Central Madison
Localvore, urban, diverse, historic, lakes; central Madison has a bit of everything.
Isthmus
The Isthmus is truly a “Walker’s Paradise”. Walk to all the hotspots that State Street, Willy Street and E. Johnson Street have to offer. Walk to the Memorial Union Terrace, the Farmer’s Market on the square, Lake Mendota or Lake Monona- it’s all right there.
While the Isthmus is home to multiple historic districts and some of the city’s oldest buildings, many new developments line the East Washington Avenue corridor.
Maple Bluff
Just east of the Isthmus and along the shores of Lake Mendota, you’ll fall in love the spacious yards, towering trees, gorgeous sunsets & beautiful architecture that the Village of Maple Bluff offers.
This small, tight knit community gathers for an annual holiday tree lighting, concerts, movies in the park, pool parties, festivals, an annual Bocce Ball Bash, summer camp, youth windsurfing + sailing instruction, archery, engineering activities, fitness classes, crafting, rec leagues, and more. Walk to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, Tenney Park and the Maple Bluff Country Club.
Monona
Monona prides itself on its strong sense community; bonfires, home brew swaps, parties, game nights and free veggie stands are a few of the things that Monona residents treasure.
Monona is great for those that value close proximity to urban amenities, yet crave nature. You’ll appreciate the smattering of grocery stores, salons, shops, pet care, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, the beautiful library, tennis courts, community center, seasonal ice rink, public pool, Dream Park, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Edna Taylor Conservancy and of course, Lake Monona. Downtown Madison and the Near East side of Madison are quick to access by bike, watercraft or car.
Near East
The Near East side is known for its eclectic, community oriented vibe. As you walk down Atwood Avenue, Winnebago St, Williamson St (AKA Willy St) or E. Johnson St, it’s quite clear that Near Eastsiders have a deep appreciation for all things organic, local, ethical, second hand, upcycled and sustainable.
The Near East side is home to numerous family friendly (free!) concerts and music festivals throughout the summer, making this little slice of Madison a destination for residents near and far.
Near West
You will find some of the City’s most coveted neighborhoods on Madison’s Near West side, such as Vilas, Dudgeon Monroe and University Heights. The area is also home to several nationally recognized historic homes, multiple Native American effigy mounds, Lake Wingra, Edgewood College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum & the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Monroe St. has been a popular destination for nearly 170 years. The Monroe Street coffee shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques continue to bring residents from all over the Madison area.
Shorewood Hills
On the shore of Lake Mendota and just west of UW-Madison is the historically rich village of Shorewood Hills. Known for its stunning homes, winding roads and mature trees, this lakeside village offers the Blackhawk Country Club (home to several well preserved effigy mounds) the Shorewood Pool, a scenic bike path to the UW campus and downtown Madison, plus a boathouse, beach and community garden.
South Central
Offering a vibrant array of neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in South Central Madison. To the east you’ll find quiet lakefront living with capitol views along Waunona Way. Park Street runs through the popular Bay Creek Neighborhood. West of Park Street lies the secluded Arboretum Neighborhood, Lake Wingra and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.
South Park Street is in the midst of a massive revitalization, adding new apartment buildings, restaurants, bars, shops and expanded medical facilities to this well traveled corridor. Bicycle commuting is a cinch with routes connecting South Central Madison to the UW campus, downtown, east and west Madison as well as Fitchburg.