Unique cooperative structure with communal areas and access to nature
Also known as Crestwood, the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association on Madison’s west side has a unique neighborhood structure. “We’re not a neighborhood association, we’re a cooperative,” says Cynthia Albrecht, vice president of the housing association. “We’re licensed with the state, and we’re not tax-exempt. We’re a real cooperative.” The cooperative was incorporated in 1938 and set aside green space and woods between the lots and cul-de-sacs for all to use. These areas are still communally owned. “I think that is what makes this neighborhood special,” Albrecht says. “Having these green spaces and woods behind your homes is an incredible advantage.” The central location and maturity of the neighborhood are important components of Crestwood as well. “I think the draws are definitely that it’s a mature neighborhood, plus the size of lots, the trees, the sense of community and location in Madison,” says Lindsay Koth, a Realtor with Bunbury & Associates.
Diverse styles and modest homes from the midcentury
Homes in Crestwood vary stylistically. “Each house was individually built by whomever originally bought the lot. So we have quite a lot of different styles of homes, but they are small and modest as was the trend in the mid-twentieth century,” Albrecht says. Homes mostly date from the 30s, 40s and 50s when the neighborhood developed. Some common styles are bungalows and ranch-style homes, but others feature midcentury modern designs. Purchasing a home in the neighborhood grants membership into the cooperative, giving the member one share, one vote and access to the communal property. While the association has the power to levy dues, Albrecht says they’ve been able to get by without them. “We collect voluntary contributions for the maintenance of common properties,” Albrecht says. Prices range from $330,000 to $520,000.
Bungalows and ranch styles were popular during Crestwood's original construction in the 1940's.
Early Modern homes from the 40's make a decorative appearance in the cul-de-sacs of the Wisconsin Co-op.
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Legacy businesses include the Oakcrest Tavern and Crestwood Auto Clinic
Hilldale Mall is an upscale outdoor mall on University Avenue. A Metcalfe’s Market and a Target are right next to Hilldale. A few locally owned businesses sit on Old Middleton Road, just outside of the neighborhood. “Oakcrest Tavern is right down the hill, and it is sort of our neighborhood hangout,” Albrecht says. “And Crestwood Auto Clinic is our neighborhood auto shop. They’re both legacy businesses.” A family-owned Chinese restaurant, Taigu Noodles, recently opened its second Madison location across the street from Oakcrest Tavern.
Oakcrest Tavern in Glen Oak Hills is a longstanding staple for the neighborhood.
Grab a friend and challenge them to a game of curling at the Hilldale Mall on University Ave.
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Halloween bonfire and cross-country skiing among neighborhood events
The Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association hosts several neighborhood events throughout the year. “We do a lot of social activities: a Halloween bonfire, a 4th of July parade and picnic, and a cross-country skiing event. We have an Easter egg hunt, a back-to-school celebration called Sunday Monday, and a fall picnic called Crest Fest,” Albrecht says. Garner Park, south of the neighborhood on Rosa Road, hosts an outdoor performance from the Madison Opera each summer.
Outdoor education at Crestwood Elementary School
Students can attend Crestwood Elementary, which Niche grades a B-plus. Ezekial Gillespie Middle School earns a B, and Vel Phillips Memorial High School earns an A. Crestwood Elementary has access to almost 5 acres of forest behind the building as well as gardens and orchards. It uses the space for its outdoor education program whereby teachers supplement instruction with outdoor activities.
Parents may send their kids to Crestwood Elementary School.
Gillespie Middle School in West Madison welcomes students of all types.
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Nearly 100 acres of prairie and oak savanna at Owen Conservation Park
In addition to the communal green spaces, several city parks are accessible from Crestwood. Folks can play tennis or basketball at Bordner Park or enjoy the open fields. Owen Conservation Park's 97 acres surround Crestwood’s western edge with trails and a scenic overlook. Garner Park, at the corner of Rosa Road and Mineral Point Road, is known for its award-winning picnic shelter, designed by Stuart William Gallagher. It also sports Madison’s first pickleball courts, which opened in 2016. “I tend to see many people live in the area who like to spend time outside at parks, on the trails, or tending to their gardens or backyards,” Koth says.
Designed by Stuart William Gallaher in 1970, the shelter at Garner Park won first prize in a national parks design competition.
Walk slowly and you'll find heards of deer in the Owen Conservation Park.
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Central location makes it easy to get around
The Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association neighborhood is centrally located on the west side of Madison. Downtown Madison is 5 miles away, a straight shot down Old Middleton Road, which segues into University Avenue. The Beltline Highway, about 2 miles south of Crestwood, is accessible via Whitney Way. The Madison Metro bus stops along Old Middleton Road. The Dane County Regional Airport is across town, about 10 miles away. UW Health’s University Hospital is 3 miles away.
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
Lindsay Hagens,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Owen Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Hiking
Bordner Park
Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Garner Park
Basketball
Soccer
Pickleball
Transit
Airport
Dane County Regional/Truax Field
23 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wisconsin Co-op
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wisconsin Co-op, Madison sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Wisconsin Co-op, Madison over the last 12 months is $456,300, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$462,500
Median Single Family Price
$462,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$305
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$457,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
175
Median Year Built
1951
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,640
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsay Hagens,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
351
Median Age
48
Population under 18
15.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,666
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,659
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.6%
College Graduates
61.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
59''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
64/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
24/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 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.
