$620,241Average Value$422Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Prime shopping, lakeside life and college culture in Wisconsin’s capital
For up-and-coming college students, families or established professionals, Downtown Madison offers some of Wisconsin’s very best. Parked at the heart of the state capital, the city’s cultural center sits on the isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Locals in the area are close to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the largest college in the state. Residents can enjoy an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars and live entertainment in Downtown Madison, with most of the area’s top destinations accessible by bike or on foot. Easy access to the lakes through multiple local parks also makes Downtown Madison an ideal choice for boating and water sporting fans.
Downtown Madison is a bustling part of the state capitol.
Ice boat racing happens each winter on Monona Bay, and can be viewed from downtown.
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Spend the day out at State Street
The heart of Downtown Madison’s retail scene is State Street, which spans from Capitol Square to the east end of UW Madison’s campus. The corridor hosts more than 300 shopping options for college students and area residents alike, from major retailers like Target and DGX by Dollar General to local favorites like Jazzman & Duet and B-Side Records. Acclaimed dining choices close by include Paul’s Pel’meni for Russian dumplings, Sookie’s Veggie Burgers for vegan meals, and Rare Steakhouse for upscale American fare and fine wine. Milwaukee espresso bar Colectivo Coffee operates two stores in the area near State Street and Capitol Square. Locals can also find Fromagination near the capital, an artisanal Wisconsin cheese store with house-made sandwiches and supplies for the perfect charcuterie board.
Colectivo Coffee is a staple of the campus in Downtown Madison.
The shopping district of Downtown Madison is home to dozens of local businesses.
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Luxurious condos, 20th century homes and contemporary townhouses
Buyers can find a small but varied selection of homes in Downtown Madison. Many of the area’s remaining turn-of-the-century homes have been converted into multi-family units, though eagle-eyed investors may be able to find a grand home in the area. Condo towers and townhomes are common, and units tend to sell after less than a month on the market. Prices range from about $200,000 for a one-bedroom condo unit to more than $1 million for the area’s most luxurious penthouses. Most living spaces in the heart of the city are rentals, with only 6% of residents in the area owning their home or condo.
Some larger historic houses also exist in Downtown Madison.
Townhouses and condos are some of the most common owner-dwellings in Downtown Madison.
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Downtown Madison after dark
Locals living near the Isthmus in Madison have access to a variety of live shows, from concerts and comedy to contemporary dance and musicals. Venues nearby include the Orpheum Theater, the Majestic Theatre, the Overture Center and Comedy on State. They can also enjoy nights out at the area’s vibrant bar scene, with popular spots including Wando’s, a collegiate bar with five nights of drink specials and live DJs, and Great Dane Pub & Brewing, a popular local chain of bars that started in downtown Madison. Fans of UW Madison’s sports teams can catch Badgers basketball and hockey games at the Kohl Center.
High Noon Saloon in Downtown Madison offers a variety of live entertainment and music.
Downtown Madison also has a selection of pubs and cocktail bars.
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Boating and water-skiing to one of Madison’s major lakes
Alumni Park connects UW-Madison’s campus to Lake Mendota near Langdon Street, offering a pier for boating excursions, ample greenspace, multiple exhibits celebrating the university’s history and a Bucky Badger statue made by combining bronze with stained glass. To the east near Gorham Street, James Madison Park offers a playground and an open area for residents to enjoy yoga, soccer or picnics. In the summertime, residents can stop by Law Park to watch the Mad-City Ski Team’s award-winning water-skiing routines on Lake Monona. Downtown Madison residents are also close to multiple cultural centers, including the Chazen Museum of Art, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Geology Museum, and the Madison Children’s Museum.
Locals gather near Brittingham Park for ice fishing in Downtown Madison.
Enjoy the sunset views from the lake at Brittingham Park in Downtown Madison.
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Connected to the city through US-151
Downtown Madison connects to the city’s east and west sides through the US-151 highway, which runs along the south side of the Isthmus near Capitol Square. Residents can travel to spots throughout the Isthmus area with the city’s Metro Transit system buses. The nearest hospital, UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital, is less than 1 mile away in the Greenbush area. Residents traveling away from Madison can catch flights from Dane County Regional Airport, 5 miles northeast of the neighborhood.
