On the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River, you will find the 5th largest city in Wisconsin, Racine. If you're looking for Racine WI homes for sale, you'll find that Racine is a city of history, architectural design, low cost living, job opportunities and an overall comfortable lifestyle.
HISTORY With a population of 82,009 (2009 census), and situated 30 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, Racine was arrived at by French explorers traveling via canoe in 1699. These were the first-known Europeans to visit the area. They started a trading post that evolved into a settlement and then in November 1834, Captain Gilbert Knapp came to the area from Chicago by horseback and founded the settlement of ‘Port Gilbert’ in this same area. Indigenous people had previously referred to the area as Kipi Kawi and Chippecotton. The name ‘Port Gilbert’ did not stand and the village of Racine was incorporated in 1841. Racine is French for “Root”, seemingly named because of its location at the mouth of Root River. It was later incorporated as a city, from a village, in 1848.
JOBS, TRANSPORTATION AND GENERAL INFO Some of Wisconsin’s most famous companies are located in Racine. Having been a factory town nearly from the start, and being located near large scale metropolitan areas, Racine opens the door for jobs and an array of career opportunities. Racine offers a low cost of living and transportation via train, trolley, bus, taxi or, for trips, via General Mitchell International Airport.
RACINE HOMES FOR SALE The neighborhoods here are full of character and architecture. Homes for sale in Racine include ranch style homes, updated/upgraded homes, luxury homes and an array of floor plans to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cozy home for yourself or an immaculate home for your family, Racine has something for you. Learn more about Racine communities.
EDUCATION Schools here fall into the Racine Unified School District. Post-secondary schools in the area are the University of Wisconsin-Parkside which lies on the border of Racine and has 33 different undergraduate programs and several graduate programs; Carthage College, a private college of liberal arts and sciences; and Gateway Technical College which offers programs both on-campus and online.
THINGS TO DO IN RACINE Racine offers endless entertainment within an hour’s drive including the Historic Wind Point Lighthouse, Racine Zoological Gardens, Historic Hansen House; shops and restaurants downtown; its beautiful harbor and more. Visit the Things To Do page to learn more about how Racine keeps you and your family entertained and on the go.
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RACINE: - Malted milk was invented in Racine in 1887
- Architect John Hammes of Racine invented the garbage disposal in 1927
- Known for its Danish pastries, several local bakeries in Racine have been shown on the Food Network
- Racine is known for its huge Prom celebration; students from all of the high schools attend an after-prom party
- USA Today named Racine as one of the “Top Ten Places to Fly Your Patriotic Colors”
- In 1871 or 1872, one of the world’s first automobiles was built in Racine
If you’re looking for a place to call home that offers a low cost of living yet a nice lifestyle for both singles and families, access to things to do for everyone, job opportunities, and a place with history, Racine welcomes you home! Make sure you find the right Racine WI homes for sale. Call me at 608-770-4568 or use the form below. Take advantage of my expertise and local Racine real estate market knowledge to make your next real estate transaction a great one. Pete |