Waunakee

If you are considering a move to Waunakee, Wisconsin, you are exploring one of Dane County’s most sought after, vibrant, and community oriented suburbs. Located just north of Madison, Waunakee offers a blend of small town charm, top tier schools, beautiful parks, and a lively local atmosphere. It is a place where families gather at athletic events, where neighbors chat during evening walks, and where the village slogan The Only Waunakee in the World perfectly reflects its unique sense of identity.

Waunakee has experienced steady growth over the past decade, attracting home buyers who want excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong community culture. The village features a thriving downtown with locally owned restaurants and shops, a top performing school district, new housing developments, and quick access to Madison and surrounding communities. Whether you are moving for work, schools, or quality of life, Waunakee offers a lifestyle that feels welcoming, connected, and full of opportunity.

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

1. Lifestyle and Local Vibe

Waunakee is known for its friendly atmosphere, active community life, and strong local pride. It offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with the charm of a traditional small town.

Who lives in Waunakee

The community attracts a wide range of residents, including:

• Families who value the highly rated schools

• Professionals who work in Madison but prefer quiet suburban living

• Longtime residents who enjoy the village’s traditions and events

• Retirees seeking a peaceful community with plenty of amenities

• Young adults drawn to growing businesses and recreational options

Waunakee’s combination of new developments and established neighborhoods helps create a balanced and welcoming environment.

A vibrant small town with modern conveniences

Waunakee has a charming downtown filled with coffee shops, markets, boutiques, and local dining. Popular spots include Lone Girl Brewing Company, Octopi Brewing, and Waunakee Village Center. Residents appreciate the clean neighborhoods, well kept parks, and strong sense of community involvement.

Community events and local traditions

The village hosts numerous events that keep the community engaged throughout the year, including:

• Waunafest

• Farmers markets

• Winter Wonderland celebration

• Concerts in the park

• Local sporting events

• Neighborhood festivals

These activities strengthen local pride and offer plenty of opportunities to connect with others.

A community-centered and active lifestyle

Waunakee has a reputation for being safe, friendly, and community driven. With parks, trails, recreational programs, and family activities, daily life feels peaceful yet full of ways to get involved.

2. Schools & Education
Waunakee offers a highly regarded public school system, private and alternative educational options, and convenient access to regional higher-education institutions. Families moving to Waunakee often appreciate the district’s strong academic performance, supportive community involvement, and broad range of programming for students from early childhood through high school.

Public Schools
The Waunakee Community School District (WCSD) serves the village of Waunakee and surrounding areas with public education from 4K through grade 12. The district has earned recognition for its performance and continuous improvement on state reporting. 

District Overview

• Number of public schools: 7 schools serving the community. 

• Student enrollment (2024–25): about 4,415 students district-wide. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

Programs and Opportunities
Waunakee Community School District provides a comprehensive curriculum and a variety of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities, including:

• Core academics aligned with college and career readiness

• Arts, music, theater, and performance programs

• Athletics, team sports, and activities

• STEM, project-based learning, and student enrichment options

Recent publicly available district-level data:

• Overall District Rating (2024–25): Significantly Exceeds Expectations on the Wisconsin DPI accountability report card. 

• Math Proficiency (all grades combined): ~ 61 % proficient or above, above state averages. 

• Reading / English Language Arts Proficiency (all grades combined): ~ 55 % proficient or above.

• Science Proficiency (all grades combined): ~ 64 % proficient or above. 

• Graduation Rate: ~ 96 % (Waunakee High School, top district rate). 

• Number of Schools: 7 public schools serving PK–12. 

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1. 

Families can review curriculum options, enrollment boundaries, transportation information, and official state-reported performance data through WCSD and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Private & Charter Options
Waunakee and the surrounding region offer several private and alternative schooling choices. Each school operates 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.

Madison Country Day School (near Waunakee)

• Independent school offering Pre-K through grade 12 programs.

• Emphasizes a college preparatory curriculum with multidisciplinary learning.

Local Preschool & Early Childhood Options

• Additional private preschools and early learning programs are available locally for families seeking early childhood education prior to public 4K.

• Programs vary by curriculum and age range to support readiness for elementary school.

Families can contact each institution directly for curriculum descriptions, admissions details, and program information.

Higher Education
While Waunakee does not host a major university within the village limits, residents have convenient access to several regional higher-education institutions:

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 majors and graduate programs. Smaller class sizes support a more personalized academic experience.

