Shorewood Hills Neighborhood

Shorewood Hills Neighborhood

Shorewood Hills is one of Madison, WI’s most sought-after neighborhoods, offering an ideal blend of natural beauty, urban convenience, and community charm. Nestled along the shores of Lake Mendota, this neighborhood is known for its scenic lake views, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown Madison. Shorewood Hills boasts excellent amenities, including the Blackhawk Country Club, Shorewood Hills Pool, and several parks that make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also close to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, making it an attractive option for faculty, staff, and students alike.

The real estate market in Shorewood Hills is competitive, with homes often selling quickly. The neighborhood is renowned for its mid-century modern architecture and historic homes, offering unique properties that appeal to discerning buyers. Homes in this area tend to hold their value due to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, and prime location.

People are drawn to Shorewood Hills for its top-rated Shorewood Hills Elementary School, easy access to healthcare at UW Hospital, and vibrant local events. Its quiet, residential feel combined with proximity to shopping, dining, and recreational options makes it a favorite for families, professionals, and retirees. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers both prestige and comfort in Madison, Shorewood Hills is a top choice.

Homes for sale in Shorewood Hills

If you’re looking for a picturesque and affluent community in Wisconsin, Shorewood Hills is a great place to start.

Located in Dane County and almost entirely surrounded by the city of Madison, WI, this charming village of just over 2,000 is a tight-knit community that prides itself on its natural beauty and high quality of life.

Below, we lay down everything there is to know about Shorewood Hills and what makes it one of the best places to live in Wisconsin.

SHOREWOOD HILLS, WI: AN OVERVIEW

Shorewood Hills’ history dates back centuries. Originally covered by prairie and oak forest, the area was home to Native American communities who valued its abundant resources. The village itself was founded in 1927 – the result of an amalgamation of two real estate plats: College Hills and Shorewood.

Today, Shorewood Hills is known for being a peaceful village with lovely homes, easy access to the tranquil waters of Lake Mendota, and townsfolk with a strong sense of pride in their small community. Despite being surrounded by the growing city of Madison, the village has managed to maintain its distinct, small-town feel. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties contribute to this serene, suburban setting.

The village is also recognized for its preservation of Native American effigy mounds, several of which are located within Blackhawk Country Club, an upscale golf club located in Shorewood Hills.

Green spaces and venues for outdoor recreation also contribute to Shorewood Hills’ innate charm. It maintains several parks and has direct access to the Lakeshore Nature Preserve located within the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. This translates to ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities in and around Lake Mendota.

HOMES FOR SALE IN SHOREWOOD HILLS, WI

Market overview

Shorewood Hills boasts a distinctive real estate market characterized by upscale homes and a desirable location. Nestled along the shores of Lake Mendota and surrounded by the state capital, Madison, the village offers both historic charm and modern luxury. Its proximity to UW-Madison also makes the village appealing, not only among discerning home buyers but also among investors who see opportunities in the rental market targeting the academic community. These various factors have resulted in the village outperforming other locales in the broader Madison metro area.

Housing inventory

Single-family homes form the vast majority of the Shorewood Hills housing stock. The village’s strict zoning regulations serve to maintain its residential character and preserve property values over time. The limited housing inventory, coupled with high demand, typically results in a competitive market with homes for sale in Shorewood Hills often selling quickly.

These homes for sale in Shorewood Hills typically boast features such as spacious lots, mature landscaping, and high-end finishes. Many properties offer lake views or access. Inside, homes frequently feature hardwood floors, updated kitchens with premium appliances, and luxurious master suites.

While large-scale new developments are rare due to the scarcity of available land, occasional infill projects and tear-down rebuilds contribute to the evolving housing stock. These newly constructed or recently renovated homes for sale in Shorewood Hills often feature modern designs that complement the village’s established architectural landscape while offering the latest in home technology and energy efficiency.

Architectural styles

One distinct characteristic of the village is its architectural diversity. While it has a wide assortment of architectural styles, the dominating aesthetic is the Mid-century Modern design which fits well into the Shorewood Hills landscape.

