As the second-largest city in Wisconsin, Madison is seen as a cultural pillar of the Midwestern region. While known for its stunning lakes, prosperous economy, and eclectic heritage, Madison is mainly recognized for its academic prestige fostered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Home to almost 48,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison generates a lot of movement in the local rental market. Lots of this momentum is generated through off-campus housing, as most students opt to live on the outskirts of campus after their first year. If you’re a future or current UW Badger, here is a guide to help you navigate the Madison rental market.
Where Do Most UW-Madison Students Live Off-Campus?
On the outskirts of campus, students will find numerous residential areas with properties for rent. Whether you’re looking for a spacious home with lake views or a studio apartment in the city’s downtown historic district, you’ll find no shortage of off-campus housing options in the following neighborhoods:
State-Langdon
Just steps away from campus and the stunning Lake Mendota, State-Langdon offers an incredible off-campus living experience for UW-Madison students. Here, student renters will find a variety of housing options, from high-rise apartments like The Surf to charming homes like 515 N Carroll. Additionally, State-Langdon is close to Downtown Madison, making it a popular choice for students who enjoy the city's lively nightlife and dining scene.
Capitol Neighborhoods
Madison’s Capitol Neighborhoods span across the city’s downtown and include areas like Bassett, Mifflin, Mansion Hill, James Madison Park, and First Settlement. These popular areas are known for their picturesque views of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, easy access to shops, restaurants, and local landmarks, and historic residential neighborhoods. Some off-campus communities you might consider in the Capitol Neighborhoods are Avenir Apartments in Mifflin, The Continental in James Madison Park, or Capital Park Apartments in First Settlement.
Regent
Located on the west side of Madison, Regent is popular among students seeking seclusion and serenity. Unlike the abovementioned areas, Regent offers a bit of an escape from Madison’s bustling downtown. This makes it an ideal spot for students looking for a quiet living experience more conducive to space, studying, and privacy. Here, you’ll find a mix of spacious rental homes like 2641 Chamberlain Ave and welcoming apartment communities like Casa Blanca Apartments.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost in Madison?
The average rent in Madison as of August 2024 is $1,394 per month, according to CoStar data. This is 9% lower than the national average, making Madison a great option for student renters looking to save money on living expenses.
Students will find a wide variety of rental options throughout Madison’s off-campus neighborhoods, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom units. If budget is your top priority, you might consider living with roommates in a two- or three-bedroom apartment. These units will range from about $1,700 to $2,000 per month, but you can split rent evenly among each roommate. If you want to live alone, you’ll find studio or one-bedroom apartments for about $1,100 to $1,400 per month.
Prices will also vary across different neighborhoods, with some areas boasting higher rents due to location, amenities, and community feel. For example, Marquette-Dane and Tenney-Lapham are priced high for their stunning lake views and proximity to Downtown Madison. Meanwhile, in more secluded areas like Berkeley Oaks and Sherman Terrace, you’ll find off-campus housing at a lower price.
It's important to note that living expenses consist of more than just rent. You’ll also have to pay monthly utility costs, including fees for electricity, water, gas, and internet. Though some months will generate higher bills than others, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 monthly in utilities. Living with roommates will typically generate higher utility costs. However, it will also mean you can divide utility bills evenly among multiple people, minimizing expenses for each individual.
Can You Live Off Campus as a Freshman at UW-Madison?
Yes, you can live off-campus as a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Unlike most schools across the United States, UW-Madison does not enforce an on-campus living requirement for first-year students. However, about 90% of freshmen choose to live in on-campus residence halls during their first year of enrollment. When looking at the student body as a whole, only 26% of students live on-campus, while the majority live in surrounding residential areas, according to the U.S. News Overview of UW-Madison.
What to Consider When Searching for UW-Madison Student Housing
As you embark on your search for an off-campus rental, you should consider your top dealbreakers and makers. For example, you might not have a car and need to be within walking distance from campus. Or you might value seclusion and choose to stay far from the campus hustle and bustle.
Whatever your preference, make sure to consider the following factors before signing a lease:
Proximity to campus and downtown
Living close to campus or Downtown Madison is a game changer for students. Whether it means getting a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning or saving money on gas, a short commute to campus and downtown will completely enhance your university experience.
Along with convenience, many students choose to live close to campus and downtown for social opportunities. Downtown Madison offers various dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it the perfect backdrop to group gatherings. Some popular areas offering these quick commutes and social opportunities include Capitol Neighborhoods like James Madison Park or Mansion Hill.
Walkability and safety
Walkability is another thing to consider as a student renter. As mentioned above, being within walking distance of campus and local amenities will make student life much easier. Not to mention, it’s also important for your safety.
With a walk score of 81, Madison is considered a safe, pedestrian-friendly city. Some of its most walkable neighborhoods include Tenney-Lapham and State-Langdon, two areas close to academic buildings and downtown amenities. However, you’ll also find students walking or biking along Lake Monona or UW-Madison’s Arboretum Trails.
Public transportation
If you don’t have a car and plan to live farther from campus, public transportation is something you’ll want to consider. Madison has several public transportation options for locals and students alike, ranging from campus buses to city transit.
The City of Madison Metro Transit is the area’s primary bus service, offering numerous routes throughout Madison and surrounding areas like Fitchburg, Middleton, and Monona. These routes include stops throughout the UW-Madison campus, downtown, and various neighborhoods.
Students also have the option to ride the campus bus. UW campus bus routes are fare-free for students, faculty, employees, and visitors, making them a budget-friendly option for student renters. These buses serve the central campus, Eagle Heights, and nearby neighborhoods like Mifflin, State-Langdon, and Mansion Hill.
Lifestyle fit
As a student, your life in Madison will consist of busy class-filled schedules, late-night study sessions, and campus extracurriculars. So, it’s important to find an off-campus living situation that supports your student lifestyle and fits your academic and personal needs.
Perhaps your idea of stress relief is exercise. In this case, you might look for off-campus housing options with fitness centers, such as Hub on Campus Madison or NoVo. Or, if your idea of relaxation includes a night out with peers, consider places like Towers on State or Oliv Madison, each within walking distance of campus nightlife and downtown eateries.
Find Student Housing in Madison with Apartments.com
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Start by entering "Madison, WI" in the search bar. Next, use our filtering options to refine your search. Click on “Specialty Housing” and choose “Student” to access a range of tailored filters. These filters will then show options based on your specific needs, like listings within a certain distance from campus or roommate-matching options.
By leveraging these filters, you’ll find the perfect home base for your college experience in Madison. So why wait? Start your search with Apartments.com today!
FAQs
Where is the best off-campus housing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The best off-campus housing options in Madison depend on personal preferences. However, Tenney-Lapham and Marquette-Dane are two popular areas recognized for their proximity to downtown and stunning views of surrounding lakes.
Is living on or off campus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison cheaper?
Off-campus living can often be more affordable than on-campus housing, especially when renting with roommates, but it depends on the location and amenities.
What is the average cost of rent in Madison, WI?
The average cost of rent in Madison is $1,394 per month as of August 2024.
Can I bring a pet to off-campus student housing in Madison?
Many off-campus housing options in Madison allow pets, but it's essential to check the specific policies of each property and any associated fees.
Are there any specific requirements for first-year students living off-campus at UW-Madison?
No, there are no on-campus living requirements for first-year students at UW-Madison. However, most freshmen choose university housing for their first year of enrollment to fully immerse themselves in the campus community.
What utilities are typically included in off-campus housing?
Utilities like water, heat, and sometimes electricity and internet may be included in off-campus housing, but it's important to verify with the landlord what the rent covers.
