Explore homes for sale in Madison, the beating heart of Wisconsin. Nestled on an isthmus between the picturesque shores of Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison boasts a lively cultural scene, a strong educational foundation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a bustling political atmosphere as the state’s capital. From diverse culinary and arts scenes to natural beauty and urban sophistication, Madison is an exciting place to call home.
The state capital of Wisconsin and home to world-class education, a robust local economy, and abundant, beautiful parks and trails, Madison, WI is an incredibly and deservedly popular destination to visit, work, and live. From the deliberate bustle of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to the eclectic bohemia of Willy Street and far beyond, Madison offers no shortage of distinct areas and neighborhoods, each enticing with their own attractions and offering unique lifestyles. No matter the neighborhood, homes in the Madison metropolitan area are always in high demand, and securing one means facing fierce competition.
CENTURY 21 Affiliated
8001 Excelsior Drive, Suite 220
Madison, WI 53717
The real estate market in Madison enjoys relative stability and strong demand driven by its popularity among new and current residents, together contributing to a population of almost 270,000 people. This number rises steadily each year, and is expected to reach 280,000 by 2028. The Badger State’s capital offers a diverse range of housing options including single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments, all in styles spanning from luxurious new constructions to stately historical homes. Average home prices in Madison are often higher than the national average, but this varies depending on the neighborhood. The Madison, WI median property value was $277,800 in 2021, representing a substantial 5.87% increase over 2020. Today, the median sold home value in Madison has exploded to over $400,000 thanks to the post-pandemic real estate market’s meteoric rise in housing costs.
The capital’s strong job market, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive place to live and drive the high demand for homes in the area. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Madison, WI, working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the competitive real estate market and find your ideal home.
Ready to buy or sell a home in Madison, WI?
Homes in Madison are highly sought and in high demand thanks to the city’s huge variety of educational, professional, and cultural attractions and amenities. Madison’s population has grown by over 35,000 people since 2010, and new housing projects are constantly cropping up and developing to meet residents’ insatiable demand for homes and apartments. Below are just a few of the many attractive qualities and features drawing new residents to the Madison area.
Madison is known throughout the state for its lively city atmosphere. The city is host to a wide range of cultural attractions and events including concerts, festivals, shops, and a diverse culinary scene. With year-round events at venues like the Alliant Energy Center, a heated college sports scene, and a thriving arts community centered around the bustling downtown area, there’s always something happening in Madison.
Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States and is an esteemed alma mater among international students as well. The greater Madison area is also home to a number of highly-rated school districts, such as the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District and Waunakee Community School District. The area’s commitment to excellent education at every level is one of the many reasons that Madison, WI is ranked one of the most educated cities in the United States.
Madison is located in the heart of Wisconsin and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, parks, and green spaces open to the public. The city boasts five picturesque lakes, including Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, which together offer plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The city’s extensive park system provides ample space for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Madison, WI consistently ranks high in national surveys for the quality of life its residents enjoy. In fact, Madison was recognized in 2021 and 2022 as Livability.com’s #1 best place to live in America in a survey of over 2,000 cities. Madison has an esteemed history of excellence in the areas contributing to quality of life, including housing costs, healthcare, low crime rates, education, access to amenities, and more. Bolstered by its strong housing market, Madison’s average home price tends to trend just above the national average at around $400,000. An ever-expanding range of housing options is available throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods and communities, offering affordable living for almost any lifestyle or income level.
As the seat of the Wisconsin state government and home to a thriving assortment of local businesses and institutions both small and large, Madison enjoys the many benefits of a diversified, growing economy. Madison’s largest industries naturally include technology, healthcare, education, and government, all contributing to the area’s strong job market. Numerous Fortune 500 companies and startups have made Madison their home, creating thousands of valuable job opportunities and driving local economic growth.
Madison’s storied identity and history are defined by the many neighborhoods and communities that compose it. Likewise, the capital’s many neighborhoods are characterized by their community members and the lifestyles they lead. Attractive homes for sale and other real estate opportunities are available in each of Madison’s most popular neighborhoods, and each neighborhood attracts residents with its own unique charm and personality.
The Downtown area is located in the heart of Madison, home to the Wisconsin State Capitol as well as a host of historical and commercial landmarks. Densely packed with award-winning restaurants like The Old Fashioned Tavern, entertainment venues like the Majestic Theatre, luxurious hotels like The Edgewater, and much more, there’s always a reason to visit downtown Madison. The majority of housing available here is in the form of apartment and house rentals, though permanent real estate ownership can be found in the area’s many coveted high-rise condominiums.
With its close proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, University Heights is a popular neighborhood among university students and faculty. Considered to be one of Madison’s first suburbs, it features historic homes, walkable tree-lined streets, a lively student atmosphere, and easy access to Camp Randall Stadium, Henry Vilas Zoo, and Lake Mendota. Many of the properties in University Heights are beautiful, historic homes, many of which were designed by famed architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Thanks to this rich, enduring history, University Heights was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
In contrast to the energetic bustle of Downtown, Madison’s West Side is known for its suburban feel and family-friendly communities. The west side suburbs offer a wider range of housing options, including a far larger and more varied market of single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes. Many local families make their home in the nearby cities of Middleton and Verona, and major shopping centers like West Towne Mall and the Hilldale Shopping Center retail complex draw many regular visitors. Like other areas of Madison, the west side is experiencing major real estate growth and development thanks to the influx of new residents.
The East Side of Madison is known as an eclectic mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas complemented by the natural beauty of Lake Monona and several local parks. Williamson Street – known better as “Willy Street” – is found here, hosting a thriving arts scene alongside boutique shops and trendy dining destinations. For the area’s nature lovers, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer 16 acres of pristine greenery and walking paths, flanked by the up-and-coming buzz of local businesses on the newly reconstructed Atwood Avenue. House hunters can easily find homes for sale in Madison, WI’s east side neighborhood in the nearby suburb of Monona, where a majority of Lake Monona’s scarce but highly sought lakeside homes are situated.
Minutes from Madison, Middleton is a quiet, respected suburb, popular with families seeking a familiar small-town atmosphere. Middleton offers convenient access to Madison through University Avenue while still maintaining its own local community and distinct identity. Picturesque and quaint, the city’s charming downtown area boasts the world’s largest mustard museum as well as Capital Brewery, a hallmark of Madison’s local craft beer scene. Outdoor-oriented attractions include Lakeview Park with its scenic vistas of Lake Mendota and Pheasant Branch Conservancy with its wealth of beautiful hiking trails. Between its high standards of living, educated population, and welcoming hometown atmosphere, Middleton is a great option for families searching for a suburban lifestyle in the greater Madison area.
These are just a few of the many neighborhoods that make Madison, WI a diverse and exciting place to live. Whether you prefer the energy of downtown living or the hometown warmth of the suburbs, the Madison area real estate market offers something for everyone.
© 2023 CENTURY 21 Affiliated
©2023 . All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, noncommercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by San Diego MLS. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright. Compilation © 2023 San Diego MLS.
Contact Information: CENTURY 21 Affiliated • Nikki Coppa • CA Department of Real Estate - CA DRE #01897784 • 7676 HAZARD CENTER DR #300, SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 • (619) 471-2000
