Community

Ozaukee County continues to attract new residents due to its:

  • Strong property values

  • Growing business opportunities

  • Excellent schools

  • High quality of life

  • Beautiful natural surroundings

  • Proximity to major urban centers

Ready to explore Ozaukee County real estate?

Contact Peggy Wester for expert guidance in finding your perfect home. With over 20 years of local experience, I can help you discover everything Ozaukee County has to offer.

Client Testimonials

  • "Peggy is the most wonderful realtor we have ever worked with! She made selling our home the easiest process we have ever been through. Her communication with all parties involved was very impressive, and her willingness to explain every step was so helpful. Peggy is the best and we love that we got to work with her to sell our home. Such a wonderful experience from beginning to end!"

    - Sara H

  • "Peggy has been a top notch realtor throughout my search for my next home. She helped me to find the perfect home for my needs right away. She has been super professional in helping me to win the offer. But she felt more like a friend working on my behalf. Peggy is a stress-free delight to work with."

    - Ann L

  • "I've worked with Peggy Wester on two occasions. Once buying a home and most recently, selling my home. Peggy is a pleasure to work with. She is patient and personable. She takes time to explain the processes and is very prompt with her responses so you never feel left in the dark. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, I recommend reaching out to Peggy and Next Chapter Real Estate. I am so glad I did... Thank you, Peggy!"

    - Zach Z

  • "Peggy Wester kept a very difficult sale on the right track. Not only representing me the seller but correcting errors the other agent kept making. Through all this she communicated with me to constantly keep me updated. She handled this with kindness and helped keep me stay on an even keel. My wife recommended Peggy because of her knowledge of how to use current technology. My wife had worked in realestate for many years and was always impressed by her knowledge and how she represents her clients. She is more than anyone could ask for, and is now what I consider my life long friend. Don't hesitate and look no further hire Peggy she will make the whole transaction as stress free for you as is possible. I also got 99.5 % of asking price. Her market analysis was right on the money!"

    - Dale G

  • "We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Peggy and find our dream home. She is very engaged, responsive and empathetic. Peggy is very knowledgeable while being really accessible and willing to answer questions and explain processes. The most import thing for me is being able to trust someone and I 100% trust Peggy- she is so hardworking, kind and really an all-around great person. I highly recommend her."

    - Hannah R

  • " Peggy was absolutely spectacular! We had a very confusing real estate deal which she walked us through and handled for us almost immediately. We couldn't recommend her more! She is very personable, extremely professional, very knowledgeable, and an absolute delight to work with. We will absolutely use Peggy for any real estate transactions in the future - and you should too!"

    - Cassandra S