SISTER BAY

A hometown feel can only be found in Door County.

Sister Bay, WI — What Buyers Need to Know

Price range: Waterfront homes $600K–$2M+. Bluffside and bay-view homes $500K–$1.5M. Marina-area condos $300K–$800K. Inland village homes $350K–$700K.

Rental income: Waterfront properties generating $60,000–$120,000/year at 85% peak-season occupancy (June–August). Average nightly rate for a 3-bed waterfront: $350–$600.

Why Sister Bay: The only Door County village with a full grocery store, medical clinic, and year-round dining density — plus the largest public waterfront on the peninsula. 12 miles of Bay of Green Bay shoreline. Walk to the marina, restaurant row, and the beach from a waterfront property.

Drive times: Chicago ~4 hrs · Milwaukee ~3 hrs · Green Bay ~1.5 hrs. Closest airport: Green Bay Austin Straubel (~65 miles).

$600K+ Entry waterfront home
$450/sqft Avg waterfront price/sqft
85% Peak-season rental occupancy
12 mi Bay of Green Bay shoreline
Property Type Price Range Best For
Direct waterfront homes $800K–$2M+ Private dock, direct bay access, maximum rental income potential ($60K–$120K/yr)
Bluffside / bay-view homes $500K–$1.5M Wide-angle bay views, strong appreciation, lower maintenance than waterfront
Marina condos $300K–$800K Lock-and-leave lifestyle, walkable to dining, good rental yield, low maintenance
Village / inland homes $350K–$700K Year-round residents, walkable to all services, lowest entry price in Sister Bay

Ready to search Sister Bay listings?

Browse current homes and condos or contact Diane for off-market opportunities in Sister Bay.

Or contact Diane Taillon directly for off-market listings and a current market briefing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sister Bay, WI a good place to buy a home?

Yes — Sister Bay is widely regarded as Door County's strongest all-round real estate market. It's the only village on the peninsula with a full-service grocery store, medical clinic, and year-round dining density, making it viable as a primary residence or a genuinely functional second home rather than a purely seasonal property. Waterfront homes generate $60,000–$120,000 annually in rental income at 85% peak-season occupancy. Limited inventory and strong demand from Chicago and Milwaukee buyers support long-term appreciation. The main consideration: it's a competitive market, and premium waterfront listings move quickly. Contact Diane Taillon for current available listings including off-market opportunities.

What is Sister Bay, WI known for?

Sister Bay is known as Door County's most complete and energetic village — combining the largest public waterfront on the peninsula with a year-round community of services, dining, and events. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant (with the famous goats on the roof) is a Door County landmark. The village hosts Fall Fest each October, the only New Year's Eve fireworks show in Door County (the Cherry Drop), and Marina Fest each Labor Day weekend. Sister Bay Beach and Waterfront Park anchor the village's communal life, providing 12 miles of Bay of Green Bay shoreline access, swimming, sailing, and kayaking. It's the most walkable village in Northern Door County and the one most capable of supporting year-round living.

How does Sister Bay compare to Ephraim for buying a vacation home?

Sister Bay and Ephraim are approximately 5 miles apart on the Bay of Green Bay but offer very different experiences. Sister Bay is Door County's most service-complete village — full grocery, medical, the broadest dining and retail options — and suits buyers who want activity, convenience, and walkability alongside the waterfront setting. Ephraim is the most preserved and quietest village on the peninsula, with no bars, strict historic zoning, and a slower pace that appeals to buyers who prioritise character and tranquility over convenience. Ephraim tends to command slightly higher prices for comparable waterfront positions. For a personalised comparison based on your priorities, contact Arbor Crowne Properties.

Overview for SISTER BAY, WI

1,016 people live in SISTER BAY, where the median age is 54.8 and the average individual income is $47,490. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,016

Total Population

54.8 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$47,490

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for SISTER BAY, WI

SISTER BAY has 549 households, with an average household size of 1.76. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in SISTER BAY do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,016 people call SISTER BAY home. The population density is 393.91 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,016

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

54.8

Median Age

43.31 / 56.69%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
549

Total Households

1.76

Average Household Size

$47,490

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
SISTER BAY

Work With Us

Arbor Crowne Properties specializes in luxury and waterfront Door County homes. Situated in the idyllic town of Ephraim and operating out of the historic Hillside Waterfront Hotel, Arbor Crowne is perfectly positioned to address your buying and selling needs.

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