Other common architectural styles in Shorewood Hills include

• Prairie School
• Tudor Revival
• International style
• Streamline Moderne/Art Deco
• Colonial Revival
• Craftsman
• Ranch style
• Contemporary

Village locales worth checking out

Notable locales within Shorewood Hills include the cluster of properties by the lakefront along Lake Mendota Drive, which command premium prices for their water views and access. The area surrounding Blackhawk Country Club is another sought-after location, offering a mix of older, established homes and newer luxury residences. The central part of the village, near the elementary school and the village center, is popular among families for its walkability and easy access to amenities.

LIVING IN SHOREWOOD HILLS, WI

If you’re eyeing Shorewood Hills real estate for settling in or for your next new investment, here are some things you must know.

Location and transportation

Shorewood Hills is an easy place to navigate thanks to its main artery, University Avenue, which connects residents to Downtown Madison to the east, as well as the western suburbs, including Middleton. It also boasts excellent public transportation options, with numerous Metro Transit routes serving the area.

For those who prefer cycling, the village is well-integrated into Madison’s extensive bike path network, promoting an active and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Education

At the heart of Shorewood Hills lies Shorewood Hills Elementary School, which serves approximately 500 students from kindergarten to the fifth grade. Part of the Madison Metropolitan School District, SHES offers a comprehensive educational experience both in and out of the classroom, with three playgrounds, after-school programs, and a recreation program.

Shorewood Hills high school students, for their part, usually attend Vel Phillips Memorial High School or Madison West High School, both of which are known for their stellar academic programs.

Cost of living

Living in Shorewood Hills comes with a premium price tag, given the village’s affluent nature. The overall cost of living here is 46% higher than the national average, with housing expenses a staggering 159% above the national norm. Utilities and healthcare costs are also elevated at 3% and 20% above average, respectively. However, transportation expenses offer some relief, being 7% lower than the national average, while grocery prices align with the national benchmark.

Shopping and dining

Shorewood Hills and its immediate surroundings offer diverse shopping and dining experiences to residents. Within the village, the southern portion of University Avenue has a decent selection of independent shops, services, and food spots. Along the said road is the community’s epicenter for retail and dining, Shorewood Shopping Center.

For a wider selection of shopping and dining options, residents often frequent Hilldale in Madison, which is home to retailers like Macy’s, Anthropologie, and Apple, as well as popular dining establishments such as Muramoto Hilldale, Forage Kitchen, and Cafe Hollander.

Art and culture

Shorewood Hills underscores its contribution to the American architectural scene by being the hometown of renowned architect and visionary, Frank Lloyd Wright. An outstanding testament to his genius that stands near University Avenue is the Unitarian Meeting House, which resembles hands joined in prayer.

Meanwhile, history enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved effigy mounds at Blackhawk Country Club, including the goose mound – one of the largest mounds in Wisconsin. These mounds date back to 500-1500 AD and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring their cultural and historical importance.

Outdoor recreation and community programs

Shorewood Hills excels in providing recreational opportunities for all ages. The village offers a variety of sports programs, including basketball, tennis, and golf, as well as fun games like four corners and dodgeball. Community gardens foster a sense of shared responsibility and connection to nature while the canoe and kayak share program encourages exploration of local waterways. Water enthusiasts will find joy in the Shorewood Hills Marina and Pool, which is perfect for swimming and boating activities. For families with young athletes, the Shorewood Hills Soccer Club provides a popular outlet for children to engage in team sports and develop their skills.

FIND YOUR SHOREWOOD HILLS, WI HOME WITH MARK GLADUE

If you are looking for someone to help you find your dream home among the homes for sale in Shorewood Hills and Madison, Mark Gladue is your go-to man.

A local real estate expert for the last 20 years, I have built my reputation on my deep knowledge of Madison’s and the greater Madison area’s housing markets, as well as my personal approach to every real estate transaction.

Let me guide you in navigating the Shorewood Hills real estate landscape. Call me at 608-583-9028 or send a message here to start your home-buying journey.