Downtown Madison is a vibrant neighborhood full of life and activity.
Multiple Metro buses run along State Street in Downtown Madison, making commuting a breeze.
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Study time at Madison Metropolitan Schools
Grade school students in Downtown Madison attend schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District. Randall Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and holds an A rank on Niche. Hamilton Middle School also earned an A grade. More than 2,000 adolescent students attend West High School, which has a 91% graduation rate and also earned an A grade with Niche users.
Entrance to Edgewood High School with signage
The entrance and signage for Madison East High School in Emerson East.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brandon Grosse,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lisa Link Peace Park
Picnic Area
Amphitheater
Period Garden Park
Picnic Area
Botanical Gardens
Law Park
Boating
Fishing
Parking Lot
Brittingham Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Fishing
Alumni Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
James Madison Park
Boating
Fishing
Beach
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
11 min drive
Bus
W Washington & N Fairchild (Wb)
Bus
W Washington & S Carroll (Eb)
Bus
W Wilson & S Hamilton (Eb)
Bus
N Broom & W Dayton (Nb)
Bus
E Wilson & S Butler (Wb)
Bus
W Washington & S Broom (Eb)
Bus
E Wilson & S Butler (Eb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Madison
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Madison, Madison sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Madison, Madison over the last 12 months is $577,758, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Showings Start on Wednesday. Live the ultimate downtown Madison lifestyle in this updated, move-in ready condo! Just steps from State Street, Capitol Square, and the downtown library, this charming unit features brand new hardwood floors, custom quartz kitchen countertops, and a bright, open living space with large windows for plenty of natural light. The kitchen includes a breakfast bar, perfect
Showings begin 4/11. Location, Location, Location! Here's your chance to own a Bedford Court condo. Blocks away from Lake Monona and the Monona Bay, as well as State Street and everything downtown living has to offer! Close to bike and walking paths, parks, and delicious restaurants, this condo is the place to be! Spacious 1 bedroom with 10' ceilings, large bathroom and den, underground parking
Showings start 4/19/25. You can't beat the location of this beautiful 1 bed + large den condo. Enjoy all the attractions, shopping, & dining Madison has to offer living just two blocks from the Capitol & State Street. Inside the unit, you'll be greeted by the open kitchen w/ spacious counter & breakfast bar. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet providing a touch of everyday luxury & adding
Isabella LazzareschiRealty Executives Cooper Spransy
Feel the pulse of downtown Madison in this chic Capitol West townhome that's just steps from the Capitol Square. The open main level conjoins the beautiful, high-end kitchen w/ quartz countertops including huge island & stainless steel appliances with the cozy living room w/ gas fireplace. The primary suite w/ floor-to-ceiling windows lets sun rays in & gives way to the beautiful walk-through
Fully renovated 2 bedroom unit available NOW! Enjoy proximity to all downtown Madison has to offer. Blocks from the square, restaurants, and Lakes! Tenant is responsible for electrical and gas. Lawn care is included, snow to be removed by tenants. 1 parking space available for additional fee.
OPENING JUNE 2025! Welcome to Virtue, a brand-new stunning apartment complex located in the heart of downtown Madison. This state-of-the-art building offers residents a perfect blend of modern amenities and urban living, with vibrant shops, restaurants, and the State Capitol just a short walk away. Enjoy spacious, light-filled interiors featuring high-end finishes and stylish designs that create
Avail August 1 or earlier. This great capitol hill apartment in downtown Madison offers bright living room, kitchen with gas stove and dishwasher, full bath with tub, 2 good-sized bedrooms with closets, large deck & free laundry in basement! Wood floors. Garbage Disposal. Fabulous location close to campus, capitol, bus line & bike trails, shopping, restaurants and more! for more info, photos,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brandon Grosse,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
19,693
Median Age
28
Population Density
22 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,689
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,412
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
70.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
59''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
89/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
