Your Guide to Buying a Home in Madison, WI

Known for its beautiful scenery and vibrant city life, Madison residents rave about their town and all it has to offer. Full of urban culture, natural beauty and small town charm, people who live in Madison can take advantage of endless outdoor recreational offerings, trend-setting cultural venues, distinctive restaurants and shopping and the energy of a buzzing college town. Surrounded by picturesque neighborhoods and sprawling suburban communities, it’s no doubt why Madison is one of the fasting growing cities in Wisconsin.

 

Located in Dane County, in the south-central portion of the state, Madison puts you in close proximity to two other major metropolitan areas. Madison is a close distance to nearby Milwaukee, located 77 miles to its west, and a less than 2 hour drive from Chicago. Residents can choose the short commute in from nearby suburbs or can take advantage of the many city living options right in the heart of downtown Madison. 

The city of Madison surrounds the Town of Madison, where the University of Wisconsin is located. Distinctive neighborhoods of the downtown area include the villages of Maple Bluff and Shorewood Hills. The city is also close to Verona and Waunakee villages. Surrounding suburban towns include Sun Prairie, Middleton, Monona, Mc Farland and Fitchburg. 

 

Living in Madison offers just about every setting one would desire.  Homeowners are attracted to the area for its steady home market and beautiful waterfront location. Real estate in Madison varies from all price ranges and home types, depending on whether you elect to live in the city proper, one of the neighboring suburbs or one a little further out in one of the picturesque small towns near Madison. 

 

Boasting one of the lowest crime rates among cities of similar size, Madison is a great environment to raise a family. Families that move to Madison can find award-winning schools to foster growth and success in their children. Madison Metropolitan School district is known for its strong schools and active parent/teacher organization.   Madison schools are competitive and consistently produce college-bound graduates from its many programs. Five public high schools, all noted for strong academic performance and unique educational offerings, along with a variety of private, parochial and alternative educational programs give parents choice when it comes to finding a great school in Madison. 

 

The state government and the University of Wisconsin, both located in Madison, drive the local economy.  The city’s low unemployment rate has made it a desirable destination for job relocations and career jump starts. There are a growing number of high-tech companies blossoming in the heart of downtown. Many businesses are attracted to Madison's exceptional skill base, taking advantage of the area's high level of education and opportunities to partner with University of Wisconsin research and support.  Consumer service jobs are also booming in Madison, especially in the areas of health, biotech and advertising.    

 

Surrounded by five area lakes and more than 260 city parks, Madison offers up one of the best backdrops for great living.  It is the perfect setting for an abundance of year-round outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, swimming and sailing along with cross-country skiing, snow sailing, and ice fishing. Artistic communities and cultural offerings offer great day trips, including Madison’s famous “Museum Mile” with its six museums and art galleries. Saturday mornings in the summertime, residents can enjoy the Dane County Farmers’ Market located around Capitol Square.   Summertime festivals and attractions from the Rhythm and Booms firework celebration and family-fun at Vilas Zoo and Madison Children's Museum, make Madison a frequent destination from visitors near and far. When summer turns to fall, Madison takes on its status as one of the country’s best known sports towns with the University of Wisconsin’s and the many who come to town to cheer on their favorite team!