Small town character with a large company’s headquarters in “Hometown, U.S.A.”
Expansive swaths of farmland surround Verona, a small city about 12 miles southwest of downtown Madison, as do forest preserves and parks providing outdoor recreational opportunities. The city bears the nickname “Hometown, U.S.A.” thanks to Verona’s newspaper printing a letter from a solider during the Vietnam War. A sergeant wrote back to the paper saying it was the “perfect example Hometown, U.S.A.” and thus the nickname was born. Verona retains much of its small-town charm even as growth has exploded in and around it. One of the Madison region’s most significant employers is headquartered on Verona’s west side. “Epic Systems has thousands of employees. The company develops medical software used around the world,” says Melissa LeGrand, Owner-Broker of LeGrand Real Estate. “So, there’s a gigantic campus, which has been a primary reason for all the growth there.” Another draw is the highly regarded Verona Area School District.
Epic Systems in nearby Verona is one of the biggest employers in all of Wisconsin.
Suburban pockets are sprinkled throughout Verona, amongst large commercial developments.
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Housing styles of all kinds across a century of development
Over the past century, continuous development has led to various home styles. Early 20th-century homes in architectural styles like farmhouses and cottages are concentrated near Main Street in the heart of town, with more modern builds like New Traditional and split-levels in the surrounding subdivisions. There’s not much inventory at any given time, though more developments are planned. “Whispering Coves is a development of 259 units, a mix of single-family and condos just south of McKee Road,” says Mary Browning, a broker associate with Compass Realty. Development began in 2020, though it has proceeded more slowly than anticipated and the timeline for completion remains unclear. The median home price in Verona is $575,000, significantly higher than the national median of $420,000 and the Madison median of $440,000, making it one of the most expensive cities in the Madison metro.
Verona gives the peace and east of suburban life, only 10 miles from downtown Madison.
Modern subdivisions in Verona such as Whispering Cove include newer builds.
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Epic Systems campus is a whimsical workplace
Epic dominates the employment market in Verona. The company is the second-largest employer in the Madison metro area, behind only the University of Wisconsin. Its unusual campus is comprised of whimsical buildings with designs inspired by works like The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter.
U.S. Highways 18 and 151, collectively known as Verona Road, connect Verona to the broader Madison area, including the busy Beltline Highway. Downtown Madison is 12 miles northeast. The Madison Metro bus runs out to Verona, with several stops along Verona Avenue downtown. The Military Ridge State Trail connects with the dense bike path network that runs through and around Madison. The Dane County Regional Airport is approximately 17 miles away. UnityPoint Health’s Meriter Hospital is the closest, about 10 miles away in Madison. UW Health has a Verona clinic.
Verona Area High School expanded and remodeled in 2020
The Verona Area School District is among the most highly regarded in the Madison area. Niche rates it an A and ranks it the 14th-best public school district in all of Wisconsin. Verona Area High School was expanded and remodeled in 2020 to handle the growing student population. “The new high school they just built is amazing,” Browning says. “I mean, it’s state of the art.”
Badger Ridge Middle School in Verona received a B rating from Niche.com.
Verona Area High School received an A rating from Niche.
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Ice Age National Scenic Trail follows the ancient glaciers across the state
Verona is an active community. “People walk and bike all across town,” says Keith Schulz, a Realtor and broker for Great Rock Realty. The town is on the biking route for the annual Ironman Wisconsin race. Verona’s Fireman’s Park Beach is a swimming hole with waterslides. Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which follows the terminal moraine of ancient glaciers for over 1,000 miles, has a segment just outside Verona. Six pickleball courts are available at Veterans Park. Many residents also take recreational tours of Epic’s unusual campus.
Firemen's Park, also known as Verona Beach, has a pier that locals can often be seen fishing off.
Ice Age Trail is one of the most spectacular place to run in Verona
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Hometown Days brings the carnival to town
Verona’s Hometown Days festival has brought food, live music, a parade and carnival rides to Hometown USA Festival Park for over 50 years. Sports fans can cheer on the Wisconsin Badger athletic teams and can even catch the bus to games at one of several sports bars in town. Verona Area Community Theater has put on productions since the early 1990s, and the Verona Area Performing Arts Series brings a variety of music to town each year. Residents can make a short trip to Madison for national touring musical acts and Broadway theater productions.
People of all ages gather at Verona Hometown Days for fun in the sun.
The Verona Area Performing Arts in Verona provides live entertainment for all age groups.
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Sow’s Ear is a haven for coffee lovers and knitters alike
While Madison is close enough for residents who want a bigger city's added variety, Verona covers its bases well. Miller & Sons Supermarket on Main Street is a quintessential small-town grocery store. Festival Foods at the eastern edge of town is another grocery option. Blain’s Farm & Fleet has outdoor gear and plenty of essentials at its Verona location. The Sow’s Ear is a combination coffee shop and knitting supply store. Stone Porch Alehouse pours beer, mixes craft cocktails and serves upscale pub grub.
Sow's Ear cafe is a favorite for Verona residents.
Stone Porch Alehouse in Verona serves American food, draft beers, and hosts weekly events.
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Important to Know
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Verona’s violent crime rate has held relatively steady at levels significantly lower than the national average over the past five years, aside from a spike in late 2022. The property crime rate is more volatile but typically lower than the national average.
Residents can expect cold and snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The Madison area averages over 50 inches of snow per year.
Jerilyn treats all of her client's as if they were her own family, and thoroughly enjoy creating new relationships throughout the process. There is nothing better than seeing the excitement on their faces at the closing table! She comes from a family with a strong Military background, so it is always a great honor & pleasure working with Military families. Below are some highlights on her...
Your Full-Time Realtor:
Lifelong Southern Wisconsin Resident with strong community ties.
Raised a Son, who is has served our great country in the USAF overseas.
14 Years operating a successful Home-based business
10 Years in Emergency Medical Services
10+ Years as a CPR/ First Aid Instructor with the American Heart Association
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.