University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)
Large public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Provides 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. These support non-traditional students, continuing education, 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 Waunakee due to:

• High district performance and accountability ratings compared to other districts in Dane County

• Strong proficiency and graduation outcomes that appeal to families seeking academic quality

• A mix of traditional public, independent, and private schooling choices

• Access to regional higher-education institutions like Madison College, Edgewood University, and UW–Madison

3. Real Estate Market and Home Styles

Waunakee offers a wide variety of home styles, from established neighborhoods with mature trees to newer subdivisions with modern layouts and luxury features. Growth has been steady, but the village continues to maintain a classic small town charm.

Home styles you can expect

Common options include:

• New construction with modern open floor plans

• Traditional two story homes

• Ranch style homes for single level living

• Townhomes and condos for low maintenance lifestyles

• Custom builds on larger lots

• Luxury homes throughout newer subdivisions

• Rural and acreage properties on the village outskirts

Neighborhoods are clean, safe, and well maintained, offering appealing options for buyers at different price points.

Price ranges

Typical ranges in Waunakee include:

• Condos and townhomes: $275,000 to $450,000

• Single family homes: $450,000 to $900,000

• New construction: $600,000 to $1,200,000+

• Luxury or custom homes: $1,000,000 and above

Because demand is high, Waunakee home values tend to remain stable and competitive.

Is it a buyers market or a sellers market?

Waunakee generally leans toward a sellers market, particularly for homes under $800,000. New construction is plentiful, offering buyers more flexibility if they want modern features or customization.

Popular neighborhoods

Notable neighborhoods include:

• Southbridge

• Savannah Village

• Meadowbrook

• Six Mile Creek

• Castle Creek

• Westbridge

• Newer developments on the northeast and west sides of the village

Each area offers access to parks, trails, playgrounds, and scenic residential streets.

4. Commute and Connectivity

Waunakee is conveniently located just north of Madison, making it an ideal choice for commuters. The village offers quick connections to major employment centers while maintaining a peaceful suburban feel.

Driving times

Typical commute times include:

• Waunakee to Downtown Madison: approximately 18 to 25 minutes

• Waunakee to UW Madison: approximately 20 to 30 minutes

• Waunakee to Middleton: approximately 12 to 15 minutes

• Waunakee to East Madison: approximately 15 to 20 minutes

• Waunakee to Dane County Regional Airport: approximately 15 minutes

Main routes

Waunakee has convenient access to:

• Highway 19

• Highway 113

• Interstate 39 and 90

• County Highway Q

• Interstate 94 nearby

These routes make commuting simple and efficient.

Public transit and biking

While Waunakee does not have full Madison Metro Transit service, the village is expanding bike friendly infrastructure. Residents benefit from:

• Multi use paths

• Safe biking routes

• Connections to nearby trail systems

Daily conveniences

Residents enjoy easy access to:

• Grocery stores

• Locally owned restaurants and breweries

• Pharmacies and medical clinics

• Fitness centers

• Retail shopping

• Community and recreation centers

Everything needed for daily living is close by and easy to navigate.

5. Things To Do and Local Hot Spots

Waunakee offers a mix of small town entertainment, outdoor recreation, local dining, and quick access to the wider Madison area.

Restaurants and cafes locals enjoy

Popular spots include:

• Lone Girl Brewing Company

• Octopi Brewing

• Buck and Honey’s

• M-N-M’s Coffeehouse

• The Red Mouse

• Local pizzerias, cafes, and supper clubs

Waunakee’s dining scene continues to grow as the village expands.

Outdoor recreation and parks

Waunakee has numerous parks, trails, and open spaces loved by residents. Highlights include:

• Six Mile Creek Park

• Ripp Park

• Village Park

• Walking and biking trails

• Scenic ponds and natural areas

• Sports complexes, playgrounds, and picnic spots

Outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Waunakee.

Entertainment and local activities

Residents enjoy:

• Community festivals and parades

• Farmers markets

• Craft fairs

• Sports leagues

• Library programs and community center events

• Quick access to Madison’s shows, nightlife, and museums

Hidden gems and local favorites

Enjoy a craft beer at Lone Girl Brewing Company’s rooftop space

• Walk the peaceful trails around Six Mile Creek

• Visit local boutiques in downtown Waunakee

• Attend Waunafest for a classic community celebration

• Explore parks and green spaces at sunrise or sunset

These experiences help define Waunakee’s strong sense of pride and hometown feel.

Key Takeaways

Waunakee is an exceptional place to call home. It offers highly rated schools, friendly neighborhoods, growing local businesses, and abundant parks and outdoor spaces. With quick access to Madison, a variety of home styles, and a strong sense of community involvement, Waunakee stands out as one of Dane County’s most desirable northern suburbs.

Waunakee provides the perfect balance of comfort, connection, and convenience for anyone looking to settle in a thriving and welcoming community.