Best Neighborhoods in Madison Wisconsin
Madison is full of neighborhoods where families thrive, thanks to excellent schools, parks, and community connections. Top areas like Westmorland, Wexford, Dudgeon-Monroe, Hill-Farms, and Maple-Prairie each offer their own mix of safety, strong school districts, and lifestyle amenities, while nearby suburbs such as Middleton, Verona, and Waunakee also rank high for families.
Madison, Wisconsin is home to some of the best neighborhoods in the state, especially for families! With top school districts, parks and outdoor activities, community events, and a strong real estate market, families flourish in these Madison neighborhoods. Here are our top picks for neighborhoods based on school ratings, amenities, and local lifestyle.
At number one, the Westmorland Neighborhood, located near the west side of Madison, offers an excellent area for families. Known for its charming, tree-lined streets and strong sense of community, you can find a true home in Westmorland. A park full of trails, playgrounds, and year-round events sits at the center of this neighborhood, making it a family favorite. Schools near Westmorland have received an A+ rating, creating an ideal environment for children to learn and grow. A local tip for families moving to this neighborhood is to check out Westmorland Neighborhood Events, including seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts! As of 2025, the median price of a home in Westmorland is $329,000.
At number two, the Wexford Neighborhood, located near the west side of Madison, provides a fantastic environment for families. With a suburban feel, easy park access, scenic ponds, and nearby bike trails, active families love raising their kids in Wexford. A significant advantage of this neighborhood is its convenient location near West Towne Mall. Strong surrounding public schools in this area have earned Wexford a B+ rating for schools. Furthermore, with low crime rates, Wexford is an area where families feel safe and comfortable. As of 2025, the median price of a home in Wexford is $473,000.
At number three, the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood, located near the west side of Madison, is a vibrant area for families to raise their children. Dudgeon-Monroe is close in proximity to Lake Wingra, Wingra Park, and Monroe Street’s various shops and cafes, making it perfect for families who want a mix of city conveniences and outdoor recreation. With a 100% graduation rate, schools in this neighborhood have received an A+ rating, making Dudgeon-Monroe a top-notch area for kids to learn. As of 2025, the median price of a home in Dudgeon-Monroe is $424,000.
At number four, Hill-Farms University Neighborhood, located on the west side of Madison, offers families community events and safe streets. With its large green spaces and easy access to downtown Madison, Hill Farms is a central neighborhood with plenty of character. Schools located near this area have received a strong A rating with a 99% graduation rate. Current residents love being near the Hilldale shopping center and the UW Arboretum. As of 2025, the median price of a home in Hills-Farms is $274,000.
At number five, the Maple-Prairie Neighborhood, located near the Fitchburg/Verona area, offers a quieter suburban lifestyle. With activities such as nearby trails and the Fitchburg Farmer’s market, this neighborhood is perfect for families to enjoy an active lifestyle. Furthermore, this neighborhood is excellent for children’s education as nearby schools have been given an A+ rating, as the Verona Area School District is one of the best in Dane County. As of 2025, the median price of a home in Maple-Prairie ranges from $274,000 to $392,000.
Comparing all five of these neighborhoods, when looking at the safest neighborhoods, Westmorland and Wexford consistently rank as some of the safest areas, with active neighborhood associations and low crime rates. Looking at education, Maple–Prairie (Verona Area School District) and neighborhoods feeding into Middleton and Waunakee schools are top performers. Thinking of where to start at the beginning of relocating, start by touring Westmorland or Dudgeon-Monroe if you want walkability, or Maple–Prairie if schools and suburban quiet are your top priorities.
If you are open to living just outside Madison, there are multiple top-ranked suburbs such as Middleton, Verona, Waunakee, McFarland & Cottage Grove, and Cross Plains. Middleton is known for its A+ schools, thriving downtown, and Lake Mendota access. Verona is known for its outstanding schools and family-friendly parks. Waunakee is known for its small-town charm and top amenities. McFarland & Cottage Grove is known for its safe, tight-knit communities with excellent schools. Lastly, Cross Plains is known for its peaceful environment and quick access to Madison.
In general, when moving to Madison with kids, it is imperative to know your school boundaries, plan for competition, and explore family attractions. School ratings and district boundaries can vary by street, so always verify before making an offer. In terms of competition, many homes in family-friendly neighborhoods sell quickly and often for over asking. Madison is home to amazing family attractions, such as Henry Vilas Zoo, the Madison Children’s Museum, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which are family favorites year-round.