Living in DeForest, WI
A quick look at what makes DeForest, WI a great place to live, work and play.
Home to the headwaters of the Yahara River, located in a protected environmental corridor, the Village of DeForest, WI offers residents easy access to big-city amenities and the confines and atmosphere of a quaint small town. While many travelers know DeForest as the site of Pinkie, a life-size, bespectacled, pink elephant that has become a popular roadside attraction, the city’s reputation for family fun, safety and a strong economy has made it one of the best places to live in Wisconsin.
The city’s Norwegian heritage influences many aspects of life, from food and festivals to architecture and entertainment. City leaders describe DeForest as an environmentally conscious, close-knit and safe community. DeForest is just 15 minutes away from Madison, the state capital, which is filled with a diverse array of restaurants, arts and cultural venues, and large shopping centers. DeForest is also near the University of Wisconsin, Cascade Mountain, Wisconsin Dells, Little Amerricka Amusement Park and the World Dairy Expo.
DeForest was ranked as one of the safest communities in Wisconsin by Safewise, which is one of the many accolades that helps draw families to the city. DeForest has also been named a Bird City and Tree City. The DeForest Area School District is known for providing high-quality education and maintains one of the highest graduation rates in the country. More than 7 miles of contiguous trails throughout the community give residents plenty of ways to exercise and get around without having to get in their cars. The Yahara River and a collection of ponds and streams provide excellent aquatic recreation.