Madison, Wisconsin stands out as one of the best cities to live in the United States. Renowned for its proximity to five large lakes and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
If you’re thinking of changing your address to one of Madison’s lakeside districts, use this clear-cut guide and uncover which neighborhood tailors to your lifestyle needs.
#10: Wexford Village: Safest in the City
- Average Rent Price: $1,300 per month
- Average Home Price: $475,000
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety score: A+
- Population: 2,590 residents
- Amenities: Wexford Park, High Point swimming pool, West Towne Mall
Located in Madison’s west side, Wexford Village is a quiet suburb conveniently tucked away just 15 minutes by car from downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin. The neighborhood has the reputation of being one of the city’s safest neighborhoods because of its community-oriented design and active neighborhood watch program.
Green spaces like the 407 acres of Wexford Park or Stricker’s Pond also make Wexford Village ideal for outdoor lovers. Well-maintained walking and bike paths can be found throughout the affordable neighborhood. Amenities like the High Point swimming pool and West Towne Mall are also easily accessible to all residents.
#9 Westmorland
- Average Rent Price: $1,350 per month
- Average Home Price: $508,200
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: A+
- Population: 2,390 residents
- Amenities: Westmorland Park, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, golf courses, and library
Known for its famous architectural landmarks, such as the seven Lustron steel homes and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House, Westmorland is a reflection of Madison’s proud heritage and rich history. Blocks away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, the neighborhood echoes a nostalgic and small-town feel while being in proximity to community centers, hiking trails, and the downtown area.
#8 Marquette: By the Water
- Average Rent Price: $1,852
- Average Home Price: $603,936
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: B-
- Population: 7,131
- Amenities: Willy Street, beach parks, Lake Monona
Marquette is an affordable area with easy access to the Madison Metropolitan School District and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The vibrant neighborhood is also famous for the ten-block-long stretch known as Willy Street, where you can find a variety of local restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife entertainment.
With its upbeat community and convenient location, you can relax by Lake Monona, grab a bite to eat at Pig In A Fur Coat, enjoy live music at Mickey’s Tavern, or grab a drink at Working Draft Beer Company–all of which are within walking distance.
#7: University Hill Farms
- Average Rent Price: $1,592
- Average Home Price: $610,000
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: A+
- Population: 5,962
- Amenities: Hilldale Shopping Center, Hill Farm Swim Club, Rennebohm Park, and Garner Park
University Hill Farms is situated near the University of Wisconsin-Madison and several major hospitals, including UW Hospital and Clinics. With accessible green spaces like Rennebohm Park and Garner Park, scenic views of Lake Mendota, and the Hilldale Shopping Center, the suburb provides a well-rounded, family-friendly experience for its residents. What truly sets University Hill Farms apart is the peace of mind that comes with a low crime rate—71% lower than the national average, making this a neighborhood one of Madison’s safest areas.
#6 Shorewood Hills: Lakeside Luxury
- Average Rent Price: $1,870
- Average Home Price: $1,000,000
- Price Rating: Expensive
- Safety Score: A+
- Population: 2,169
- Amenities: Exclusive marina access (Lake Mendota), Blackhawk Country Club and Shorewood Hills Pool and Community Center
Nestled along the shores of Lake Mendota, Shorewood Hills is known as one of Madison’s most affluent neighborhoods. Residents can enjoy waterfront parks, walking trails, and outdoor activities year-round in community centers like the Blackhawk Country Club, Shorewood Hills Marina, and Shorewood Hills Pool.
If you want to wake up to lakeside tranquility while being minutes away from the Madison metropolitan area, this neighborhood could be the perfect fit for your next move.
#5 Maple-Prairie
- Average Rent Price: $1677
- Average Home Price: $445,393
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: A-
- Population: 1,874
- Amenities: Maple-Prairie Park, Orchard Pointe shopping center, proximity to downtown
Quiet residential streets, modern homes, and safety are the hallmarks of Maple-Prairie. In the heart of the neighborhood is Maple-Prairie Park, a 12.5-acre hub for community gatherings and outdoor activities. This Madison neighborhood is a perfect balance of quiet suburban life and accessibility to urban amenities like the Orchard Pointe shopping center.
