If you’re looking for a home in Madison, WI this year, exploring the cities nearby might be your best bet. These neighboring cities offer a blend of affordability and accessibility, providing a range of options for both renters and buyers. In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences. Live at an arm’s reach away from Madison in these top cities.
1. Sun Prairie
Average commute to Madison: 20 min Median home sale price: $426,961 Average rent: $1,420
Sun Prairie is great for: Friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, community events
Sun Prairie is a rapidly growing city known for its welcoming community and vibrant atmosphere. The city hosts the annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival, which draws visitors from all over the region. Angell Park Speedway is another popular attraction, offering exciting midget car racing events. The local economy is bolstered by a mix of retail, manufacturing, and healthcare industries, providing ample job opportunities.
Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with plenty of parks, recreational facilities, and community events. Sun Prairie is also known for its excellent school system. The city has a strong sense of community, with numerous initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents.
Average commute to Madison: 15 min Median home sale price: $419,450 Average rent: $1,562
Fitchburg is great for: Green spaces, tech jobs, diverse community
Fitchburg is a dynamic city that offers a blend of urban and rural living. The city is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the expansive McGaw Park, which is perfect for outdoor activities. The Fitchburg Technology Campus is a hub for tech companies, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The community is diverse and inclusive, with a variety of cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities. Fitchburg is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
Average commute to Madison: 15 min Median home sale price: $540,000 Average rent: $1,654
Middleton is great for: Quality schools, business opportunities, outdoor activities
Middleton is a charming city known for its high quality of life and strong sense of community. The city boasts several parks and trails, including the popular Pheasant Branch Conservancy, which offers scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities. The National Mustard Museum is a quirky local attraction that draws visitors from near and far.
Middleton’s economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The city is home to several corporate headquarters, providing ample employment opportunities. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities. Middleton is also known for its community events, such as the annual Good Neighbor Festival.
Average commute to Madison: 20 min Median home sale price: $569,900 Average rent: $1,617
Verona is great for: Tech jobs, friendly environment, outdoor recreation
Verona, often referred to as “Hometown U.S.A.,” is a city that offers a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The city is home to Epic Systems, a major healthcare software company that significantly contributes to the local economy. Verona’s Reddan Soccer Park is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, hosting numerous tournaments and events.
Residents enjoy a welcoming environment with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The city’s proximity to Madison allows for easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful suburban lifestyle. Verona is also known for its community events, such as the annual Hometown Days festival.
Average commute to Madison: 20 min Median home sale price: $610,000 Average rent: $1,247
Waunakee is great for: Community spirit, excellent schools, outdoor activities
Waunakee is a picturesque village known for its strong community spirit and high quality of life. The village hosts several community events throughout the year, including the popular Waunafest, which features a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The Waunakee Village Center is a hub for recreational activities, offering fitness classes, sports leagues, and more.
The local economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and service industries. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Waunakee is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
Average commute to Madison: 25 min Median home sale price: $372,500 Average rent: $1,375
Stoughton is great for: Cultural heritage, community events, scenic beauty
Stoughton is a city rich in cultural heritage and known for its vibrant community events. The city hosts the annual Syttende Mai Festival, celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day with parades, music, and traditional foods. The Stoughton Opera House is a historic venue that offers a variety of performances, from concerts to theater productions.
The local economy is supported by a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Residents enjoy a small-town lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Stoughton is also known for its scenic beauty, with numerous parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Average commute to Madison: 10 min Median home sale price: $475,000 Average rent: $1,345
Monona is great for: Lakefront living, community amenities, easy access to Madison
Monona is a city that offers the best of both worlds: lakefront living and easy access to urban amenities. The city is situated along the shores of Lake Monona, providing residents with stunning waterfront views and recreational opportunities. The Monona Community Center is a hub for local events and activities, offering fitness classes, sports leagues, and more.
The local economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, healthcare, and service industries. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Monona is also known for its strong sense of community, with numerous initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents.
Average commute to Madison: 20 min Median home sale price: $554,888 Average rent: $850
Oregon is great for: Friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, community events
Oregon is a charming village known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. The village hosts several community events throughout the year, including the popular Oregon Summer Fest, which features a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The Oregon Area Senior Center is a hub for recreational activities, offering fitness classes, sports leagues, and more.
The local economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and service industries. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Oregon is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
Average commute to Madison: 15 min Median home sale price: $325,000 Average rent: $1,250
McFarland is great for: Friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, community events
McFarland is a village known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. The village hosts several community events throughout the year, including the popular McFarland Family Festival, which features a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The McFarland Community Ice Arena is a hub for recreational activities, offering ice skating, hockey, and more.
The local economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and service industries. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. McFarland is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives in place.
Methodology: All cities are less than 50 miles away from Madison. Median home sale price and rent data sourced from Redfin and Rent.com during June, 2024.
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Marissa is a Content Marketing Specialist on Redfin’s Content Marketing team. She has been with Redfin for 3+ years, where she has also contributed to real estate support operations. A California native living in Los Angeles, Marissa loves taking walks, enjoying sunsets, and unwinding with a good movie. Her dream home is a modern cottage-style abode with a lush garden.
