Homes for Sale in DeForest, WI
Find Your Home in DeForest, WI
DeForest is a growing village about 15 miles north of downtown Madison, right where US-51 meets I-39/90/94. It pairs a small-town Main Street with newer subdivisions, the Upper Yahara River trail system and quick highway access to Madison, the airport and East Towne. If you want more house for your money within a short drive of Madison, DeForest is worth a close look.
DeForest at a Glance
- Location: Northern Dane County, about 15 miles north of downtown Madison
- Commute: Around 15 to 20 minutes to downtown Madison outside rush hour via US-51 or I-39/90/94
- Population: 10,811 (2020 Census)
- Schools: DeForest Area School District
- Home prices: Median sale price of about $500,000 (Redfin, August 2026)
- Major employers: Including EVCO Plastics, ABS Global, American Packaging Corporation and a Walgreens distribution center
DeForest Neighborhoods and Homes
- Downtown DeForest: Older homes on traditional village lots, within walking distance of North Main Street shops and restaurants.
- Conservancy Place and Rivers Turn: A master-planned community built around wetlands and conservancy land, with homes from the 2010s and ongoing new construction.
- Savannah Brooks: One of the village’s newest subdivisions, with executive homes built mostly since 2020.
- Established subdivisions: Neighborhoods built from the 1970s through the early 2000s, with mature trees and some of DeForest’s most affordable single-family homes.
Schools Serving DeForest
DeForest is served by the DeForest Area School District, which also serves the Village of Windsor. It includes:
- Elementary: Eagle Point, Windsor and Yahara
- Intermediate: Harvest Intermediate
- Middle: DeForest Area Middle School
- High: DeForest Area High School
District lines don’t always follow village limits, so confirm the schools for a specific address.
Parks, Trails and Things to Do
- Upper Yahara River Trail: A paved path around Sunfish Pond with boardwalks through the marsh.
- Western Green: A wooded park along the Yahara River with paths, playgrounds and river access for kayaks and canoes.
- Fireman’s Park: A splash pad, open lawns and summer community events.
- Token Creek County Park: Prairie and woodland trails, disc golf, fishing and camping just south of the village.
- Cherokee Marsh: Trails and wide-open marsh views between DeForest and Madison’s north side.
- DeForest Area Public Library: A community hub whose design was inspired by Norwegian stave churches.
- The Pink Elephant: A roadside landmark by the interstate that has greeted travelers since the 1960s.
Our Favorite Spots in DeForest
A few places we recommend to every client who’s touring DeForest:
- Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet (4879 County Rd. V): A family-run shop for cheese curds, summer sausage and Wisconsin gifts.
- Timbers Tavern Bar & Grill (208 W. North St.): Burgers, Taco Tuesdays and a Friday fish fry.
- El Alegre Mexican Restaurant (314 N. Main St.): Tacos, fajitas and other Mexican favorites downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is DeForest, WI from Madison?
DeForest is about 15 miles north of downtown Madison. The drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes outside rush hour via US-51 or I-39/90/94, and longer at peak times.
What school district serves DeForest, WI?
The DeForest Area School District, which also serves Windsor. It has three elementary schools, an intermediate school, a middle school and DeForest Area High School.
How much do homes cost in DeForest, WI?
The median sale price was about $500,000 in August 2026, down about 3% from a year earlier. Homes in older subdivisions often list lower, while new construction lists higher. Call me for current numbers on the neighborhoods you’re considering.
Is DeForest a city or a village?
DeForest is a village. It was incorporated in 1897 and has grown quickly as a Madison suburb.
Thinking About DeForest?
We’re based in Middleton and help buyers and sellers in DeForest and Windsor. Whether you’re looking at new construction in Conservancy Place or selling an established home near downtown, I can walk you through recent sales and what’s coming on the market. Schedule a call or call me at 608.370.4020.
Also exploring nearby? See homes in Waunakee, Sun Prairie and Madison.
