Blog
Union Grove Wisconsin Living A Small Town Guide for Homebuyers
January 23, 2026
If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere that feels like a close-knit TV town—where shop owners know your name, kids ride their bikes for ice cream, and community events actually feel like community—Union Grove might be your place.
Located in Racine County, Union Grove offers a peaceful, welcoming lifestyle without sacrificing convenience. It’s the kind of town people lovingly compare to Stars Hollow, with tree-lined streets, a walkable downtown, and neighbors who wave as they pass by.
Bear Homes has been active in Union Grove since 2022 through The Estates of Canopy Hill, a thoughtfully planned subdivision where buyers can choose a move-in-ready home or customize one of Bear Homes’ floor plans on a lot of their choice.
Where Is Union Grove Located?
Union Grove is located in Racine County in Southeast Wisconsin, making it an ideal home base for families and relocating buyers who want space, safety, and a strong sense of community.
- Approximately 35–45 minutes from Milwaukee
- Roughly 90 minutes from Chicago, depending on traffic
- Near communities like Burlington, Racine, and Kenosha
This location offers the best of both worlds: a quieter pace of life with easy access to larger metro areas for work, entertainment, and travel.
What Is Union Grove Known For?
Union Grove is best known for its small-town charm, family-friendly atmosphere, and sense of safety. Residents often describe the town as peaceful and welcoming—something that becomes even more apparent once you live there.
New residents are often pleasantly surprised by:
- A boutique downtown filled with local shops, bakeries, coffee spots, and salons
- Community traditions that bring neighbors together
- The ability for kids to safely bike or walk to local treats like ice cream shops
Seasonal events play a big role in community life, including:
- A downtown Christmas celebration with a tree lighting, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa
- A Fourth of July parade during the summer months
- A public market held from June through September at Village Square Park
- A lively fall fest featuring kids’ crafts, vendor booths, and entertainment
- The Racine County Fairgrounds, located just outside Union Grove, hosts one of the area’s largest annual events
Is Union Grove a Good Place to Live?
For many buyers—especially families—the answer is a confident yes.
Union Grove offers:
- A quiet, low-traffic environment
- A strong sense of safety and neighborly connection
- A slower pace of life that still feels well-connected
Many homeowners say they feel comfortable letting their children play outside, walk downtown, or ride bikes through the neighborhood—something that’s increasingly rare in larger communities.
According to publicly available crime data from state and federal sources, Union Grove consistently reports lower crime rates than similarly sized communities, reinforcing what residents already experience day to day.
Schools & Education in Union Grove
The Union Grove–Yorkville School District is one of the area’s strongest draws for families.
The district is:
- Highly rated within Racine County
- Expanding facilities to support a growing student population
- Focused on advanced learning opportunities, including STEM programming at the elementary level
Early education and long-term academic opportunities are a major reason families choose to settle in Union Grove, knowing their children can grow and learn close to home.
Cost of Living & Housing Opportunities
Compared to larger nearby cities, Union Grove offers a more approachable cost of living, particularly when it comes to land availability and new construction opportunities.
At The Estates of Canopy Hill, buyers have the flexibility to:
- Purchase a move-in-ready home
- Build on a lot of their choice
- Customize a floor plan without starting from scratch
The neighborhood features a mix of 1-story, 1.5-story, and 2-story homes, creating variety while maintaining a cohesive community feel. Popular floor plans built within the subdivision include the Brookhaven, Springwood, and Sullivan.
The Estates of Canopy Hill is currently expanding into its second phase, with a third phase in planning—signaling continued growth in a thoughtful, well-managed way.
What It’s Like Building with Bear Homes in Union Grove
Bear Homes has been building homes across Southeast Wisconsin for more than 15 years, and what sets them apart is simple: every step of the process is handled in-house.
Bear Homes assists with:
- Land purchases
- Floor plan customization
- Zoning and utility coordination
- Construction management from start to finish

Buyers building a new home can expect a 9–12 month timeline from design and excavation to move-in. Those purchasing a move-in-ready home can enjoy a faster, more streamlined path to homeownership.
For relocating buyers, Bear Homes centralizes communication and progress updates in one platform, providing peace of mind and consistent guidance throughout the entire process.
Things to Do in Union Grove
While Union Grove is known for its peaceful atmosphere, there’s no shortage of things to do. Downtown events, seasonal markets, local shops, and nearby outdoor recreation keep residents engaged year-round.
Learn More About the Village of Union Grove
And when you’re looking for something bigger—concerts, sporting events, shopping, or dining—larger destinations are just a short drive away.
Why Union Grove?
Because it’s a place where your kids can grow up safely, you can enjoy a peaceful small-town lifestyle, and you’re still connected to everything Wisconsin—and beyond—has to offer.
Union Grove isn’t trying to be the biggest or busiest town in Southeast Wisconsin—and that’s exactly why so many people choose to call it home.
Explore The Estates of Canopy Hill
View move-in-ready homes in the area, or learn more about Bear Homes’ building process in Union Grove.
Blog FAQs
According to recent U.S. Census data, Union Grove has a population of just over 5,000 residents, contributing to its small-town feel while still supporting schools, local businesses, and community events.
Union Grove is known for being a safe community, with publicly available data showing lower crime rates than many similarly sized towns. Many residents cite safety as one of the main reasons they choose to live and raise families in the area.
