A mix of residential choices near Elver Park on Madison’s southwest side
Southwest Madison’s Prairie Hills neighborhood is just east of Elver Park's 250 acres of green space, has several smaller parks nearby and is a few miles from shopping and dining. The neighborhood's blend of single-family homes, duplexes and apartments give it a unique identity, according to Blake Hamann, a Community Case Manager who has lived in the area for 9 years. “It’s a nice mix of homeowners and renters, which brings a more interesting character to the neighborhood. It’s a spot where you can talk to your neighbors.” The neighborhood association fosters community by planning local seasonal events, and students are zoned for Madison Metropolitan School District, rated a B-plus by Niche. Yet, while 8 miles removed from downtown Madison, Prairie Hills is only couple of miles from the Beltline Highway, providing direct access to the city's popular stores and restaurants.
A mix of housing options offers plenty of choices for buyers and renters
Prairie Hills has a mix of residential options, including apartments, duplexes, condos and single-family homes. Of the latter, common styles include Colonial Revival and ranch styles, and the occasional bi-level or Cape Cod. Most residential streets are lined with sidewalks with mature trees providing shade. Garages accompany most homes, but street parking is also available. Recently, parts of the neighborhood have seen an uptick in demand. “It’s definitely seen an increase in value, especially the further back you go away from Raymond Road,” says Mary Browning, a broker associated with Compass Realty. “I think that this is one of those hidden gem neighborhoods that is really going to see an appreciation in their housing values because of its central location.” Prices range from $350,000 to $485,000 for single-family homes, while condos usually cost between $240,000 and $350,000. “This is a great place for first-time homebuyers and younger people,” Browning says.
2024 referendum devotes millions to school updates
Neighborhood students are zoned for two elementary schools based on location. Prairie Hills students north of Raymond Road can attend Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School, rated a B-minus by Niche. Anana feeds into Gillespie Middle School, which earns a B. Huegel Elementary serves students south of Raymond Road and is graded a B-minus. Huegel feeds into Akira Toki Middle School, also rated a B-minus. Both middle schools feed into Vel Phillips Memorial High School, which scores an A. “They’re nice, high-quality public schools. And Madison just passed a huge referendum to further fund the schools,” Hamann says. The referendum, passed in November 2024, includes over $500 million toward school updates and renovations.
Central location close to the Beltline and Verona Road
Part of Prairie Hills’ appeal is its central location. The neighborhood is about 2 miles from the Beltline Highway. Raymond Road slices through the neighborhood and links up with Verona Road/U.S. Route 18, providing access to Epic Systems, the Madison area’s second-largest employer. UW Health’s University Hospital is 6 miles away, downtown Madison is 7 miles away and the Dane County Regional Airport is 17 miles away. Buses run along McKenna Boulevard, Putnam Road and Raymond Road.
Disc golf, sledding and trails at 250-acre Elver Park
Several tiny parks dot Prairie Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods, including Hidden Park, Big Slide Park and Tiny Park. While modest, these pocket parks provide small playgrounds and other amenities to nearby residents. “I love that there is always a park within walking distance,” Hamann says. Larger local parks include Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park and Waltham Park. Elver Park, one of Madison’s largest, contains over 225 acres of woods, prairie and green space, with trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, sports facilities, and winter amenities such as an ice rink and one of Madison’s most popular sledding hills. Vitense Golfland has indoor and outdoor options for regular and mini golf. “You have to mention Vitense,” Hamann says. “They have two outdoor and one indoor 18-hole mini golf courses.” Golf.com rated Vitense as the best mini golf in Wisconsin.
Woodman’s Food Market is a favorite for groceries
Shoppers in Prairie Hills are close to West Towne Mall, under 3 miles away up Gammon Road. Woodman’s Food Market is also on Gammon. “You are two minutes from Woodman’s, one of the best grocery stores in town,” Browning says. Dining options are varied, too. “Laredo’s Mexican Restaurant is popular,” Hamann says. “Glass Nickel for pizza is a classic. Oh, and Saigon Noodles on Odana Road. We love Saigon Noodles.”
Neighborhood 4th of July parade brings back former residents
The neighborhood association hosts local events such as a park clean-up and summer ice cream socials. “There’s a wonderful, hyper-local thing in the neighborhood where every 4th of July, people who live there — and people who moved away even come back for this — host a parade where kids decorate their bikes,” Hamann says.
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
Rebecca Bittner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Waltham Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Elver Park
Basketball
Disc Golf
Soccer
Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Trails
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
26 min drive
Bus
Raymond & Mckenna (Eb)
Bus
Raymond & Frisch (Eb)
Bus
Mckenna & Park Heights (Nb)
Bus
Raymond & Prairie (Wb)
Bus
Mckenna & Raymond (Nb)
Bus
Raymond & Frisch (Wb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Prairie Hills
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Prairie Hills, Madison sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Prairie Hills, Madison over the last 12 months is $370,083, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rebecca Bittner,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,446
Median Age
35
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,499
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,449
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.8%
College Graduates
45.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
79.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
59''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
22/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 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.
