If you are deciding between Somerset and New Richmond, you are not just comparing home prices. You are comparing two different ways of living in western Wisconsin, each with its own pace, housing mix, and daily routine. The good news is that both communities offer strong appeal for buyers, and understanding the tradeoffs can help you make a more confident move. Let’s dive in.
Somerset vs. New Richmond at a Glance
Somerset offers a smaller village setting about 30 miles from the Twin Cities, with the Apple River and outdoor recreation playing a major role in its identity. Its comprehensive plan highlights small-town living with city amenities still within reach, along with flexible zoning and a strong housing market.
New Richmond is the larger option and generally offers more day-to-day amenities. It is about 39 miles from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and local tourism materials point to scenic outdoor spaces, community events, local culture, and the added convenience of the New Richmond Regional Airport.
For many buyers, the choice comes down to this: Somerset feels smaller and more river-oriented, while New Richmond feels broader, more connected, and more amenity-rich.
Housing Options in Somerset
If you want a market that leans heavily toward detached homes, Somerset may stand out. The village has 1,289 housing units, with a 64 percent owner and 36 percent renter split, and only about 0.2 percent of the housing stock is seasonal or occasional use.
Newer construction has also shaped the local market. From 2020 through June 2024, Somerset added 158 single-family homes and just 4 duplex units, which points to a housing supply that is still mostly centered on detached residential options.
Another detail worth noting is the relative age of the housing stock. About 17.8 percent of Somerset homes are 50 years old or older, suggesting a comparatively newer base than you may find in some neighboring communities.
Housing Options in New Richmond
New Richmond gives you more variety. The city has 4,405 housing units, with a 62 percent owner and 38 percent renter split, and less than 0.5 percent seasonal use.
Recent construction has included several property types. From 2020 through June 2024, New Richmond added 468 single-family homes, 36 duplex units, and 224 multifamily units, giving buyers a wider range of options than Somerset.
The age mix is broader, too. Roughly 29.7 percent of homes are 50 years old or older, which means you may see a mix of newer subdivisions, established in-town housing, and more varied floor plans and lot settings.
Home Values Are Surprisingly Similar
One of the most interesting parts of this comparison is that headline home values are very close. The current median owner-occupied home value is $286,600 in Somerset and $285,100 in New Richmond.
That means your decision may have less to do with price and more to do with what kind of home and setting you want. In practice, buyers are often choosing between inventory style, neighborhood feel, commute patterns, and lifestyle amenities rather than one market being clearly more or less expensive.
Commute and Daily Logistics
Somerset functions as a commuter-oriented community for many residents. Local data shows that 10 percent of employed residents work inside the village, while 90 percent commute elsewhere. The mean travel time to work is 27.8 minutes.
New Richmond keeps a bit more employment activity in town. About 18 percent of employed residents work inside the city and 82 percent leave for work, with a slightly shorter mean commute of 25.1 minutes.
That difference is not huge, but it can matter in everyday life. If you want a location that may offer a few more local day-to-day conveniences and a slightly shorter average commute, New Richmond may feel easier. If you are comfortable with a more commuter-driven routine and want a smaller village atmosphere, Somerset may be the better fit.
Somerset Lifestyle and Recreation
Somerset’s lifestyle story is closely tied to the Apple River. The village parks system includes eight developed parks and about 100 acres of green space, giving residents access to outdoor spaces without leaving town.
Village Park sits along the river and includes a walking trail and footbridge. The area also includes La Grandeur Natural Area, which features an 18-hole disc golf course, and Parnell Prairie Preserve, where you will find mowed hiking paths and a restored prairie setting.
If your ideal home base feels quieter, more residential, and connected to natural surroundings, Somerset has a clear appeal. Its village planning documents consistently point to outdoor recreation and the Apple River as major local assets.
New Richmond Lifestyle and Amenities
New Richmond offers a more connected, town-centered recreation network. The city has more than 16 miles of trails, including paved linked routes along the Willow River and the John Doar History Trail.
Its parks and public spaces include Mary Park, Freedom Park, Paperjack Park, Doar Prairie Restoration, North Side Park, and Hatfield Park. Beyond outdoor spaces, the Heritage Center adds a cultural layer with 11 historic buildings on a three-acre site and an additional 11-acre trail system.
Community events are also part of the local rhythm. Downtown-centered festivals such as Fun Fest and Heritage Days help give New Richmond a more active civic and cultural feel.
Which Community Fits Your Priorities?
If you are looking at Somerset and New Richmond side by side, it helps to match each place to your daily priorities rather than searching for a one-size-fits-all answer.
Choose Somerset if you want:
- A smaller village setting
- A market with more limited and newer detached-home inventory
- River access and outdoor spaces tied to the Apple River
- A quieter residential feel
Choose New Richmond if you want:
- More housing variety, including multifamily and older in-town homes
- A larger trail and park network
- More civic, cultural, and day-to-day amenities
- A slightly shorter average commute
What Buyers Should Expect in Both Markets
Both Somerset and New Richmond sit within a competitive St. Croix County housing market. A recent county housing needs assessment reported a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate and a zero homeowner vacancy rate in 2023.
For buyers, that usually means well-positioned homes may not sit long. It can also mean fewer chances to wait for the perfect listing if your timing, layout needs, or preferred location are very specific.
In a market like this, clarity matters. Knowing your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your comfort level with older homes versus newer construction can help you move faster when the right property appears.
Final Thoughts on Somerset vs. New Richmond
Somerset and New Richmond are close enough in home values that lifestyle often becomes the deciding factor. Somerset tends to suit buyers who want a smaller, river-oriented setting with a newer detached-home feel. New Richmond tends to suit buyers who want broader inventory, more connected amenities, and a more active town environment.
If you are weighing both options, the smartest next step is to compare homes through the lens of your real daily life. Your commute, preferred housing style, recreation habits, and desired pace of living will tell you more than price headlines alone.
If you want help narrowing down the right fit in Somerset, New Richmond, or the wider St. Croix River Valley, Jessica Johnson can help you compare neighborhoods, inventory, and next steps with clear, local guidance.
FAQs
How does Somerset compare to New Richmond for homebuyers?
- Somerset generally offers a smaller village setting with newer detached-home inventory, while New Richmond offers a larger housing stock, more property-type variety, and more amenities.
Are home prices higher in Somerset or New Richmond?
- Median owner-occupied home values are very similar based on the research report, at $286,600 in Somerset and $285,100 in New Richmond.
What is the housing inventory like in Somerset, Wisconsin?
- Somerset has a smaller housing stock focused mostly on detached homes, with 158 single-family units and 4 duplex units added from 2020 through June 2024.
What is the housing inventory like in New Richmond, Wisconsin?
- New Richmond has a larger and more varied housing stock, with 468 single-family units, 36 duplex units, and 224 multifamily units added from 2020 through June 2024.
Which community has more parks and trails, Somerset or New Richmond?
- New Richmond has a broader connected trail network with more than 16 miles of trails, while Somerset offers eight developed parks, about 100 acres of green space, and strong access to Apple River recreation.
Is the St. Croix County housing market competitive for buyers?
- Yes. The county housing needs assessment reported a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate and a zero homeowner vacancy rate in 2023, which points to tight supply in both communities.
