Whether you’re a Madison native or you’re new to the city, it can be hard to know which neighborhood meets your needs. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself that may help you determine which part of the city to call home.
1| What’s your price range?
Perhaps the most important factor in determining which neighborhood matches your needs is price. In Madison, the downtown, Regent, Greenbush, and Capitol neighborhoods are some of the most expensive areas in the city. If you’d like to save a little, push your boundaries to the west and south of the UW-Madison campus.
2| How important is proximity to points of interest to you?
A simple Google Maps search will help you get a better idea of what essentials are within walking distance or a short drive away. Is there a grocery store nearby? How about vet, dry cleaner, or pharmacy? Better to do your research ahead of time so you don’t end up having to drive over 30 minutes to get some essentials.
3| Do you need to be close to schools?
If you have children that are high school age or younger, you’ll want to pick a neighborhood close to schools. There aren’t many schools in downtown Madison, but the east and west sides and bordering communities like Middleton, Verona, and Fitchburg all have reputable K-12 school districts.
4| What type of home do you want?
Apartment or condo? Duplex or single family? Determine the type of home you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to pick a neighborhood. If an apartment or condo suits your needs, you can look almost anywhere in the area, whereas duplexes and single family dwellings will be available on the outskirts.
5| Is this a temporary or forever home?
Are you planning to stay in your home for a few years or for the foreseeable future? If you’re staying put for a long time, make sure you have enough space to grow. Downtown is densely populated with little room to expand, but space becomes ample the farther you get from the Capitol.
Struggling to choose the right neighborhood? Give the experienced, local team at Cheng Real Estate Group a call at 608.957.2683—we’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home.
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