Relocating to Madison? One of the top mid-size cities in the U.S. and one of the best cities for singles, Madtown offers clear lake views, a fantastic foodie scene, unique entertainment options, and more. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Madison for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Capitol | Dudgeon-Monroe | Marquette | Vilas | Westmorland |
| Safer than % of City | 19% | 63% | 50% | 65% | 74% |
| Median Home Price | $428,850 | $423,567 | $298,833 | $393,950 | $329,300 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,177 | $1,287 | $1,186 | $1,475 | $1,375 |
| Median Household Income | $39,062 | $110,367 | $71,139 | $66,756 | $102,132 |
| Median Age | 25.4 | 33.4 | 34.2 | 24.3 | 37.2 |
Capitol
If you’re looking for a central and lively place to live in Madison, consider Capitol! Called Downtown Madison by locals, historical Capitol features the Wisconsin State Capitol and many cultural landmarks within walking distance, such as Period Garden Park and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Since it’s so close to the capitol building, this area is popular among young professionals looking for government jobs in Madison. As one of the largest neighborhoods in Madison, Capitol offers young professionals easy transportation on the Madison Metro, plenty of nightlife and entertainment, and exciting annual events such as Taste of Madison, IRONMAN Wisconsin, Make Music Madison, and more. As for housing, young adults living in Downtown Madison can find affordable options like prairie-style houses and bungalows as well as Italianate apartments.
Things to Do in Capitol
Catch live music, dance performances, and theater productions like Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Overture Center for the Arts. Attend rooftop concerts, art fairs, and free yoga classes at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center. Admire ceramics, fiber arts, and paintings in permanent collections, or view rotating exhibitions like William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Browse vegetables, meats, works of art, and more throughout the year at the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Wake up with a Cappuccino or Raspberry Rose Latte and a Paleo Ball from Wonderstate Coffee. Eat brunch favorites including the Scrambler and Huevos Rancheros while sipping a Cafe Cubano at Marigold Kitchen. Indulge in a Ribeye on the Bone, Pork Tenderloin, or Gulf Shrimp in a rustic setting at Tornado Steak House. Or munch unique burgers like the Alumni or Runnelstone with a Boat of Pickles at gift-shop-turned-restaurant Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry.
Dudgeon-Monroe
Trendy Dudgeon-Monroe, a top Madison neighborhood, is home to the annual Monroe Street Festival, as well as unique local cafes and boutiques—which you can find intermixed with Craftsman, bungalow, and Cape Cod-style homes on vibrant Monroe Street. Young professionals flock to this safe neighborhood for its convenient transportation options such as Madison BCycle, the Madison Metro, its position on Lake Wingra, and the excellent jobs and amenities all the Madison businesses located here provide. With great schools like Edgewood High School and Edgewood College within its borders and close proximity to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dudgeon-Monroe is also perfect for young adults looking to pursue higher education or work in academia.
Things to Do in Dudgeon-Monroe
Launch your boat or rent a kayak to hang out on Lake Wingra, or go fishing at Wingra Park & Boat Livery. Check out books for leisure reading or do some research at the Oscar Rennebohm Library on Edgewood College’s campus. Try out a private lesson or join a group class at Dongzhu Pottery Studio. Stroll the nature trails, admire the foliage and flowers in the gardens, and learn about ecosystems and restoration at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum. Take a seat outside to enjoy a Grilled Savoy Cabbage Salad, Peruvian Chicken Skewers, and Japanese Cheesecake at Everly. Fill up on nutritious dishes such as the Southwest Steak Salad Bowl and Mediterranean Bowl, or build your own Poke Bowl at Miko Poke. Stop in for treats like a BeTwixed Bar, Mixed Berry Bark, or a Sea Salt Caramel Latte from Madison Chocolate Company. Or choose from over 95 bottle and can varieties and 15 craft beers including the Night Sun and Door County Cherry Wheat at Garth’s Brew Bar.
Marquette
Marquette, also known as Williamson-Marquette, Wil-Mar, or Willy Street, has tenderly preserved its historical Victorian, Craftsman, and bungalow homes. While the neighborhood still has its share of Contemporary houses, Marquette maintains the architectural style of the older homes through its two historical districts—Third Lake Ridge Historic District and Marquette Bungalow Historic District. Filled with safe sidewalks and bike paths, this highly-walkable and bikeable Madison neighborhood is just right for young professionals looking for a short commute to work on Williamson Street or in Downtown Madison. Plus, with year-round community events like the Willy Street Fair, Orton Park Festival, and Marquette Waterfront Festival, you’ll always find something to do in this artsy community!
