Considering Madison area (in a couple of years) (Superior, Monroe: real estate, houses)

[Paige65]

My husband and I are loosely considering moving in the next couple of years. Madison area is one of the contenders. We would like to find a walkable neighborhood (preferably with sidewalks), near a few independent restaurants and other small businesses, older (1920-1940) homes, tree lined streets, library nearby if possible so my kids could ride their bikes there. Schools are a top priority ( middle and high schools). Would like high school to be considered one of the top three or so in the metro Madison area.

We are talking about a year or two down the road, but in terms of real estate prices today, could we find a home in an area like this for $350,000-$550,000 for 3/4 bedrooms, 2 baths, renovated (doesn't have to be completely updated, but I don't want to have to gut the whole thing). One car garage is fine. Does this exist in our price range?

In order of priority:

1. Superior public schools
2. older home surrounded by mostly older homes
3. walkable neighborhood

Obviously, our final decision would be depedent upon location of employer, but since my husband is used to an hour commute now, anything forty minutes or less would be considered.

Thanks

[Megan1967]

Regent Street/Monroe Street neighborhoods fit the bill perfectly. West High school is assigned to those neighborhoods and it is one of the best in the state, and WI is known for it's high quality schools. The houses in those areas are of the vintage you are looking for and most are extremely well kept. They also have a neighborhood library branch and all of the small business amenities you mentioned. Your price range is right in line for the area.

[Paige65]

Thanks, Megan.

I was able to look at some homes last night on-line to get a feel for what's out there. I liked a few in what was called "University Heights" and a couple in Nokoma. Would either of these be good options? I don't need or want to be right on top of a business district, but do want to have pretty easy access. I'm willing to drive to the grocery, but if I can walk to get a cup of coffee and that sort of thing, I'm good.

It looks like the low end of our price range won't get us quite what we want but the higher end will, which is good. Part of the whole idea of our potential move is to have no mortgage, or a relatively small one, so going much higher than the current range would defeat one of the purposes of moving.