Madison
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Madison
Located in southern Wisconsin, Madison sits between two large lakes: Mendota and Monona. That said, the city is sometimes referred to as the City of Four Lakes, with the two smaller ones (Waubesa and Kegonsa) actually located outside Madison’s 102 square miles of leafy urban sprawl. And that sprawl is divided into over 120 distinct neighborhoods, including the bustling Capitol Square area and centrally located Dudgeon-Monroe.
Madison’s rich cultural and historical background is deeply intertwined with the history of Wisconsin. It was founded in 1836 as the state capital and named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Not long after, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was founded in 1848 and thus played a key role in shaping the city’s development.
Today, Madison is best known in the region not only for UW-Madison but also for its vibrant art scene and farm-to-table food culture. The city is home to around 270,000 residents, with the population swelling every academic year.
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HOMES FOR SALE IN MADISON, WI
From luxury lakeside homes to affordable suburban properties, homes for sale in Madison, WI cater to a variety of budgets and preferences. Homebuyers can expect to find a mix of new developments, historic homes, and modern condos, as well as a variety of architectural styles, such as Tudor Revival, Craftsman, Mid-century Modern, Colonial Revival, and Contemporary.
The market typically sees steady demand due to the city’s robust economy and the presence of the university, which draws both faculty and students. Homes often sell quickly, especially in desirable neighborhoods, which include:
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Downtown/Capitol area, Madison’s heart. Located on the Isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, many aspire to live downtown due to its proximity to the Wisconsin State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a wide assortment of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Homes for sale in downtown Madison, WI include luxury condos with stunning lake views, multi-family homes from the 20th century, and townhomes.
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Shorewood Hills a village that is surrounded by Madison. The neighborhood is best known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets and large, stately homes, as well as easy access to UW-Madison and major medical centers. Shorewood Hills has its own country club, with a golf course and other amenities for residents to enjoy.
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Maple Bluff located along the northeastern shore of Lake Mendota, offers luxury homes and lakeside estates, many of which boast expansive lawns and stunning views of the water. Maple Bluff is also home to the Governor’s Mansion, adding to its prestigious reputation. Residents enjoy access to the Maple Bluff Country Club, which offers golf, tennis, and other recreational amenities.
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Nakoma is a historic neighborhood located on Madison's southwest side, near the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. Its winding, tree-lined streets play host to single-family properties in an array of classic architectural styles, such as Georgian and Prairie. Homes in Nakoma are also established, with many of the residences built sometime between the 1930s and 1960s.
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Dudgeon-Monroe is a lively neighborhood on Madison's near west side, known for its charming homes, walkability, and access to Lake Wingra. The area features a mix of Craftsman-style houses and bungalows, and is popular for its proximity to the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, bike-friendly paths, and the Monroe Street shopping and dining district.
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Atwood/Schenk-Atwood located on Madison’s near east side, is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe and strong community spirit, best exemplified by one of its local events, Atwood Fest. The area offers a mix of historic homes and modern developments, with homes for sale in this part of Madison ranging from charming bungalows to contemporary condos. Popular for its lively local businesses, including restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries, it also provides easy access to outdoor spaces like the Yahara River Parkway and Lake Monona. This neighborhood attracts a diverse range of residents, including young professionals, artists, and families.
LIVING IN MADISON, WI
Life in Madison blends urban energy with natural beauty. You’ll find a strong sense of community, vibrant cultural offerings, and access to lakes and parks. With excellent schools and a thriving economy, Madison offers an inviting balance of approachable luxury and outdoor recreation.
Getting around
Madison is a well-connected city with an excellent public transportation system. The Metro Transit bus system offers extensive coverage throughout the city, while many residents take advantage of Madison’s bike-friendly infrastructure. Additionally, the city’s proximity to major highways and Dane County Regional Airport makes it easy to travel to and from Madison.
Schools
Madison is home to some of the best schools in the state, with a variety of public, private, and charter schools available. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a major draw for students from around the world, and the city’s public school system consistently ranks high for academic excellence, making homes for sale in Madison, WI especially appealing to families.
Some of the most notable schools in the city are:
Outdoor recreation
Madison offers a wide array of activities and attractions, making it a city where there's always something to do, no matter the season or your interests. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, here are some highlights:
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Lake activities Madison’s unique geography, nestled between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, provides residents with endless water-based recreation opportunities. During the warmer months, locals flock to the lakes for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Lake Mendota is especially popular for sailing, while Lake Monona’s beaches are perfect for a relaxing day by the water. For fishing enthusiasts, both lakes are well-stocked with bass, bluegill, and northern pike. During the winter, ice fishing, ice skating, and even ice sailing become popular activities.
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Parks and trails Madison is a haven for outdoor lovers, boasting over 200 parks and an extensive network of trails that cater to walking, running, biking, and birdwatching. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is a peaceful spot for nature lovers, offering miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Olbrich Botanical Gardens features stunning themed gardens, including a Thai Pavilion and beautiful seasonal displays. For bikers, the Lake Monona Loop provides a scenic route along the lake’s shores, while the Capital City State Trail offers miles of paved paths that connect to other regional trails.
Dining and shopping
From casual farm-to-table dining to upscale fine dining, Madison’s food scene delivers. Standout restaurants include:
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L'Etoile One of Madison’s most celebrated fine dining establishments, L'Etoile offers a menu that changes with the seasons, showcasing the best local ingredients. Executive Chef Tory Miller creates inventive dishes using farm-to-table principles, and the extensive wine list complements the elegant atmosphere. Overlooking the Capitol Square, L'Etoile provides a stunning backdrop for special occasions and intimate dinners.
