Hillsboro, WI

I had an interesting conversation this morning with my client who happens to be Amish. He had recently listed his Vernon County area farm and was moving out of state to Maine. With having a first showing and an interested buyer right out of the gate, it sounded very promising. Amish do not have telephones, they will use them but just don't believe in owning one. Many people ask why; it is not a necessity to own one so they just don't. So, as you would expect, it can be very madding not being able to quickly reach your client when selling their real estate. In these situation, the only way is by US mail, so I generally advise them to contact me at least once a week at a designated time by calling my 800 number. Unfortuanately. it now looks like the potential of a fast sale coming in, isn't now going to materialize. So with that now known our conversation just tuned to pleasantries and talk about the current state of the economy.

Even though the Amish generally keep to themselves, leading a somewhat removed lifestyle very different from what most of us think of as normal everyday life, my client was well aware that the real estate market is very slow in the larger world. We both joked about how if things really went completely south in the economy, maybe the rest of the world would have to adopt their ways. Learning to raise our own food, make our own clothes, and travel by horse and buggy... we joked. He told me yes... you could give up your cars and buy some horses... that would be very good for us because the horse market was really depressed right now. So it goes to show you, there really is a ripple that travels even deeper down to the people who live with way less. They too are feeling the effect of this slowed down economy in ways that most of us would never expect.

Just in case there are any-wanta-be-future farmers out there: here is a 23 Acres Amish farmette: Has a 3 bedroom ranch home which was moved in 3 years ago. Ranch home has a full cement block built-basement installed at the time the house was moved to the site. There is no electric, no indoor plumbing or septic system but does have an older well. The property has several small sheds and a second house, also moved in. The 40x60 workshop building is insulated and has a cement floor. There is a newer dairy barn that was also built 3 years old. The land is fully surveyed and mostly open organic pasture and organic crop land. Price is only $99,000

Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

At the far eastern end of Vernon County is the location of the 3rd largest city in Vernon County, the City of Hillsboro. It has a history that dates back to 1850. The areas earliest industries were lumber, farming and cheese making. Most of the early residents were Czech and German immigrates and settled the area to find a better way of life. Today the population is around 1302 and it still primarily a farming community. The city takes pride in calling themselves the Czech capital of Wisconsin. Each second weekend in June, Hillsboro hosts a festival, Chesky Den, to celebrate their heritage. It is held at the Hillsboro Fireman's Park. If you want to experience a fun time I recommend a trip over there for an enjoyable experience. You will see happy people having a happy bouncing time. The festival features polka music and dancing, a craft and flea market, carnival rides and lots of great Czech food served up buffet style in the Fireman's Park pavilions.

Besides the Czechs in the Hillsboro area, there is also an Amish settlement with an approximate 650 members or about 95 households. Many of these Amish farmers operate small to medium sized family dairy farms with anywhere from 10 to 49 cow. Along highway 82 heading into Hillsboro, it's a common site to see a one horse-powered buggy heading into town at a clip clop rate of 5-10 miles per hour.

Another note worthy tourist attractions in the Hillsboro area is the location of a 7-mile bike trail and snowmobile trail. This trail links up to the Elroy Sparta Trail along an abandoned old rail line. It follows the West Branch of the Baraboo River, and crosses several wooden bridges along its scenic route

Are you searching for homes to buy in Hillsboro or Vernon County Wisconsin call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599