Beaver Dam

If you are considering a move to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, you are exploring one of Dodge County’s most vibrant, scenic, and welcoming cities. Located along the shores of Beaver Dam Lake, this community blends small city convenience with lakeside beauty, historic charm, and a true sense of local pride. It is a place where residents enjoy boating and fishing in the summer, where families gather at parks and local festivals, and where historic buildings stand alongside modern shops and businesses.

Beaver Dam appeals to home buyers who want affordability, great schools, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a balance between small town warmth and city convenience. With a thriving downtown, a growing arts scene, and abundant recreation on the lake, the city continues to attract families, professionals, and retirees. Whether you are moving for the lake lifestyle, schools, or easy access to larger cities, Beaver Dam offers a friendly and comfortable place to call home.

Here are the five things every home buyer wants to know before moving to Beaver Dam, WI:

1. Lifestyle and Local Vibe

Beaver Dam is known for its lakeside living, historic character, and welcoming community feel. It offers a peaceful but active lifestyle with plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Who lives in Beaver Dam

Beaver Dam attracts:

• Families looking for affordable homes and quality schools

• Professionals who commute to Madison, Fond du Lac, or surrounding areas

• Longtime residents with deep local pride

• Retirees who appreciate lake access and a relaxed pace

• Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, and trail systems

• First time buyers seeking value and convenience

The city has a friendly, down to earth atmosphere that appeals to many.

A small city with lake charm

Residents enjoy:

• A revitalized downtown with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants

• Access to Beaver Dam Lake for water activities

• Quiet neighborhoods with a mix of old and new homes

• Scenic views and natural beauty throughout the community

• A strong arts and cultural scene including local theaters and galleries

Beaver Dam offers a blend of relaxation, activity, and community pride.

Community events and local traditions

Beaver Dam hosts many beloved events throughout the year, including:

• Beaver Dam Lake Days

• Cabin Fever Fest

• Fall Downtown Fest

• Concerts in Swan Park

• Holiday parades and celebrations

• Farmers markets and artisan events

These activities keep the community connected and lively in every season.

A relaxed and community centered lifestyle

Life in Beaver Dam is calm, friendly, and full of local connection. Outdoor recreation and community involvement are major parts of the lifestyle.

2. Schools & Education
Beaver Dam offers educational opportunities from early childhood through high school through its public school district, as well as private and alternative options in the region and access to nearby higher-education institutions. Families moving to Beaver Dam often consider the district’s array of programs, graduation outcomes, and community involvement when evaluating neighborhoods.

Public Schools
The Beaver Dam Unified School District serves students from PK through grade 12 across multiple schools, providing core academics and a variety of co-curricular and enrichment options. The district is one of the largest in Dodge County and has a diverse student population.

District Overview

• Number of Schools: 8 public schools serving the community. 

• Enrollment (2024–25): About 3,000–3,051 students across the district. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

Programs and Opportunities
The district provides a range of academic and co-curricular offerings, including:

• Core academic coursework in English/Language Arts, math, science, and social studies

• Arts, music, theater, and band programs

• Athletics, team sports, and student club activities

• Student support services and enrichment opportunities

Recent publicly available district-level data:

• Overall District Rank (based on testing and other metrics): Ranked within the bottom 50% of Wisconsin districts.

• Math Proficiency (district-wide average): ~ 43 % proficient or above on state assessments. 

• English / Reading Proficiency (district-wide average): ~ 36 % proficient or above. 

• Science Proficiency (district-wide average): ~ 42 % proficient or above.

• Graduation Rate: ~ 90 % on-time graduation rate. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

• Number of Schools: 8 public schools serving PK–12. 

Families can review curriculum options, enrollment boundaries, transportation information, and official state-published performance data through the Beaver Dam Unified School District and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Private & Charter Options
Beaver Dam and the surrounding region offer private and alternative schooling choices. Each school maintains its own admissions process, tuition structure, and curriculum model:

St. John the Baptist Catholic School

• Private Catholic school serving elementary and middle school grades.

• Focuses on academic development with faith-based instruction and community values.

Small Independent or Academy Options Nearby

• Additional private or independent school choices may be available in the wider region for families seeking specialized curricula or alternative settings.

• Families should contact each school directly for admissions details and program information.

Higher Education
While Beaver Dam does not host a major university within city limits, residents have convenient access to several higher-education institutions in the broader region:

Madison College (MATC)
Public technical college offering certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Provides transfer pathways, workforce training, adult education, and flexible scheduling.

Edgewood University
Private four-year university with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Smaller class sizes support personalized academic engagement.

University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)
Large public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Offers access to research, cultural events, arts, and athletic resources.

Regional Technical & Community College Options
Other nearby institutions provide trade, workforce, certificate, continuing-education, and adult learner programs. Supports non-traditional students and career advancement opportunities.

