Moving to Madison soon, looking for a hip/funky affordable neighborhood (Monroe: 2009, apartments)

[jefkritz]

I know this had been asked before, but I wasn't able to find a situation that similar to mine (maybe I'm just bad at searching).

Basically, I just got a job offer in Madison and I'm looking for a hip/funky neighborhood to live in. I'm looking for something affordable, and ideally close (ie walkable) to cool bars, pubs, coffee houses, places to see live music, and a grocery store. I'm 22 and just out of school, not looking for a student area (though students don't scare me), and just looking for an interesting scene to transplant into.

I've heard a little about Williamson St, is that a good spot? Where else should I look?

Also, what are some good places to see music? (I like all sorts, but especially the funkier tip)

Thanks,
Jeff

[Megan1967]

Williamson street is hip and funky in a hippie kind of way - a real 60's vibe, but it isn't inexpensive. Cost is in the eye of the beholder though and I really couldn't quote you a rental range for that area in particular. In general in Madison expect to pay at *least* $700 for a two bedroom, much more for something trendy - either really old with charm or really new with style. This is a bottom line price for something livable, but certainly not luxurious. Purchasing a house in that area is very expensive. Do you have a price range?

The Barrymore Theater and the Crystal Corner have good music. Even the more mainstream venues in town - the Overture Center, Alliant Energy Center - get some great alt bands in sometimes.

[jefkritz]

I could probably swing around $900 a month - and a two bedroom sounds about right.

[Megan1967]

I would keep an eye on craig's list (madison.craigslist.org) for places in the area. There is what looks to be a really nice three bedroom listed there now.

Rent in the Heart of Willy - Fall 2009 - our last one- hurry

Obviously more than you want both size wise and price range, but just to give you an idea. I would think $900 per month would get you a nice place.

[jefkritz]

Thanks for the quick responses!

[sondra_finchley]

We pay $860 for a well-maintained lower two-bed flat in the Willy-Marquette area and we LOVE IT. Includes our heat and water/trash- we found it on Craigslist. Be aware that driving and parking in this area can be a hassle and have restrictions. I think we are still finding all the nifty bars and restaurants in the area, and apart from the traffic, are very happy with this part of town- and we arent even technically "hippies" but folks who just dont want sterile packaged boxes to live in.

Most houses in this area run high 200s to low 300s- depending on where they are located. There is no way we could afford to buy in this neighborhood at the moment, but I am not willing to forgo easy access for suburban box at this point in my life!

If you do end up this side of town you can pick up returned grocery store bread at the Nature's Bakery shop (on Williamson) for $1 a loaf.

[jriphenburg]

Yeah, the Willy St. area sounds like a great spot for you! Other options: Google map Williamson St. and take note of the streets on the other side of East Wahsington, such as E. Mifflin & E. Dayton, they're still walkable distance from the popular Willy St. area but a little cheaper. Anything between Brearly & Baldwin should be good.

Other areas to Google map- The wedge between Winnebago St., Lafollette, and Atwood Ave. A few restaurants, bars, coffee, ect (not to mention the smaller but comparable Jenifer St. Market).

Monroe St. area is the west side's rebuttle to Willy St, although a little more expensive and not quite as cool (haha...says the near east sider).

Good luck!

Jessica

p.s Also check walkscore.net to find out how walk-able the neighborhoods are!

[subclavius]

I logged in a little late but I would say Willy St or Atwood as the first choice. Atwood is a little more laid back of the two.

North of Willy street on the isthmus seems to have more student housing, Willy St and to the south seems a little more residential.

You could also look at the Regent/Hilldale areas. This will put you a little closer to State Street. Probably a higher concentration of students here too. Willy and Atwood seem a little more defined as neighborhoods.

Most places here will be flats, houses converted into apartments. Try to find ones with off-street parking because if not you'll have to move the car around during winter. Crimes of opportunity seem to strike the ground level flats more often than the upper floors too.

I used to live in Madison and will be moving back in a couple months. When I left the condo market was supposedly being over-built and you might be able to find a good deal on a new condo if you're looking to buy. There's a new one in the Monroe Street area which is only 50% occupied. The Monroe Street area is like the east side version of Atwood.