Apartment searching in Madison (Verona, Dodgeville: real estate, apartments, to rent)

[isugrad182]

Hello,
I am looking at accepting a job outside of Madison and I am looking into apartments. The job is just west of Madison and i am looking for a short commute. I am a 23 year old recent college grad. I am looking for something nice to rent in the 600.00 to 700.00 a month range. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for apartments or areas to look into. Thanks!

[Bowie]

To comply with City-Data's rules, do not post links to real estate sites or apartment sites. Share those with isugrad182 by Direct Message.

[Megan1967]

What community are you going to be working in? I ask because you may want to look there for an apartment vs. the west side of Madison where $600 per month will land you in a dangerous neighborhood and $700 per month is not much better. Madison, esp. west Madison, has outrageously high rents.

Avoid the area south of hwy 12/18 (the beltline) and to the East of Verona Road at all costs. There are also some pretty bad neighborhoods by Raymond Road/Hammersley as well.

[isugrad182]

Im looking into Dodgeville WI. Im not really familiar with Madison at all, so i am not sure where to start looking. Thanks!

[Megan1967]

Bowie,

Just a question, I'm not arguing with policy or anything. What is the reason we are not allowed to post apartment web sites? I ask because I think it would be nice to have a record of the various communities in the archives so that people don't have to rely on strictly the people that are reading the forum at the time of their post.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by Megan1967

Bowie,

Just a question, I'm not arguing with policy or anything. What is the reason we are not allowed to post apartment web sites? I ask because I think it would be nice to have a record of the various communities in the archives so that people don't have to rely on strictly the people that are reading the forum at the time of their post.

Real estate professionals are often the very most knowledgable people about topics that members ask questions about. I believe the intent is to create a level playing field for real estate professionals, so that they can participate in a way that is helpful to members here without advertising. Here is the section of the TOS which applies to Real Estate sites.

Real Estate Agents and other businesses will not advertise their services nor solicit business in their posts. Create a free business profile by going to http://www.city-data.com/profiles/add and fill out your forum profile instead. Do not include links to your websites, MLS listings, etc. in your posts. Do not try to push the envelope by attempting to hide your intentions. Do not solicit business by DMs. Show your knowledge about the area and help people and you will get leads naturally.

[Megan1967]

I'm glad I mentioned the area south of the beltline by Verona Road then because it would be very tempting to choose a place in that area as it is right on the way out of town toward Dodgeville. I pm'd you a specific apartment community, but just an fyi most of the apartments west of Maple Valley on county pd (also known as McKee Road) are fairly reasonable (for the area) and safe.

Try Verona, too. It is relatively close to Madison, on the way to Dodgeville and has a lot of development due to the relocation of Epic Health Care Systems.

[Sweetpremium]

Dont bother with verona or fitchburg. I'm 22 and just finishing college and I would never want to live there (too suburban and bland). Since you'll be making a reverse commute, traffic time isnt going to be a factor. For only a few more minutes (maybe 10 extra minutes north of the area megan mentioned) you could live in apartments in madison on or near nakoma road or midvale (proximity to downtown and nightlife). If however you are uncomfortable with a slightly higher crime rate and low rent apts, stay away from allied drive area, which is south of the belt line (us 12) and east of verona road (hwy 18 151).

[katreese]

Originally Posted by Sweetpremium

you could live in apartments in madison on or near nakoma road or midvale (proximity to downtown and nightlife)

i can't think of any apartments on or near nakoma, and anything around nakoma/midvale is pretty dicey. midvale/university would be a good neighborhood. fitchburg and verona are indeed bland, but not much blander than the rest of madison, except for, say, the near east side.

[Megan1967]

Originally Posted by Sweetpremium

Dont bother with verona or fitchburg. I'm 22....

I suggested these areas not because they are "hot," but because they are safe, close to Madison and more in his price range. Not everyone can afford to live in the trendiest areas, but you can be close enough to visit on a regular basis.