Apartments in Madison (Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Middleton: apartment complex, rent, school district)

[greymous]

Hi All,

It looks like we're going to be moving to Madison in the next few weeks. I'm looking for information on a decent apartment complex in a good area that is not super over priced. Also any info regarding schools (we have a first grader) would be greatly appreciated.

Ken

[montyc]

Go to Madisonclick.com and look under Business and Shopping. You will see a link for Apartments. This provides a major list of apartment communities in the area.
You can also try Startrenting.com which is a great site.

I have lived in Madison all of my life (34 years). If you have a son to raise and want him in a good school, then I would STRONGLY encourage you to settle in a neighboring city such as: McFarland, Monona, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Windsor, Oregon. Madison schools have become worse year after year with more violence and less one on one student to teacher interaction. This is due in part to an increase in population as well as bad parenting. Also, the rent in the neighboring communties is generally MUCH lower than Madison....partly because of the high property taxes of the city. This is my honest opinion based on what I have seen with my own two eyes, and having gone through the Madison schools for the whole ride.

Good luck and if you have any additional questions, let me know.

Monty

[jbear182]

From what I've read Madison schools are quite good. Property taxes are WAY high all over Wisconsin - not just Madison.

[montyc]

A friend of mine has been a teacher for over 20 years. She moved to a district outside of Madison SPECIFICALLY to avoid Madison schools for her children. She has personally visited and been a part of that school district and does not like what she sees. Coupled with the fact that I have gone through Madison schools the whole 13 years and her professional opinion, I stand by what I said before. Constant school budget cuts, declining lack of student to teacher interaction (due to increased population) and more violence makes the district seem more like a factory than a learning institution. I stand by my prior statement. Keep your kids out of Madison schools. You will be better off and so will your children. Contrary to what you may "read".

[montyc]

Originally Posted by jbear182

From what I've read Madison schools are quite good. Property taxes are WAY high all over Wisconsin - not just Madison.

Reply to property tax comment: untrue.

Dane County has the highest property tax for the entire state.
Go one county north to Columbia county and taxes, in general, are almost cut in half. I found the same to be true for others. The Town of Madison that is WITHIN the city limits for example has roughly 1/2 the property tax the city does. WAY high all over? no. In some parts? yes.

[LML]

There are some newer apartments near Chavez Elementary School on Madison's far west side. Chavez is an excellent school. I have two grandchildren attending and they are both thriving and excelling there. My daughter (their mother) was a school teacher and volunteers at the school a lot and she would not have her children there if she wasn't pleased with what she sees.

[weshop94]

Originally Posted by montyc

Go to Madisonclick.com and look under Business and Shopping. You will see a link for Apartments. This provides a major list of apartment communities in the area.
You can also try Startrenting.com which is a great site.

I have lived in Madison all of my life (34 years). If you have a son to raise and want him in a good school, then I would STRONGLY encourage you to settle in a neighboring city such as: McFarland, Monona, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Windsor, Oregon. Madison schools have become worse year after year with more violence and less one on one student to teacher interaction. This is due in part to an increase in population as well as bad parenting. Also, the rent in the neighboring communties is generally MUCH lower than Madison....partly because of the high property taxes of the city. This is my honest opinion based on what I have seen with my own two eyes, and having gone through the Madison schools for the whole ride.

Good luck and if you have any additional questions, let me know.
Monty

Come on Madison schools are some of the best in the country highley recommend it oh and P.S from experience near west side schools are the better then the others

[ChairborneRanger]

I agree with Montyc----Madison schools, while still "okay", are definitely on the decline-----look in the Madison suburbs if you are seeking a first class education for your children.

[ggaetti]

You may want to look at this apartment complex on Madison's west side:

www.nantucketapartments.net