A Neighborhood Real Estate Guide to Germantown

About the Community

Overview

A beautiful natural landscape covered with hills, forests, and lakes is found in the picturesque town of Erin. This town in Washington County is home to more than 3,700 residents. The unincorporated communities of Hubertus and Thompson are located within Erin, which is bordered by the Town of Ashippun to the west, Hartford to the north, Richfield to the east, and the Town of Merton to the south. State Highway 83 crosses through the town and leads to Interstate 94, allowing for easy access to downtown Milwaukee, positioned only 35 miles southeast.

The name of the town comes from the poetic name for Ireland, Erin. Traces of Irish influence are also found in the logo of the town, which includes the saying “Céad Mile Fáilte,” which is Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes.” In 1846, Erin became the first town in Washington County to be incorporated. Today, the town is a total of 36.3 square miles and has a mix of rural-residential properties and agricultural areas. Engineering and nursing are some of the most common occupations for residents of the village.

Recreation

Erin is located in the Kettle Moraine area and has varied landscapes, thanks to the glaciers that passed through. There are beautiful rolling hills, flowing rivers, and many lakes to explore. One of the highest points in southeastern Wisconsin, Holy Hill, is located in Erin. It sits approximately 1,350 feet above sea level. The National Shrine of Mary is located atop this hill and is designated a minor basilica, one of about 60 in the United States. Visitors can climb to the observation tower on the top of the hill and enjoy views of the Milwaukee skyline, 30 miles away.

Two large rivers, Oconomowoc River and Ashippun River, meander throughout the town, while smaller rivers flow from them, allowing for plenty of opportunities to canoe, kayak, and fish. Lakes are abundant in the town as well, from the 122-acre Druid Lake, which is perfect for boating, and the 12-acre clear Hickey Lake, which is great for swimming. One of the gems of Erin is its renowned golf course, Erin Hills Golf Course. This course is ranked as the eighth Best Public Golf Course in the United States by Golf Digest and is the site of the 2017 U.S. Open.