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Madison, WI
Madison · WI 53703
Updated October 31, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$540K
Median Price
78/100
Walk Score
7.1/10
Schools
15 min
to Downtown Madison / UW Campus
Score Breakdown
FAffordability
15/100
D+Safety
55/100
B-Schools
71/100
CQuietness
60/100
ACommute
100/100
BWalkability
78/100
WYLT Score63/100
Our Take
Madison’s 53703 is a solid, walkable downtown neighborhood with strong schools and plenty of bike lanes. The median income is on the lower side, so the high cost of living can feel tight for some, but for those who want city life and a vibrant community it works well.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Very walkable with a Walk Score of 78 and a bike score of 80
- ✓High‑rated schools (average rating 7.1) and plenty of public‑school options
- ✓Close to UW‑Madison, downtown amenities, parks, and cultural venues
- ✓Low flood risk (Flood Zone X)
Real Talk
- !Median household income (~$48k) is below the national average, so the cost of housing can feel steep
- !Rental demand is high; rents have risen steadily and availability can be tight
- !The downtown core can get noisy and busy, especially during university events
- !Older housing stock may mean higher maintenance costs for some properties
- $Property taxes are among the highest in the state
- $Insurance premiums can be high for downtown condos and older homes
- $Utilities and heating costs can rise during cold winters
Best For
College students and recent graduatesYoung professionalsFamilies with childrenRetirees who enjoy a lively community
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Madison, WI
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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