Neighborhoods in Madison

Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood — Once made up of open oak savannas and marshlands flowing into Lake Wingra, the Monroe St. neighborhood respects its natural features. Bordered by the UW-Madison Arboretum,Dudgeon-Monroe is a gardener’s paradise. Most homes here feature unique landscape features and beautiful gardens. Walking through this neighborhood is like walking through an old-world village with the commerce uniquely mixed into the residential neighborhood to serve that neighborhood. The home styles are representative of the English cottages, Queen Annes and Dutch Colonials of yesteryear. Walking trails, biking trails, Lake Wingra, and the local area business are easily within walking distance, creating a small town atmosphere right in the heart of Madison. Neighborhood Association website:http://www.dmna.org 
  

Greenbush Neighborhood — The historic Greenbush Addition is as dynamic today as it was back when the neighborhood served as the first home of many Italian and Eastern European immigrants in the late 1800s. Bordered by Regent St, Park St and Wingra Drive, Greenbush is a busy and vital community within downtown Madison. The mix of university students, homeowners and commercial businesses keep this neighborhood exciting and fresh. Easily within walking distance to the UW-Madison campus, the Vilas Zoo as well as three major hospitals, Lake Wingra and Vilas Park, the Greenbush Neighborhood is a thriving urban center, and the eclectic mix of Folk/Farm homes from the late 18th century, 1920s cottage-style bungalows and brand new condominiums give character and diversity to this neighborhood. Neighborhood Association website: http://www.madison.com/communities/greenbush 


Nakoma Neighborhood — Once considered one of the new, trendy “country club suburbs” in the 1920’s, Nakoma today is one of Madison’s most distinguished downtown neighborhoods. The neighborhood is characterized by large, mature trees, sweeping curves and rolling topography. Many of Madison’s historic properties are landmarks in Nakoma and walking tours are offered. Resident’s of Nakoma enjoy a pastoral landscape deep within the City of Madison and find their neighborhood is the perfect escape from the work week. The small, neighborhood oriented urban centers on Monroe St are easily accessible from Nakoma, as well as major transportation routes for commutes to and from home. Neighborhood Association website: http://www.Mynakoma.org 


Village of Shorewood — A village within a city; Shorewood Hills stands along the shores of Lake Mendota and is adjacent to the UW-Madison. Noted for its distinctive and varied architecture, there is a wide diversity of styles: English Tudor, Prairie style, and contemporary homes can be found side by side in the village. The streets are narrow and meandering, and heavily overgrown with oaks and maples. Residents have the opportunity to join the Blackhawk Country Club; access to the golf course, swimming pool, community dock and many other amenities. Surrounded by the City of Madison, grocery stores, bookstores and restaurants are conveniently nearby. Neighborhood Association website: http://www.shorewood-hills.org/home.htm 


Vilas Neighborhood — Slow down! Enjoy the moment, no need to throw everyone in a hot, stuffy car to shop or relax here. That’s the fun of living within walking distance to the Vilas Zoo, and all the parks and lakes associated with the Vilas Neighborhood. Simply hop on your bike and zip up the Capital City Bike Trail to the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, or walk down to the Zoo and picnic for the day. Housing stock here is reminiscent of yesteryear with Dutch Colonials and old Victorians; their big front porches—a perfect way to meet your neighbors as they stroll by. Typical of old villages, the neighborhood also boasts a labyrinth of alleyways and walking trails, which lead from one neighbor to another. Neighborhood Association website: http://danenet.wicip.org/vilas 


Regent Neighborhood — Terraced gardens, curving streets, and hilltop views are the elements which make up the three distinct areas that are the Regent Neighborhood. The neighborhood is graced by Madison’s most architecturally significant period homes. In the Wingra Park Addition, the hilly terrain and meandering streets mean irregular shaped lots and very uniquely designed Prairie Style and Bungalow homes. Despite its proximity to the UW-Madison campus and upper Monroe Street, this neighborhood is a unique, elegant escape from the busy downtown bustle. It is characterized by family homes with wide front porches, tree-lined streets and a serene, quiet atmosphere. This is one of Madison’s most distinguished neighborhoods. Neighborhood Association website: http://www.regentneighborhood.org