Madison

Wisconsin’s capital, Madison, bears the name of American Founding Father and former president James Madison. Founded in 1836, the city was built on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona. Today, it encompasses 101.5 square miles, and has a median age of 31.2 (2022). Its main industries are agriculture, healthcare, life sciences, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Madison’s homes have been built in architectural styles including Colonial, Cape Cod, Contemporary, and Raised Ranch. The typical home value is $372,611, up 10.6% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Annual events throughout the year always offer something new to explore. They include the Wisconsin Film Festival, Taste of Madison, and the Wisconsin Book Festival.

I-39, I-90, I-94, and U.S. Routes 14 and 18 are among the major roadways serving Madison. The neighborhood of Nakoma lies just north of where U.S. Routes 14 and 18 meet. It offers Colonial and Tudor-style houses, stylish bungalows, and contemporary apartments. Further northwest, Hill Farms-University features tree-lined streets with modest ranches, Colonial-style homes, and mid to high-rise apartments. Just three minutes away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Vilas neighborhood is home to a mix of students and young professionals, drawn to its local dining, nightlife, and entertainment scene.

Young professionals and families and UW-Madison students and retirees appreciate the relaxed lifestyle Madison offers, and residents appreciate access to the most parks and playgrounds per capita of any of the 100 largest U.S. cities.