Thinking about living in Madison? Wisconsin’s capital city is one of the best places to live in the U.S. and one of the best places to live in the Midwest, thanks to its waterfront recreation, higher education opportunities, budding tech industry, and family-friendly living. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Madison!
Dudgeon-Monroe
- Home Price: $423,567 median purchase price; $1,287 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Madison neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, students, families, retirees
Want to live in a family-friendly neighborhood close to Downtown Madison? Dudgeon-Monroe may be perfect for you! Find Colonial, Cape Cod, Craftsman, and Mid-Century Modern-style properties with shady trees and yards perfect for kids in this beautiful Wisconsin neighborhood. The popular Monroe Street provides residents with over a mile and a half of locally owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, while green spaces like Hillington Green Park offer access to outdoor recreation. Plus, the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association promotes a tight-knit community with activities like the 4th of July Parade, First Friday: Music by the Water from June through September, and the monthly DMNA council meetings. Parents can enroll their children in great schools like Randall Elementary School and West High School, just minutes from the neighborhood. And college students staying close to home can take advantage of the centrally located Edgewood College!
Things to Do in Dudgeon-Monroe
Get your kids interested in theater by signing them up to participate in Shakespeare productions such as The Tempest or Hamlet at Young Shakespeare Players. Practice reading skills during Storytime, take hands-on art workshops with artist-in-residence Poornima, or play, learn, and bond over music in the Growing Voices Music Class at the Monroe Street location of the Madison Public Library. Enjoy fresh air while your kids play on the jungle gym, slide, and seesaw at Glenwood Children’s Park. Pack a picnic and head to the playground, put on your life jacket and go canoeing on Lake Wingra, or bring bait and try fishing at Wingra Park and Boat Livery. Savor the flavors in Baja Fish Tacos, Angel Hair Pomodoro, or Thai-Style Crispy Chicken at Everly. Start with Cheesy Garlic Bread, dig into slices of Salame Funghi, and finish with a dessert of Nutella Focaccia at Pizza Brutta. Try Hawaii, Unagi, or Cali Style Signature Poke Bowls at Miko Poke. Or pick from a Pork Chop Sandwich, Laurel Brewmaster Burger, or Smothered Chicken Sandwich at The Laurel, an authentic Wisconsin neighborhood tavern.
Hill Farms-University
- Home Price: $274,000 median purchase price; $708 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Madison neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Originally developed as a planned community in Madison’s West Side, Hill Farms-University is an excellent place to live if you want safety and affordability. Here, you’ll find tree-lined streets with modest ranches, Colonial-style homes, and mid to high-rise apartments. In addition, Hill Farms-University is home to expansive green spaces like Rennebohm Park and Garner Park, as well as highly-ranked elementary schools and middle schools in Madison like Van Hise Elementary School and Velma Hamilton Middle School. On top of that, residents of all ages can take part in several annual community events—like the Spring Social, the Halloween Parade and Pizza Party, and the Fourth of July Parade and Picnic—organized by the University Hill Farms Neighborhood Association.
Things to Do in Hill Farms-University
Shop stores like Macy’s, Apple, and Madewell, or grab fresh produce or canned goods from the Hilldale Farmers Market at Hilldale Shopping Center. Play on the sports courts and let the little ones burn some energy at the accessible playground, or attend events like Capital City Band Concerts at Rennebohm Park. Sign your kids up for swim team, or participate in the Adult Aqua Fitness Class or Sunrise Swim at Hill Farm Swim Club. Become a member at nearby Blackhawk Country Club to play through the challenging 18-hole course and attend charitable golf outings. Order a Fiesta Bowl, Cultured Cobb Salad, or Thai Bowl at Forage Kitchen, a sustainable and healthy fast food joint that brews its own kombucha. Indulge in dishes like Steamed Dumplings, Harvest Noodle Soup, or Braised Pork Belly at Dumpling Haus. Swing by Cafe Hollander to see live performances from talented bands and musicians while getting your fix of Buckatabon Cheese Curds or Soft Pretzel Bites. Or head just five minutes away to Otto’s Restaurant & Bar for drinks like a Lemon Drop Martini, Italian Margarita, or Cosmopolitan.
Marquette
- Home Price: $298,833 median purchase price; $1,186 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Madison neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Madison, Marquette is abundant with Greek Revival, Italianate, and Craftsman-style houses. Two historic districts, Third Lake Ridge and Marquette Bungalow, stand as testaments to the area’s rich past, actively preserved by the dedicated Marquette Neighborhood Association. Despite this historical focus, the neighborhood is also a vibrant place to live in Madison! Residents enjoy gathering together at the weekly Eastside Farmers Market that runs from spring to fall, as well as annual events like the Orton Park Festival and Marquette Waterfront Festival. Additionally, Marquette’s prime location on Lake Monona, with the Yaraha River running through it, is perfect for those who want to stay active outdoors. And you’ll have easy access to Highway 151, ensuring quick commutes to other parts of Madtown!
