Madison, Wisconsin is a city built on neighborhoods, each with its own personality, pace, and lifestyle. From lakefront streets and historic homes to walkable urban pockets and quieter residential areas, where you live in Madison shapes how you live.
As lifelong locals and Madison real estate experts, we help buyers, sellers, and relocators understand not just where to live, but why one neighborhood may feel like a better fit than another.
This guide offers a high-level look at Madison and how its neighborhoods differ, so you can start narrowing down what feels right before diving deeper.
Living in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison consistently draws people in for its balance of city energy and everyday livability. With lakes on both sides of the isthmus, miles of bike paths and trails, a strong job market, and a culture rooted in community, Madison offers a lifestyle that feels connected without feeling overwhelming.
Neighborhoods play a big role here. Two areas just minutes apart can feel completely different in terms of pace, walkability, and day-to-day rhythm.
Madison Real Estate Overview
Madison’s housing stock is varied and highly neighborhood-driven. Buyers will find everything from historic homes and mid-century properties to new construction, condos, and lakefront residences.
Home values are often influenced by:
Proximity to downtown, the university, and the lakes
School districts and attendance areas
Walkability and neighborhood amenities
Lot size, housing style, and overall character
Because pricing and inventory can shift block by block, neighborhood-level insight matters when buying or selling in Madison.
Madison Neighborhoods at a Glance
Madison is often grouped into several main areas, each with a distinct feel. Below is a snapshot of the areas buyers ask about most, along with some of the neighborhoods people tend to search for within each one.
Near West Side
The Near West Side is one of Madison’s most consistently popular areas thanks to its close-in location, parks, and everyday conveniences. The vibe is established, walkable, and quietly central.
Commonly searched neighborhoods include Westmorland, Sunset Village, Hill Farms, University Heights, and areas near Hilldale.
Nakoma and Monroe Street Area
This area is known for its strong neighborhood feel, local shops, and easy access to parks and trails. Streets are tree-lined and walkable, and homes often have character that reflects the history of the area.
Buyers frequently look at Nakoma, Dudgeon-Monroe, and nearby Greenbush pockets.
Downtown and Isthmus
Downtown offers true city living with lakes on both sides, restaurants and events within walking distance, and direct access to trails and the Capitol.
This includes the Capitol neighborhood, First Settlement, Bassett, and lake-adjacent areas near Mendota and Monona.
Near East Side
Creative, community-driven, and constantly evolving, the Near East Side attracts people who value local businesses, parks, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride.
Popular neighborhoods include Marquette, Schenk-Atwood, Eken Park, Emerson East, and Yahara.
Southwest and West Madison
This area offers more space, newer housing options, and easy access to major employers, shopping, and commuter routes. It tends to feel practical and comfortable for day-to-day living.
Areas buyers often ask about include Orchard Ridge, Greentree, Parkwood Hills, and neighborhoods near Mineral Point Road.
North Side
The North Side is residential and diverse, with long-standing communities and improving access to parks, trails, and local amenities.
Buyers commonly search Sherman, Berkley Oaks, Northport, and Maple Bluff-adjacent neighborhoods.
Schools in Madison
Madison is served by the Madison Metropolitan School District along with several private and parochial school options. School boundaries can influence both daily routines and long-term home value, and they often vary street by street.
Lifestyle and Local Amenities
Madison residents enjoy easy access to:
Lakes, beaches, and boating
Bike paths, walking trails, and neighborhood parks
Farmers’ markets, festivals, and live music
Local restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses
Many neighborhoods are designed around connection, whether through walkable streets, community events, or shared green spaces.
Personalized neighborhood guidance
Nothing beats personalized guidance. Madison is a city where two neighborhoods just minutes apart can feel completely different. Knowing where to focus comes down to how you want to live, not just what looks good on paper.
Want help narrowing it down?
We know Madison’s neighborhoods inside and out. Tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll help you create a short list that actually fits your lifestyle.
Madison has 125,787 households, with an average household size of 2.09. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.Here’s what the people living in Madison do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.275,568 people call Madison home. The population density is 3,463.09 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
275,568
Total Population
High
Population Density
Population DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
31.8
Median Age
49.95 / 50.05%
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9:
0-9 Years
10-17:
10-17 Years
18-24:
18-24 Years
25-64:
25-64 Years
65-74:
65-74 Years
75+:
75+ Years
Education Level
Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree
125,787
Total Households
2.09
Average Household Size
$48,557
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Married
Single
Divorced
Separated
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
Commute Time
0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
Schools in Madison , WI
All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Madison . The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family.
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Let us use our expertise in the industry, paired with our local insiders knowledge to take all the stress of real estate off your hands, so that you can truly enjoy the process.