Things to Do in Marquette
Get tickets to see famous artists and bands like Chappell Roan and Bleachers perform at The Sylvee. Hear live music every night from a slew of genres including punk, soul, and electronic, and learn something new at Nerd Nites at High Noon Saloon. Experience fun events such as Open Mic Nights, drag queen brunches, short film presentations, and more at The Bur Oak. Play arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Guitar Hero while sipping cocktails or craft beers at I/O Arcade Bar. Start your day with a Fruit Danish or the Cook’s Breakfast—or buy fresh loaves of the Specialty Batard or Miche from the bakery at Madison Sourdough. Have a Sheldon Sandwich or Chicken In A Pie with a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Shake for dessert in the 1950s-style renovated gas station, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. Relish authentic Italian dishes like Eggplant Fritters, Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, and Vegan Margherita Pizza at Bar Corallini. Or snack on pub fare like the Plain Jane Grilled Cheese or Delux Burger and sip an Anti-Insanity cocktail while listening to live music at Mickey’s Tavern.
Vilas
As one of the safest neighborhoods in Madison, Vilas is loved by outdoor enthusiasts as it provides easy access to Lake Wingra and Monona Bay for water activities. This culturally-rich area is also close to Downtown Madison, Edgewood College, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for top-notch education and job opportunities—but far enough away that young professionals and students can live in Vilas without being part of the busy college scene. With Craftsman, bungalow, and prairie-style homes as well as the Wingra Park Historic District located within Vilas’ borders, this more affordable neighborhood attracts renters and homebuyers alike. And if you work in healthcare, you’ll be happy to know the well-rated SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison is right next door!
Things to Do in Vilas
Visit exhibits such as North American Prairie and the Animal Health Center or spend the day admiring animals like Amur tigers, Bornean orangutans, grizzly bears, and more at Henry Vilas Zoo. Ice skate in the winter, unwind on the beach in the summer, and play soccer on nice days year-round at Vilas Park. Support the Badgers (NCAA-I) while attending a UW football game at nearby Camp Randall Stadium. Buy books in genres like mystery, literary fiction, and rom-com, enjoy author readings, or join the Book Club at independent bookstore Mystery to Me. Sink your teeth into a breakfast or brunch of Pork Chops and Eggs, Strawberry Pancakes, or a Cheddar Melt at Mickies Dairy Bar. Grab a pick-me-up anytime such as a Miel espresso or Berry Berry Smoothie, and attend delectable wine tastings on Fridays at Barriques. Or eat Neapolitan-style pizzas like the Prosciutto Arugula and Quattro Formaggi, or build your own pie with delicious toppings and Wisconsin cheeses at Pizza Brutta.
Westmorland
- Home Price: $329,300 median purchase price; $1,375 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Madison neighborhoods
Young professionals and singles in Madison looking for a more suburban, quiet neighborhood should put Westmorland at the top of their list! With friendly neighbors, several green spaces, and tons of annual events such as the Halloween Parade & Party, there are all kinds of ways to meet new people here. Also loved by families and retirees, this attractive neighborhood’s streets are lined with mature trees and Mid-Century Ranch, Cape Cod, Colonial, and historical homes. Westmorland is also a highly bikeable Madison neighborhood, has access to handy public transportation via Metro Transit buses, and is frequented by people walking their dogs in pleasant weather.
Things to Do in Westmorland
Find new books and audiobooks to enjoy, attend events like Adult Board Game Nights, and check out useful items like Madison BCycle passes, DVD players, disc golf kits, and more at Madison Public Library – Sequoya. Stroll through the rock garden, have a sheltered picnic gathered around a warm fireplace, and play pickleball at Westmorland Park. Tee up a nine-hole game of golf or enjoy events featuring live music at The Glen Golf Park. Toss a frisbee around, play catch, and fly a kite at Tillotson Park. Meet your neighbors at beloved events like the annual Garden Tour, 4th of July Celebration, and Wine & Cheese Social with Westmorland Neighborhood Association Events. Try the award-winning Brickburger or a Muenster Burger with Popcorn on the side at The Village Bar. Sample Eggplant Caponata and Pan Seared Arctic Char, or stop by for the Friday Night Fish Fry at nearby Gates & Brovi. Or dine on creative pizzas like the BBQ Chicken and Il Capo with Lemon Cream Italian Cake for dessert at Luigi’s Pizza.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
