What is Fitchburg like? (Madison, Middleton: subdivisions, living, shops)

[pirate_lafitte]

I just looked at pictures of Fitchburg. Looks interesting. I would like to know more.

[kt433]

Well what do you mean? It basically is Madison when you're in town but it can also be more rural. Depends on where you're looking at.

[tchemgrrl]

Fitchburg is a rapidly-developing suburb of Madison, and when I say rapid, I mean *rapid*; I've only been in the area since '01, and a lot of space has gone from farmland to completely developed in that time. It's very suburban; lots of little stripmalls along the main roads, spread out, lots of new housing subdivisions. Minimal public transportation, though you can get to downtown Madison, depending on where exactly you live.

Personally, I don't really see the point of living there--if you want to be in the country, you'll need to move farther out, if you want a suburban feel, live on Madison's west side and have more access to nearby shops, jobs, etc. But based on the level of development it's obvious that a lot of people like it there.

[Chelito23]

I also wonder why Fitchburg has taken off. I am guessing becasue it is close to the Beltline and downtown, more so than the far West Side. It is nice, but then again, most suburban areas are. It is now finally transforming from a nearly all residential bedroom community to a more diverse suburb with lots of shopping and residential areas. I too agree that if you want a traditional suburb, west Madison is better, with a more built up feeling and better commercial infrastructure. However, I suppose Fitchburg is the next "west side" in 10 more years. Also, West Middleton is like an upscale continuation of West Madison, if you are looking to not live in Madison city limits...