Best Neighborhoods in Door County, WI | Where to Live in Door County

 Planning on moving to Door County? Do you want to know where are the best neighborhoods to settle down in? Door County has much more to offer than just being a popular summer spot. There are so many places to explore, Door County has some of the most unique restaurants, breweries, and wineries in Wisconsin. Door County is a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors, being on the water, and of course peace and quiet.

Choosing the best neighborhood is a really important decision, especially if you’re looking to buy a house or rent an apartment. This raises the question, “Which neighborhood should I choose?” After you go through this article you’ll know exactly which neighborhood in Door County is best for you. 

This article will answer all your questions like, what is the most expensive area in Door County? Where is the best school districts in Door County. We’ll even cover the best activities in Door County.

Door County is split up into five areas, which gives you a wide variety of options to choose from. You can live along the coast in Egg Harbor or enjoy a more lively atmosphere in Downtown Sturgeon Bay or if you want a quieter and more charming place you can choose Sister Bay. Knowing the best neighborhoods in Door County can greatly help you choose where to live.

If you think Door County might be a good fit for you, here’s a quick guide to all the places and amenities you can find, from the lifestyle to what makes it unique.

Sturgeon Bay |  Year-Round Charm with Cool Summers and Endless Activities

  • Population: 9,861

  • Average rent: $963

  • Median home price: $425,000

If you’re not afraid of a place that gets more snow and cold than you’re used to but enjoy a cooler summer thanks to Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay is for you. This also means that popular swimming spots like Clark Lake, Kangaroo Lake, Murphy Park, etc. aren’t warm until July or August.

The best time of the year will be during the spring and fall seasons, which makes for a great time to be outside and enjoy a fire with friends. There’s plenty to do year-round like seasonal outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, etc. Also, in the summer, there’s lots of live music and plenty of Farmer’s Markets. There will always be something for both residents in the off-season and visitors during the high season.

Top Amenities 

  • Door County Maritime Museum: (reserves Great Lakes maritime history in Sturgeon Bay, Cana Island Lighthouse, Death’s Door in Gills Rock.)
  • Third Avenue Playhouse:(Door County’s premier professional theatre, hosting compelling comedies, dramas, and musicals)
  • Door County Fire Company: (Was an operating firehouse in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Now converted to a full-service restaurant, sports bar and banquet facility)
  • Drömhus Door County: features a variety of comfort food dishes with a modern twist, all carefully crafted by their expert.
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Destination Sturgeon Bay (@sturgeonbaydc)

Egg Harbor | Quiet Waterfront Views for Families and Retirees

  • Population: 371
  • Average rent: $1400
  • Median home price: $559,900

A short 23 min drive from Sturgeon Bay lies Egg Harbor, with such a small population of less than 400, it’s one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Door County. You’ll have a view of the water from almost anywhere. This is where couples come to retire or start a family while still being close enough to the city.

Top Amenities 

  • Cappaert Contemporary Gallery (Is a refreshing contemporary gallery in Door County. The 1873 log home/gallery features)
  • Door Artisan Cheese (Artisan cheese that is cave-aged and made in Wisconsin is some of the best cheese in the US.)
  • Egg Harbor Beach (The beach offers many amenities including an expanded playground, a small boat hand launch ramp, changing room buildings, and additional walking paths)
  • One Barrel Brewing Company Door County (Come and enjoy all your favorite One Barrel Brewing beers in our gorgeous new taproom or outside in our expansive multi-tiered Beer Garden.)
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cappaert Contemporary Gallery (@cappaertcontemporarygallery)

Sister Bay | Walkable with Beautiful Views and Great Food

  • Population: 1,165
  • Average rent: $1,395
  • Median home price: $637,600

Located in the northern part of the peninsula, is Sister Bay. Sister Bay is walkable if you stay near downtown, there you will have access to great food options and beautiful views.

Top Amenities: 

  • Seaquist Orchards Farm Market : (A multi-generation family business that has a passion for farming)
  • Marina Park: (The largest waterfront park/beach is part of the marina and offers the perfect place for a picnic, swimming, volleyball, or just relaxing and enjoying)
  • Sister Bay Beach (Complete with swim pier, swim raft, playground, performance pavilion, picnic tables, kayak launch and rentals)
  • Frykman Studio Gallery (Featuring woodcarvings and oil paintings by David Frykman, Door County photography by Luke and Heather Frykman, and pottery by Steve Jorgenson.)
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sister Bay • Door County • WI (@sisterbaydoorco)

Ellison Bay | Amazing Views and Extremely Quiet

  • Population: 142
  • Average rent: $3500
  • Median home price: $649,900

Extremly small but quite and beautiful neighborhood, this is best for retirees who want peace and quiet but are still close enough to the city to grab whatever they need. Residents often enjoy the drive to and from the city because of the amazing views alongside the peninsula. 

Top Amenities: 

  • Newport State Park: (Wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping)
  • Ellison Bluff State Natural Area: (The Park has a very picturesque wooded bluff overlook of Green Bay, and improved and natural hiking trails, picnic area, parking, and restrooms)
  • Death’s Door Maritime Museum: (The museum features a shipwreck and scuba diving exhibit, including artifacts brought up from the bottom of Lake Michigan.)
  • Door Bluff Headland’s County Park: (With 252 forested acres, including 6800 feet of shoreline, Door Bluff Headlands is the largest county park in Door County.)
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dr. Rebecca Feiring (@dr_becca_the_vet)

Baileys Harbor | Breweries, Pubs, and Fish Markets with Waterfront Views

  • Population: 1,239
  • Average rent: $2,500
  • Median home price: $449,900

Nothing but beautiful views overlooking the water filled with breweries, pubs and Fish Markets. Baileys Harbor is another quiet neighborhood in Door County where people go to settle down or visit as a tourists. 

Top amenities in Baileys Harbor: 

  • Cana Island Lighthouse (Explore Door County’s most iconic lighthouse, built in 1869 and celebrating more than 150 years of standing watch on the shore of Lake Michigan.)
  • The Ridges Sanctuary (Experience one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, where kids hike for free, and trails are open from dawn til dusk.)
  • Door County Brewing Co. (Family-owned craft brewery in Baileys Harbor, WI. Our Taproom & Music Hall serves up a wide selection of delicious beer)
  • Waseda Farms (Farming is their first passion, but delivering healthy food that improves people’s lives is a true honor.)
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Waseda Farms (@waseda_farms)

Best Neighborhoods in Door County Map

Looking to find the best neighborhood in Door County? Here you can find them all with this map!

Leave a Comment