Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin and often ranks on some of the best lists including the best places to live, cities with the best work-life balance, and most caring cities in America. There are a lot of things to do in the city, regardless of the season. With five lakes that cover more than 15,000 acres, you can go sailing in the summer or ice skating in the winter. From April through November, the Dane County Farmers’ Market sets up at the Capitol Square every Saturday morning where you can purchase locally sourced foods. With a strong connection to amateur and collegiate sports teams, Madison is the proud home of the Badgers, Mallards, and Capitols.
The greater Madison area is full of lively neighborhoods that are worth exploring. The Capitol / Downtown district is a popular area since you’ll find restaurants, museums, the State Capitol building, and more. If you’re looking for diversity, head over to the Atwood Avenue neighborhood. Once a blue-collar community, the district now has several ethnic restaurants and unique shops. Although the Monroe Street neighborhood was first considered a suburb, it’s actually walking distance to downtown. Families love this area since there are plenty of green spaces including the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Wingra, and Henry Vilas Zoo.
When it comes to local real estate, Madison is very family-friendly. Close to 42% of homes are built for single families. Space likely isn’t a concern either as almost 46% of homes have 3 or more bedrooms. Although the median house value in Madison is $304,000, there are also more affordable options since 29% of the housing inventory has a value between $122,001 and $243,000. Many homes have been built since the year 2000, but 40% were constructed between 1970 and 1999. As a result, some of these homes may need updates to their air conditioner and furnace.