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The Edgewater's Statehouse Restaurant Located within the luxurious Edgewater Hotel, The Statehouse offers a refined dining experience with breathtaking views of Lake Mendota. Their menu features premium steaks, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table options, making it a go-to spot for luxury diners. The Statehouse's ambiance is perfect for romantic evenings or elegant business dinners.
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Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro Situated on the top floor of the AC Hotel, Eno Vino offers sweeping views of downtown Madison and Lake Mendota. Known for its wide selection of wines and shareable small plates, this luxurious restaurant provides a sophisticated dining experience with a modern twist. The rooftop setting makes it perfect for a sunset dinner or an evening with friends.
Madison's dedication to local ingredients is reflected in its many farmers' markets, including the Dane County Farmers' Market, which supplies many of the city's top restaurants with fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
Madison also caters to luxury shoppers with a mix of upscale boutiques, high-end retail centers, and specialty shops. Whether you're looking for designer brands, unique local finds, or luxury goods, the city's shopping scene has something for everyone.
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Hilldale Shopping Center Madison's premier open-air shopping destination, Hilldale is home to a range of upscale retailers and luxury brands. You'll find stores like Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Madewell alongside boutique shops such as Ulla Eyewear and Twigs, a high-end women’s fashion boutique offering designer brands and contemporary styles. Hilldale also features luxury home goods stores like Pottery Barn and Sur La Table, making it a one-stop destination for high-end fashion, accessories, and home decor.
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Capitol Square Boutiques The downtown Capitol Square area is not only a hub for restaurants and entertainment, but it also offers several boutique shops catering to high-end customers. Vom Fass offers high-quality olive oils, vinegars, and spirits providing a luxury shopping experience for food connoisseurs. Meanwhile, Mimosa Books and Gifts has unique new age items.
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Goodman’s Jewelers For those looking for fine jewelry, Goodman’s is Madison’s oldest and most trusted jeweler, offering luxury watches, custom engagement rings, and high-end pieces. Located on State Street, Goodman’s has been a go-to destination for discerning shoppers for over 85 years.
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A Room of One’s Own One of Madison's most beloved independent bookstores, avid readers and book collectors can find A Room of One's Own along Atwood Avenue. Their bookshelves carry a carefully curated but wide selection of classic fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and other titles that explore life and the human condition.
For unique, local finds, Madison’s many artisan shops are a treasure trove. The Soap Opera, located on State Street, offers handmade soaps, bath products, and luxury skincare items. Fromagination, a gourmet cheese shop, specializes in locally produced artisan cheeses and gourmet food products, perfect for creating a luxurious Wisconsin gift basket.
Festivals and events
Every year, Madison’s social calendar is filled with festivals and annual events that celebrate the city's culture, arts, and food. These include:
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Art Fair on the Square One of the Midwest’s premier art fairs, the Art Fair on the Square attracts artists and visitors from across the country. Held every July around the Capitol Square, this juried art fair features over 500 artists showcasing everything from paintings and photography to sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. Live music performances, local food vendors, and art demonstrations make this a must-attend summer event for anyone who appreciates creativity and craftsmanship.
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The Great Taste of the Midwest For craft beer enthusiasts, The Great Taste of the Midwest is a must-attend event. Held every August at Olin Park, this beer festival is one of the most prestigious in the country, attracting breweries from all over the Midwest. Attendees can sample hundreds of beers from more than 150 breweries, making it a paradise for craft beer lovers. The event also features food vendors, live music, and a beautiful lakeside setting, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying a day of beer tasting.
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Wisconsin Film Festival Film lovers flock to Madison each spring for the Wisconsin Film Festival, a week-long event that celebrates independent, international, and documentary films. Held at various venues around the city, the festival showcases a diverse range of films, from thought-provoking documentaries to narrative features and experimental shorts. As the largest university-produced film festival in the United States, it draws cinephiles, filmmakers, and critics alike for screenings, discussions, and events.
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Concerts on the Square During the summer months, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra hosts Concerts on the Square, a popular free concert series held on the Capitol lawn. Thousands of people gather with blankets, picnic baskets, and lawn chairs to enjoy live classical music in this beautiful outdoor setting. The combination of great music, community atmosphere, and the picturesque backdrop of the Wisconsin State Capitol makes this event a Madison tradition.
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Madison Marathon and Ironman Wisconsin For fitness enthusiasts, Madison offers two major events: the Madison Marathon and Ironman Wisconsin. The Madison Marathon, held each November, winds through the city’s picturesque neighborhoods and offers both a full marathon and half marathon. Ironman Wisconsin, held in September, attracts athletes from around the world who compete in a grueling triathlon consisting of a swim in Lake Monona, a bike ride through Dane County, and a marathon through downtown Madison.
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La Fête de Marquette Bringing a slice of French culture to Madison, La Fête de Marquette is a July festival that celebrates French food, music, and culture. Held in the city’s Marquette neighborhood, this lively festival features live performances from French and Creole musicians, food vendors serving French-inspired dishes, and family-friendly activities. The festival is also known for its vibrant Bastille Day celebration, complete with fireworks and a French-themed parade.
BUY OR SELL MADISON, WI REAL ESTATE WITH MARK
With its rich cultural offerings, beautiful neighborhoods, excellent selection of homes for sale, and strong community spirit, Madison is a city that truly has something for everyone.
I’m Mark Gladue, a local real estate agent with over 20 years of experience helping buyers and sellers fulfill their real estate goals in Madison. Ready to find your dream home for sale in Madison or sell your property? I’d be happy to help you. Call now at 608.583.9028 to inquire or send an email today!