$660,381Average Value$329Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Secluded lakeshore neighborhood near the site of former airport
Tucked between the south shore of Lake Monona and Madison’s Beltline Highway, the Waunona neighborhood has a history steeped in aviation. “If you go back in time to the 1920s, what is now the site of the South Towne Mall was Madison’s first airport, called Royal Airport,” says Ben Anton, a Broker Associate with the Lauer Associate Group. “At that point, all you had was people who wanted to live on the lake, and the rest of the area was still either agricultural or yet to be developed. It was still considered a little bit outside of town,” Anton says. Charles Lindbergh landed the “Spirit of St. Louis” at Royal Airport in 1927. The Wisconsin Historical Society added a marker to the area in 2005.
While the neighborhood is now somewhat secluded, things have built up around it: Southe Towne Mall and other shopping and dining across West Broadway to the south and more options a bit farther southwest. Yet, several surrounding parks and conservation areas buffer the area from continued development. “It’s almost a hidden little neighborhood,” says Josh Lavik, a real estate agent who runs Josh Lavik & Associates, a part of EXP Realty. “A lot of people drive by on the Beltline but don’t always realize there’s a neighborhood back there.”
Lake life on Lake Monona and outdoor recreation at nearby parks
Waunona has several parks and green spaces nearby, including small neighborhood parks Waunona Park and Thut Park, but, of course, Lake Monona is a major source of recreation for residents. Esther Beach Park has a picnic area and swings, plus a small beach area where folks can launch kayaks and canoes to paddle the lake. Turville Point Conservation Park, just across Turville Bay, has quiet trails and lake views. The western edge of Waunona has an access point to one of Madison’s most extensive networks of bike trails, the Capital City Trail. “If they’ve done the Lake Monona bike loop, they’ve probably ridden through the neighborhood,” Lavik says. The Capital Springs State Recreation Area is a couple of miles away. Park activities include hunting, fishing and camping as well as cross-country skiing in winter. Nearby Outlet Mound, a Native American Burial site in Monona, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Waunona residents live right next to Esther Beach Park.
The well-maintained pickleball court is usually bustling with activity at Waunona Park.
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Off Broadway Drafthouse shows off neighborhood history
Off Broadway Drafthouse took up residence in the old Airway Tavern building from the Royal Airport days. Residents can sip craft drinks and check out murals from the Wisconsin Historical Society of the neighborhood’s early history. Waypoint Public House serves Wisconsin favorites like cheese curds and poutine on the Yahara River. South Towne Mall is between Broadway and the Beltline, and a Walmart Supercenter is just south of the Beltline. Metro Market in Monona is available for groceries.
Off Broadway Drafthouse is the local favorite of Waunona residents.
Walmart is conveniently nearby and Waunona residents can get anything they need there.
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Holiday cheer at Lake Ridge Bank River Rink
During Hosta Garden Companions, a neighborhood couple celebrates shade plants by opening their garden to the public in early spring. The Fall Festival in nearby Monona hosts a craft fair, pie-baking contests, and a charitable run. Monona also kicks off the holiday season with a Light the Ice event at Lake Ridge Bank River Rink. This tree-lighting ceremony features carolers, stilt walkers, and aerial performances.
Lakefront properties and authentic midcentury modern designs
The neighborhood gradually filled in around the original lakeshore homes during the post-World War II housing boom. “There are some interesting examples of midcentury architecture in there,” Anton says. The neighborhood also has quite a few ranch-style homes. Lakefront location significantly impacts prices. “You’ve got a million dollars on one side and half that on the other,” Anton says. Homes that aren’t right on the lake mostly range from $300,000 to $550,000, though some homes on larger lots can reach over $700,000. Homes with lake access and docks can cost up to $1.8 million.
Mid-Century homes in Waunona have incredibly modern designs.
Lakefront properties are some of the most desirable ones in the Waunona neighborhood.
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Just off the Beltline but still secluded
Waunona is right along the Beltline Highway — one of Madison’s significant thoroughfares that runs east-west along the city's southern side — and is about 4 miles from downtown Madison. However, the neighborhood is a little isolated because it is tucked between the highway and the lake. “If you’re in downtown Madison and you need to get there, you’re getting on the Beltline for one exit and then getting off again,” Anton says. Commuters who prefer to bike can access the Capital City Trail on the neighborhood's western edge and take its route around Lake Monona into downtown.
New renovations at La Follette High School
Henderson Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche, is Waunona's neighborhood school. Sennett Middle School likewise earns a C-plus and offers dual language immersion and English language immersion programs. La Follette High School scores a B and has recently undergone a major renovation. Updates include a new student parking lot, a gym addition, updated student commons and cafeterias, classroom and technology updates and a new performing arts center.
La Follette High School in is one of the high schools students from Waunona can attend.
Students in Waunona can attend Henderson Elementary School.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Gabriell Hamele,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Thut Park
Basketball
Football
Picnic Area
Paunack (A.O.) Park
Basketball
Fishing
Picnic Area
Esther Beach Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Beach
Waunona Park
Basketball
Football
Picnic Area
Turville Point Conservation Park
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
18 min drive
Bus
W Broadway & Frazier (Wb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Waunona
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waunona, Madison sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Waunona, Madison over the last 12 months is $494,300, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Here's your chance to own an architectural gem on Lake Monona! The Toby Curtis House evokes many Bauhaus elements, and it's stunning. Built in 1937, this International Style house was designed by famed Madison architects Beatty & Strang. The property, situated at the quiet end of Waunona Way, spans 3 city lots totaling .58 acres, has just over 130 feet of shoreline, and a view of the Capitol. The
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Gabriell Hamele,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
893
Median Age
39
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$97,193
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,156
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.8%
College Graduates
41.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.1%
% Population in Labor Force
74.9%
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®
63/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
33/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
