Last month, Travel + Leisure named Lake Geneva one of the top 10 places to buy a lake house in the U.S. right now. Waterfront properties are setting real estate records, with a home on what is described as the “quieter south side” of the lake recently selling for $20 million. This property was never publicly listed, making it the third-highest sale ever recorded in the area. If you want to live near Geneva Lake (which is the name of the body of water, by the way), whether full-time or as a weekend/summer retreat, you may be surprised to learn that, despite limited inventory, prices are trending downward. As of May 2025, the median home price was $353,000, a decrease of 19% compared to the previous year, according to Redfin. Although I don’t believe the Lake Geneva area will ever be as affordable as it was before the pandemic, we found five properties currently on the market, all priced under $1 million dollars.
303 Bay View Ave, Fontana, WI, $795,000
On the western side of the lake in Fontana, a nicely renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is currently for sale and is conveniently located within walking distance of the water and all the activity in town. Spanning nearly 1,600 square feet, the residence has a lovely covered porch and offers views of the harbor from a side patio. Additionally, there is a separate entrance leading to a walk-out efficiency apartment, which could serve as an ideal guest space or be used as a rental. The property has been on and off the market since April and last sold five years ago for $295,000, so its asking price is a 200% increase in value.
1736 Miller Court, Lake Geneva, WI, $795,000
A unique contemporary design that incorporates a mix of various interior trends (do I spot a sliding barn door?), this nearly 2,400-square-foot “smart home” features three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There are numerous places to unwind and relax, whether it’s by the fireplace in the living room or at the outdoor bar just beyond the sliding door in the kitchen. The primary bedroom suite features a balcony that overlooks a mature backyard with multiple seating areas and an in-ground swimming pool, which perfectly complements the rest of the house. Located just a short walk or ride from town, the property last sold six years ago for $375,000, indicating a 112% increase in its asking price.
539 Highland Road, Williams Bay, WI, $825,000
In Williams Bay, the highly sought-after Cedar Point Park Association celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. With the “convenient train route and popularity of automobiles,” 480 quarter-acre sites were approved and arranged in a horseshoe shape around the lake, with the first summer cottage built by 1925. Coincidentally, there is a property in Cedar Point right now on the market, described in its listing as a “beautifully updated lake retreat.” This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, spanning 1,100 square feet with an open-concept floor plan, is just steps away from the lake, as well as the community’s shared parks, piers, and beach.
432 Harvard Ave #2, Fontana, WI, $899,500
Located on the lakefront, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is on the market for the first time in over 20 years. Its asking price has dropped about $200,000 since it was first listed back in March. Just imagine enjoying the amazing views from your patio and your own private pier. The unit is a duplex featuring an open-concept living space on the ground level, along with a private upstairs ensuite primary bedroom. The property is officially part of the Glenwood Springs subdivision, which is near the historical site of the Potawatomi “Chief Big Foot Village,” and includes HOA fees of $525 per month.
415 South Lake Shore DRIVE, Lake Geneva, WI, $895,000
Currently used as a rental, this historic yet updated 2,356-square-foot residence is close to all the action, conveniently located just two blocks from the town and the lake. The Dutch Colonial Revival design features hardwood flooring and beamed ceilings while still offering all the modern amenities one would expect in a home that accommodates up to 12 guests spread across four bedrooms. The outdoor space includes a covered porch, a fire pit, and an area for grilling and hanging out. The property is offered fully furnished, so if you can afford it, you may continue operating it as a rental or transform it into your own family vacation home.