Visitors consistently rank Cedarburg as one of Wisconsin's favorite small town getaways. The city's beautifully preserved downtown offers a delightful array of specialty stores, restaurants, spas, museums and historic inns. Add a full calendar of festivals, shows and special events, and it's no surprise that so many visitors find Cedarburg irresistible.

Waking along downtown Washington Avenue is like journeying 150 years back in time. Many of the limestone and brick buildings look exactly as they did when they were built in the 19th century. These early structures aren't museum pieces; they're at the center of community life, housing many of the city's businesses and shops. Preserving these landmarks is a community-wide commitment, and their presence is a point of pride for newcomers and foundling families alike.

Living in Cedarburg

With a population of just over 11,000 in the City of Cedarburg and an additional 6,000 residents in the Town, Cedarburg is small enough to maintain a quiet, pastoral setting, but large enough to offer modern amenities and services one would expect in a growing, contemporary city. And the metropolitan attractions of Milwaukee are only minutes away.
 

Cedarburg’s leaders have developed a long-range plan for industrial and economic expansion to ensure orderly growth. At the same time, the community remains committed to protecting the environment and preserving Cedarburg’s historical flavor. The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its commitment to promote healthy economic growth that will ensure residents a desirable climate in which to live and work for years to come.

Coinciding with its efforts to foster a healthy business and living climate, Cedarburg is also a community that takes care of its own. Although a relatively small community, the area boasts numerous non-profit organizations that contribute significantly toward the long-term well-being of its residents. Organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters which serve to offer ongoing guidance to needy youths, COPE Services which maintains a 24-hour telephone hotline serving those in need of emotional support, Family Services of Ozaukee County, and Family Sharing which maintains a community food pantry, are just a few of many such groups that provide steadfast assistance to those in need. The Cedarburg Community Scholarship Fund serves to ensure continuing educational support, while other groups such as the Cedarburg Lions, the Cedarburg Junior Woman’s, Cedarburg Woman’s and Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Clubs provide charitable support to innumerable causes.

Another local source of pride is the Greater Cedarburg Community Foundation. Newly formed in 2000, the foundation has already made great strides towards reaching its initial one million dollar goal. The proceeds will be dedicated to preserving the community’s cultural heritage, enhancing artistic experiences and providing educational and community service opportunities for all ages. In addition to serving its human residents, the community is also dedicated to taking good care of its animal population. A highly respected institution, The Ozaukee County Humane Society lovingly provides many services in an area considered to be an important part of life in the Cedarburg area.