Best Neighborhoods or Outside Towns of Madison? (Milwaukee, Fitchburg: low crime, house)

[Crissy426]

Wondering if there is anyone who knows the Madison area or smaller towns or suburbs around the area well? We are looking there or "twin city" area right now depending on job availability.

We are looking to possibly relocate in the next year. My husband will have a bachelors in Mechanical engineering and I am an RN, though would probably only work per diem due to we have a 1 year old daughter and plan to have one more in the next year or so.

Looking to stay under 30 minute commute for work if he gets a job in city. Looking for the known "desirable" areas of Madison or "desirable" smaller town to the city. Family area, great schools and good community vibe, low crime, parks/outdoor stuff to do...

I'm not too into setting a price range yet as I really want to know about all the great areas....thank you SO MUCH for any help you could give!!

[BadgerGrl]

Sun Prairie to the northeast would be a possibility, or Middleton to the west. Both are small towns that have been more or less absorbed by Madison, but still maintain their own identity. Personally I like Middleton the best. I wouldn't suggest Fitchburg to the south...no identity really and some areas are not very safe for a family. There are more small towns outside the area but I wouldn't consider them part of the metro area. As for areas within the city itself, that depends on your lifestyle. Downtown has lots of college students & professionals, and can seem crowded. The near east side is very liberal, if that's your thing. I'd suggest looking at the near west side of Madison, around Shorewood Hills & University Heights area. Beautiful homes, stable neighborhoods, good for families, but can get very $$$. Still liberal, but you can't get away from that in Madison!

[PCK]

I have lived in Madison for over 10 years and for a young family looking for good schools I would suggest: Middleton, Verona or Fitchburg (just make sure you're in the Verona school district areas of Fitchburg). These areas are pricier for homes, but you will get into a good school district and into some very nice neighborhoods. I'd say if you can afford $400,000 and up you'll get a very good house in one of these areas. I personally wouldn't look to buy a house around Shorewood Hills/University Heights because they are waaaaay overpriced for what you get. And the homes are older in those areas and after owning an older home myself I wouldn't do it again!

[Megan1967]

I would post this to the Madison sub forum, too. Both PCK and BadgerGrl have given good info though. They've pretty much said what I would with the exception of Sun Prairie. I consider it a rather dull place which is far away from most of what makes Madison interesting. I've also heard bad things about their school district from several people, including one of their own teachers.

[Crissy426]

Thanks everyone for the info!!

We've heard about certain places, and been leaning toward the areas that have been mentioned..especially Middleton.
We really just wanted to hear the suggestions from people who really know 1st hand...so thanks so much for all your help!

[Milwaukee City]

Milwaukee

[BOItoMSN]

The areas surrounding the Twin Cities differ from the areas surrounding Madison. Most of the areas around Madison are "bedroom communities", where many of the surrounding areas in the Twin Cities are fairly self sustaining in many aspects. But then again the metro area of the Cities is over 3.5 million people, versus Madison's metro of over a 1/2 million.

Most communities around Madison have good schools and parks but lack their own exciting downtown areas and the cool vibe you mentioned.

Middleton is not a bedroom community and probably has the most going for it. Proximity to downtown Madison, great schools, shopping, and restaurants.

Fitchburg is nice, lacks a classic downtown area and has some rough spots, but is close. Does not have its own school district.

Verona is nice, a further drive, nice downtown, great school district.

Madison has lot of nice neighborhoods too. The desirable neighborhoods in Madison are expensive. Not a lot of house for your money, mostly 1 car garages, and of course property taxes. (which are high in Dane county in general).