Nakoma

Nakoma Neighborhood Guide | Madison, WI

Nakoma is one of Madison’s most recognizable west-side neighborhoods, known for its quiet streets, consistent character, and proximity to everyday essentials. It sits just south of Monroe Street and feels residential without feeling isolated.

People who live in Nakoma tend to describe it by boundaries and landmarks rather than subdivisions. The experience of living here is shaped by tree-lined streets, walkability to nearby amenities, and easy access to both downtown Madison and the Beltline.


Living in Nakoma

Day-to-day life in Nakoma is calm and predictable in the best way. Many errands happen on foot or by bike, and the neighborhood feels active without being busy. The proximity to Monroe Street, Nakoma Golf Club, and nearby parks makes it easy to settle into routines.

Residents often spend time walking the neighborhood, heading toward Monroe Street for coffee or dinner, or using the nearby bike routes that connect to the rest of the city.


Nakoma Real Estate Overview

Nakoma’s housing stock is primarily single-family homes, many built in the early to mid-20th century. Architectural styles vary, but homes tend to share similar scale, setbacks, and lot sizes, which contributes to the neighborhood’s cohesive feel.

Factors that commonly influence value in Nakoma include:

  • Location within the neighborhood and street traffic patterns
  • Proximity to Monroe Street and nearby parks
  • Home condition, updates, and layout
  • Lot size and garage access

Nakoma Areas at a Glance

Nakoma is often described in terms of where you are within it rather than by formal sections. These are the reference points buyers most often use.

Near Monroe Street

Homes closer to Monroe Street offer easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhood businesses while still maintaining a residential feel.

People usually describe this area as “a few blocks off Monroe” rather than using a specific neighborhood name.

Central Nakoma Streets

The interior of Nakoma feels quiet and consistent, with tree-lined streets and limited through traffic.

This is the part of Nakoma people are referring to when they say they want something “tucked in” but still walkable.

Near Nakoma Golf Club

Properties near Nakoma Golf Club often feel slightly more open, with broader streets and a quieter rhythm.

This area is usually described by proximity to the golf course rather than by street names.

Edge of Nakoma Toward the Beltline

Homes closer to the Beltline offer quicker access for commuters while still being part of the neighborhood.

Buyers often mention this area when commute time is a top priority.

Nakoma Compared to Nearby Neighborhoods

Nakoma is often compared to Westmorland, Sunset Village, and Dudgeon-Monroe when buyers are deciding where to live on the west side.

Comparisons usually focus on housing style, walkability, and access to Monroe Street.

Parks and Everyday Reference Points

Proximity to green space plays a role in how people describe where they live within Nakoma.

Nakoma Park and nearby green spaces are common landmarks locals reference.


Schools in Nakoma

Homes in the Nakoma neighborhood are served by the Madison Metropolitan School District.

School attendance areas, grade configurations, and assignments are determined by the district and may change over time. Buyers are encouraged to confirm current school information directly with the Madison Metropolitan School District.

School information is provided for general reference only and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of enrollment.


Lifestyle and Local Amenities

Nakoma residents have convenient access to:

  • Monroe Street restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses
  • Nakoma Park and nearby neighborhood green space
  • Bike routes and walking paths connecting to downtown Madison
  • Quick access to the Beltline and west-side amenities

Personalized neighborhood guidance

In Nakoma, small location differences can shape daily routines more than people expect. Understanding how proximity to Monroe Street, parks, and commute routes fit together helps narrow the search effectively.

Want help narrowing it down?

We know Nakoma and the surrounding west-side neighborhoods well. Share what matters most to you, and we’ll help you focus on areas that align with your priorities.

Overview for Nakoma, WI

1,744 people live in Nakoma, where the median age is 40 and the average individual income is $80,792. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,744

Total Population

40 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$80,792

Average individual Income

Around Nakoma, WI

There's plenty to do around Nakoma, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

22
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
64
Bikeable
Bike Score
36
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Fresh Mart, El Pollo Rumbero, and Functional Integrated Training.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 2.07 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.94 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.4 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.29 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.85 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.06 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Nakoma, WI

Nakoma has 616 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Nakoma do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,744 people call Nakoma home. The population density is 7,163.544 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,744

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

40

Median Age

45.93 / 54.07%

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
616

Total Households

3

Average Household Size

$80,792

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 Nakoma, WI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Nakoma. 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.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
A white house with black shutters, a stone planter with bushes, a walkway to the front door, a lawn, and surrounded by trees.

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