Things to Do in Marquette
Go skating at Madison’s first skatepark or jog through the ten acres of space at McPike Park. Get some fresh air while cycling on the Capital City Trail, a 17-mile-long trail connecting multiple Madison neighborhoods. Join the Handstand Club, learn martial arts, and try out aerial silks at Madison Circus Space. Swim, fish, canoe, or kayak at B.B. Clarke Beach Park. Order Sweet Potato Hash, Eggs Mornay, Monty’s Cristo, and other comfort dishes for breakfast in Madison at Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. Snack on Street Corn, Grilled Flank Steak Torta, or the Frito Burrito from Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace. Meet up with friends for Happy Hour and enjoy Baked Wings, Bob’s Bad Breath Slider, and discounted drinks while playing board games at Weary Traveler Freehouse. Or share an order of Cheese Curds, Green Chili Pork, or Chips & Dip while drinking with friends at Mickey’s Tavern.
Vilas
- Home Price: $393,950 median purchase price; $1,475 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Madison neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
If you’re looking for a hip neighborhood in Madison that’s both safe and affordable, look no further than Vilas! Located just three minutes away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Vilas neighborhood is home to a mix of students and young professionals, thanks to its local dining, nightlife, and entertainment scene. You can find quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants on Regent Street and nighttime fun on Monroe Street—and Vilas also offers ample green space, parks like Bear Mound Park, and bike-friendly paths for both recreation and quick commutes! History buffs will appreciate the proximity to the Wisconsin State Capitol. If you’d like to be involved in neighborhood activities, you can join the VNA Council meetings or the VNA Bookclub at the Vilas Neighborhood Association.
Things to Do in Vilas
Check out intriguing animal exhibits like Arctic Passage or sign up for a Behind the Scenes tour to learn more about the animals at Henry Vilas Zoo. Head to Vilas Park to go ice skating, fishing, or kayaking on the waters of Lake Wingra. Tour the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum to learn more about Wisconsin’s geological past and see a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils on display. Shop eclectic global and bohemian-style decor at Art Gecko or grab fantasy novels and science fiction books at Mystery to Me on Monroe Street. Devour Wild Caught Icelandic Cod, Braised Bone in Lamb Shank, or a New York Strip Steak at Kettle Black Kitchen. Get the best soul food in Madison with Fried Chicken, Pork Ribs, or Catfish at Marie’s Soul Food. Snack on the Crispy Taro Egg Roll, Char Siu Fried Rice, Roast Pork Big Buns, or other traditional Chinese cuisine from Hong Kong Station. Or spend a night out at Garth’s Brew Bar, where you can attend events such as Bingo Night or Trivia Night while sipping on drinks like the Plaid Panther or Old Town Lager from the rotating menu.
Westmorland
- Home Price: $329,300 median purchase price; $1,375 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Madison neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Westmorland is one of the best neighborhoods in Madison, thanks to its low crime rates, laid-back atmosphere, and easy access to public transportation. Tree-lined streets, spacious Mid-Century homes in Madison, and proximity to quality schools within the Madison Metropolitan School District—like Midvale Elementary School and Thoreau Elementary School—make Westmorland a great place to settle down, particularly for families. On top of that, residents of all ages can get out to meet their neighbors at one of Westmorland’s many community events, like Summer Nights and the Halloween Parade & Party. Or you can stay active and get involved in the local community by joining Westmorland’s Kickball Team!
Things to Do in Westmorland
Walk your dog or play tennis and pickleball at Westmorland Park. Take the kids to Storytime or let them participate in the Kids’ Chess Club at Sequoya Library. Visit Usonia 1, the first of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian home collection that has since become a national historic landmark. Attend events like Movie at The Glen to watch films and Live at The Glen to listen to live music, or go for a round of golf at The Glen Golf Park. Satisfy your caffeine cravings with a Cafe Mocha, Iced Latte, or Macchiato at EVP Coffee. Chow down on a Brickburger, Brat, or Pork Chop with a side of your choice at The Village Bar. Indulge in a Margherita Pizza, Luigi’s Lasagna, or Meatball and Mozzarella Sandwich at Luigi’s Pizza. Or discover unique ice cream flavors like Bourbon Pecan Pie, Coconut Almond Bliss, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and Munchie Madness at Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