These institutions contribute to the region’s educational resources, workforce preparation, and community engagement.

How Education Influences Real Estate
Education options are an important factor for many homebuyers, and proximity to schools or learning resources can shape how people consider neighborhoods in Beaver Dam due to:

• Access to a full range of public schools serving all grade levels

• Graduation outcomes and district performance indicators that reflect community engagement

• Availability of private and alternative schooling choices in the region

• Convenient access to regional higher-education institutions such as Madison College, Edgewood University, and UW–Madison

3. Real Estate Market and Home Styles

Beaver Dam offers a variety of home styles and price ranges, making it accessible for many types of buyers. Lake properties add extra appeal and variety.

Home styles you can expect

Common home types include:

• Historic homes near downtown

• Ranch style and mid century homes in established neighborhoods

• Traditional two story family homes

• New construction in growing subdivisions

• Waterfront and near lake homes on Beaver Dam Lake

• Rural homes and acreage properties just outside city limits

• Condos and townhomes for low maintenance living

This variety gives buyers excellent choices depending on lifestyle and budget.

Price ranges

Typical price ranges include:

• Condos and townhomes: $180,000 to $300,000

• Single family homes: $250,000 to $450,000

• New construction: $400,000 to $650,000

• Lakefront properties: $500,000 to over $1,200,000 depending on frontage and updates

Compared to many areas in southern Wisconsin, Beaver Dam offers strong value for home buyers.

Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?

Beaver Dam typically leans toward a balanced market. Homes under $400,000 tend to sell quickly due to strong demand and limited inventory. Lake homes and higher end properties vary widely based on views, frontage, and amenities.

Popular neighborhoods

Well known areas include:

• Downtown Historic District

• Neighborhoods surrounding Beaver Dam Lake

• Washington Heights area

• Park Avenue neighborhoods

• New subdivisions on the north and east sides

• Rural homes surrounding the city

Each neighborhood offers its own charm and character.

4. Commute and Connectivity

Beaver Dam is well positioned for residents who need access to major Wisconsin cities while enjoying small city living.

Driving times

Typical commute times include:

• Beaver Dam to Madison: approximately 35 to 45 minutes

• Beaver Dam to Sun Prairie: approximately 30 to 35 minutes

• Beaver Dam to Fond du Lac: approximately 25 to 30 minutes

• Beaver Dam to Waupun: approximately 15 to 20 minutes

• Beaver Dam to Milwaukee: approximately 55 to 70 minutes

This makes Beaver Dam a great location for regional commuters.

Main routes

Beaver Dam is easily accessible via:

• Highway 151

• Highway 33

• Highway 26 nearby

• Local connectors to surrounding towns and lakes

These routes offer fast regional travel.

Public transit and biking

While Beaver Dam does not have regional bus or train service, residents benefit from:

• Local dial a ride transportation options

• Walkable areas throughout the city

• Bike friendly routes and trails

• Easy access to state and county recreational paths

Daily conveniences

Residents enjoy easy access to:

• Major grocery stores and retailers

• Local coffee shops and bakeries

• Medical clinics and a regional hospital

• Fitness centers

• Hardware stores and service businesses

• Parks, boat launches, and recreational facilities

Everything you need for daily living is nearby.

5. Things To Do and Local Hot Spots

Beaver Dam offers a fun mix of outdoor recreation, lakeside activities, local dining, and entertainment options for all ages.

Restaurants and cafes locals enjoy

Popular spots include:

• Shrumps for classic Wisconsin dining

• Park Avenue Sports Café

• Walkers Restaurant and Bakery

• Ooga Brewing Company

• Rechek’s Food Pride deli

• Local supper clubs and restaurants

Outdoor recreation and natural beauty

Beaver Dam is known for its outstanding access to nature and water recreation, including:

• Beaver Dam Lake for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking

• Waterworks Park

• Swan Park

• Crystal Lake Park

• Miles of walking and biking trails

• Scenic country drives and wildlife areas

Outdoor activity is a major part of the local lifestyle.

Entertainment and local activities

Residents enjoy:

• Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre

• Downtown art galleries

• Festivals and seasonal celebrations

• Local boutiques and specialty shops

• Bowling, mini golf, and entertainment centers

• Farmers markets and craft festivals

Hidden gems and local favorites

Locals often recommend:

• Watching sunsets on Beaver Dam Lake

• Enjoying outdoor concerts at Swan Park

• Exploring the historic downtown district

• Visiting Ooga Brewing for local craft beer

• Taking scenic drives through rural Dodge County

Key Takeaways

Beaver Dam is a wonderful place to call home. It offers lakeside living, affordable housing, friendly neighborhoods, and excellent access to outdoor recreation. With strong schools, a revitalizing downtown, and easy commutes to larger cities, Beaver Dam is ideal for anyone seeking comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.

Beaver Dam stands out as one of Dodge County’s most appealing and well rounded communities.