We Know Communities

When you are in the market for a new house, what youʼre really looking for is a home, and more than that, a community. Everyone has particular lifestyle needs that determine which house and neighborhood they choose to live in. It may be that proximity to work or school is important to you, or maybe walkability, or the presence of strong local businesses. An urban location with lots of energy might suit you, or somewhere quieter with an active community for your family.

Whatever youʼre looking for, Madison has it. There are over 120 neighborhoods in the Madison area and we work in all of them. But we do have our specialties. We know a lot about lake living, and are keyed in to several neighborhoods that we consider to be indicative of both Madisonʼs and Middletonʼs community spirit. The map above shows you where they are in the area and the links below will give you an overview of what makes each neighborhood special.

Other

Sprinkman Real Estate realtors know and love Madison and its many unique neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Yes, our focus is on certain areas of town, but we are well versed in all the Madison and Middleton neighborhoods, as well as the surrounding communities. The bottom line is that we listen intently to our client's needs and expertly guide them to the neighborhood and home that perfectly suits their lifestyle.

Lake Homes in Madison, WI

Sure, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, and the largest university in the University of Wisconsin System is here, but without our lakes it wouldn't quite be the same. Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, the two largest lakes, form the Isthmus. Lake Wingra, the smallest of the lakes, is on the near west side of Madison, and Lakes Kegonsa and Waubesa are just south of Madison. That's a lot of lake. And though each has it's own personality, so to speak, we love them all. We play on them year-round and enjoy the beauty they reflect, especially in the warmer months. A great day in Madison involves playing on the lakes all day -whether you're kayaking, sailing, fishing, tubing and so on- watching the sunset on Lake Mendota, and wrapping up with the moon rays that dance on Lake Monona at night. Definitely lake living at its best.

Near West

The near west side of Madison stretches from the University of Wisconsin campus to Hilldale mall on University Avenue, and includes neighborhoods like Vilas, Nakoma, University Heights, and the Monroe Street area. The characteristics that bind these urban neighborhoods together are the tree-lined streets, older homes with loads of character - many with beautiful historically-correct updates, and their proximity to downtown, the University, the hospitals, and University Research Park. Many people who live here do so because they can walk or bike to work, the farmer's markets, amazing restaurants, several grocery stores and shops. Home to the Arboretum, Lakes Wingra and Mendota, the Monroe Street shops and restaurants, Hilldale Mall, Sundance Theater, the Henry Vilas Zoo, bike paths, and numerous parks, there is no shortage of things to do on the near west side of Madison!

Downtown/Isthmus

Downtown Madison, sitting proudly at the center of an isthmus created by Lakes Mendota and Monona, is home to the state Capitol and the University of Wisconsin. The Capitol Square, arguably the heart of Madison, is where Madisonians gather to celebrate and enjoy our beautiful city. Every Saturday from late April to early November thousands walk counter-clockwise around the Capitol at the largest producer-only farmers market in the country. Wednesday evenings in June and July thousands more picnic on the lawn while listening to the Madison Symphony Orchestra at Concerts on the Square. Cold weather doesn't dampen our spirits either; in February the annual Winter Festival finds costumed cross country skiers and bikers braving the elements for the love of sport. A walk down State Street, with its mix of local and national shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, concert and theater venues - including the Overture Center - will bring you to the UW campus and the famed Memorial Union Terrace. There is quite possibly no finer way to spend a summer day in Madison than sitting at the Union enjoying Lake Mendota, people watching as you happily eat ice cream from Babcock's Dairy or listen to a band while you quaff a locally brewed draft.

Middleton

The editors at Money magazine aren't the only ones who think Middleton is one of the best places to live in America. The people who live there think it's pretty special, too. Called the "Good Neighbor City" for a reason, people greet each other cheerfully as they walk past on their way to the library, pool, or the Willy St. Co-op. It oozes small town charm and friendliness, for example the Good Neighbor Festival held each August, yet offers the amenities of a bigger city. Sure, it's proximity to Madison doesn't hurt, but Middleton doesn't need any help when to comes to finding things to do after work. Outdoor lovers are occupied with boating on Lake Mendota, hiking or biking through the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and splashing around in the city pool - complete with water slides. Capital Brewery offers family-friendly entertainment in it's beer garden, which is right around the corner from the world-renowned Mustard Museum. The quaint downtown area holds numerous restaurants, like Roman Candle Pizza, Vin Santo, and Villa Dolce, and boutiques with everything from the latest yoga fashions to finely crafted vases. Middleton Hills, the Prairie-inspired new urbanist neighborhood, invites community spirit by insisting that front porches face the street while relegating garages to the alleys. No matter where you move to in Middleton, you'll undoubtedly be warmly welcomed.

Maple Bluff

The Village of Maple Bluff has a little something for everyone. Situated on Lake Mendota, just northeast of downtown Madison, the neighborhood makes good use of it's natural beauty. With beaches and parks, the Maple Bluff Country Club and its amenities (an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, outdoor pool, cross country ski trails, and restaurants), lush yards with mature trees, and an amazing array of architecture, the neighborhood never fails to impress. Maple Bluff is home to not only the Governor's Mansion and several other historic houses, but also the best sunset views in Madison. Community events like concerts and movies at Beach Park, the annual Bocce Ball fundraiser, the Holiday Tree Lighting, Winterfest Carnival, and Camp YaGottaWanna to name just a few are some of the reasons residents cite for loving where they live. The fact that the neighborhood is a ten minute bike ride to downtown is a definite plus, as are the local restaurants and businesses like Manna Cafe, Cafe Bella Italia, the Esquire, Fontaine, and the Willy St. Co-op.

Shorewood Hills

Nestled on a bluff above Lake Mendota, just west of the University of Wisconsin and downtown Madison, you'll find the Village of Shorewood Hills. Known for it's leafy, tree-lined streets and wide variety of architecture ranging from Usonian to International to Moderne to Tudor, Shorewood is a highly desired Madison neighborhood. It's proximity to both the Veterans and UW Hospital, and the University make it a favorite homestead for doctors and professors who enjoy the short commute and the lively, family-friendly community. With a neighborhood pool, the McKenna boathouse (home to the canoe and kayak shared program for residents), a marina, an ice skating rink complete with warming house, a killer sledding hill, tennis courts, soccer fields, and the Blackhawk Country Club, residents are entertained year-round. And if they're looking for more, a short walk brings them to Hilldale Mall with several restaurants, Sundance Theater, and great shopping. Whole Foods is also nearby, as are well-loved restaurants like La Brioche, Noodles, and Sa Bai Thong, and Steve's Wine Market - the longest operating business in the Village. With so much to offer, it's truly an urban oasis.