Madison is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts — especially for people who love water and all its activities.
Sitting between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, part of Madison is an isthmus. Being surrounded by water on both sides, you can easily imagine how gorgeous the views are when looking for apartments in Madison, WI.
Stunning lake views aren’t the only thing that keeps bringing people to Madison. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the fact that the city is the state capital play a role, too. These combine to make Madison one of the best places to call home.
A big city with a laid-back vibe, Madison has a thriving culture and many opportunities from politics and academics to art and music.
With its location on an isthmus, a beach or lake is never more than an hour away, making it easy for Madison residents to take full advantage of kayaking, canoeing and boating. The city also prioritizes green space with more than 5,000 acres of open space and 260 parks.
Where to live in Madison
When looking for apartments in Madison, WI, the question isn’t which neighborhood will you love, it’s which one will you love most. Take our quiz and find out.
Who’s coming with you?
Which one neighborhood characteristic can you not live without?
What’s your idea of quality downtime?
Which of these best describes your current life stage?
Your personal style could be best described as:
Which of the following is most important to you in choosing an apartment?
Downtown
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Schenk-Atwood
If the words up-and-coming fill you with glee, you’re going to love Schenk-Atwood. It has recently undergone a major rehabilitation and has quickly become known for its artsy vibes. Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara, or SASY, was once a run-down, blue-collar district, but it’s now a cultural haven. The neighborhood’s heart, Barrymore Theater, now hosts film festivals and local events. Schenk-Atwood also has seasonal food vendors, one-of-a-kind shops and various ethnic restaurants. You can also easily bike through the neighborhood, enjoying the music venues, breweries and cafés lining Atwood. People also enjoy Schenk-Atwood’s income diversity, which brings many different kinds of people together as a community.
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South East Madison
Head east of Downtown to find streets lined with historic residential homes and manicured trees. Areas like Willy-Marquette and Tenney-Lapham are a hop, skip and jump away from Downtown’s action, but are unique and entertaining in their own right. Visit Tenney Park and Johnson Street for fun outdoor activities and chic amenities that make it easy to have a full day in your neighborhood on the daily. These communities are popular with new families and young professionals. The bohemian heart of the city, Willy Street, is for the quirky and curious. There are newly constructed condos and apartments but the hippie vibes still abound. Eken Park is another place that’s getting a lot of attention. It has historic houses and some of the most popular entertainment.
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State-Langdon
Closely located to the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, State-Langdon is an odd mix of historic homes and sorority/fraternity houses. It makes for an unusual sight to see 20-year olds with laptops walking into a Period Revival house, but that’s part of the charm of the neighborhood. There isn’t just Greek life here, however. Students who don’t like the style (or price) of the high-rise buildings along the campus come to State Langdon. You’ll find the busiest area around, well, just about everywhere. Residents in State-Langdon are right in the middle of great dining, shopping and bars. It’s also the closest you can get to the Memorial Union and its iconic Union Terrace. Wherever you live in State Langdon, you’ll never be too far away from friends, food or a fun night out.
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Near West
Just west of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Near West has some of Madison’s best restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The Southwest Commuter Path makes it easy to bike or walk through the entire area and public transit is easily accessible. One of the most coveted neighborhoods, Dudgeon-Monroe has endless bars, boutiques, galleries and restaurants by foot or bike. Wingra Park is nearby and offers access to kayaking, hiking and canoeing at Lake Wingra and Lake Springs. A paradise for bikers, Vilas is a safe haven from the pulse of college life. You’re walking distance from Monroe Street, but get to enjoy quiet streets. Westmorland has great schools, low crime and an amazing location, making it a big draw for newly starting families and young professionals.
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South Madison
South Madison has a number of areas that people love. Composed of various communities and cultures, residents are always close to global cuisine, shops and food markets. Sitting on Monona Bay, it’s a fast trip to Downtown and offers gorgeous views and even a beach. Great for those who need to access to the outdoors, here you’ll find Goodman Park, which has a public swimming pool, and Alliant Energy Center, host of festivals and concerts. Bram’s Addition is a historic Madison community in the middle of renovating its green space. Penn Park is where a week-long Juneteenth celebration and numerous community neighborhood activities. The South Madison Farmer’s Market is also held here. One of the most exciting and essential farmers’ markets in the city, it’s held four times a week in three locations.
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Verona
Verona is a suburb of Madison that draws young professionals and families in with its fantastic housing districts, job opportunities and quality school system. Downtown Verona has small businesses, grocery stores and local coffee shops. Epic, a world-renowned medical software company, is to the west of Verona — walking through the sculpture gardens and cobblestone alleys of Epic’s theme’s buildings don’t get old. Verona is a highly active community. There’s Hometown USA Community Park, a dog park, Reddan Soccer Park and award-winning University Ridge Golf Course. Another highlight of the area is Badger Prairie Country Park. Here, you can access hiking and mountain biking trails, a huge pet exercise space, an aeromodelling field and a playground. You can find new developments and homes being constructed in Verona, but there are plenty of buildings with character to choose from.
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Middleton
Middleton is a suburb of Madison and named one of the best places to live in the country for its nationally recognized schools, a strong job market, high quality of life and diverse economic opportunities. Loved for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Middleton is a city perfect for anyone who prioritizes a healthy lifestyle, friends and family and fun. For families with young kids, Middleton boasts outstanding schools and a community brimming with energy. Marshall Park, located right on Lake Mendota, is where the family can enjoy the beach. There are even thrilling Blackhawk biking trails. Greenway Station, an outdoor shopping center, along with downtown provides the shopping and dining needs of Middleton residents. The downtown neighborhood is easy to get around in, with local businesses, libraries and shops within a short walk.
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Source: rent.com