Most homes in Maple-Prairie are situated along hillsides and rolling terrain, offering scenic views of Madison as well as a safe and secluded environment for families.
#4 Dudgeon-Monroe: The Heart of Madison
- Average Rent Price: $1,765
- Average Home Price: $845,000
- Price Rating: Expensive
- Safety Score: A
- Population: 3,734
- Amenities: Monroe Street, University of Wisconsin, Lake Wingra
Dubbed as one of Madison’s most trendy places to live in, this neighborhood is home to Monroe Street, a one-and-a-half-mile-long stretch of local shops, restaurants, and bars.
Adjacent to Lake Wingra, the University of Wisconsin, and Capitol Square, the neighborhood lies at the heart of Madison’s social scene. The scenic Southwest Commuter Path also runs through the area, providing a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians. If you prefer to drive, downtown Madison is only an eight-minute drive away.
#3: Schenk-Atwood: Melting Pot of the City
- Average Rent Price: $1,620
- Average Home Price: $507,000
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: A+
- Population: 4,789
- Amenities: Lake Monona, Starkweather Creek, Jennifer Street Market, Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Schenk-Atwood is midwestern charm at its finest, bordered by water on three sides and a bike path on the fourth. Featuring amenities like the Barrymore Theater and expansive parks like Yahara Place Park and Olbrich Gardens, Schenk-Atwood is a Madison neighborhood that reflects the city’s cohesive and dynamic spirit.
The area is also praised for its walkability, easy access to great schools, markets, and a variety of dining options like Monty’s Blue Plate Diner and Glass Nickel Pizza. The neighborhood also has a lively social scene, highlighted by annual celebrations, like the Atwood Summerfest.
#2 Vilas
- Average Rent Price: $1,572
- Average Home Price: $753,000
- Price Rating: Moderate
- Safety Score: A
- Population: 2,690
- Amenities: Vilas Beach, Henry Vilas Zoo, UW Arboretum, Camp Randall Stadium
Vilas is where the ideal family neighborhood comes to life, brimming with green spaces, historic homes, and accessibility to the best of what Madison has to offer. Residents have the Henry Vilas Zoo, UW Arboretum, and Camp Randall Stadium in their backyard, making Vilas a fun and welcoming atmosphere for families, students, and young professionals alike.
Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful paddle on Lake Wingra, attending a Badger football game, or taking a stroll through the historic district, you’ll never get bored in the Villas neighborhood.
#1: Maple Bluff: Picturesque Suburb
- Average Rent Price: $1,603
- Average Home Price: $897,141
- Price Rating: Expensive
- Safety Score: B
- Population: 1,327
- Amenities: Maple Bluff Country Club, Lake Mendota
Maple Bluff in Madison is highly regarded for its quiet residential atmosphere and scenic surroundings of Lake Mendota. Known for its prestigious homes and upscale living, Maple Bluff offers a sense of exclusivity and privacy with undisrupted lake views. With the lake just a stone’s throw away from your waterfront home, you can boat, fish, or sail at a moment’s notice.
The neighborhood is centered around the Maple Bluff Country Club, a private club featuring golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and social events. Despite its secluded feel, Maple Bluff is conveniently close to Madison’s city center, making this neighborhood perfect for someone seeking luxury, privacy, and a high quality of life in the city.
In Summary
As you contemplate your next move, consider these top Madison neighborhoods as the backdrop for your life’s next chapter. Whether you’re going to downsize, refresh, or reorganize your belongings, make your upcoming relocation easier by using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, where you can explore self-storage options and connect with pre-vetted storage hosts across all 50 states.
Once you settle in your new home in Madison, you can become a Neighbor host to earn passive income while you job hunt or get to know the area. Successful hosts currently earn up to $294 per hour worked.
