Live in the oldest neighborhoods in Madison, just blocks from the state capitol. Madison is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus, and living downtown puts you right in the center of it.

Downtown Madison is where the city’s small-town feel gives way to big city culture. Hundreds of casual to fine-dining restaurants line the downtown streets, several serving food from around the world by award-winning chefs. A night on the town could consist of an upscale farm-to-table meal across the street from the Capitol building, a classy cocktail or martini at Merchant or Lucille, followed by a Broadway show at the Overture Center for the Arts, all within a few blocks.

Downtown Madison

madison neighborhood:

World-famous shows, performers, comedians, musicians and speakers cycle through the area year round. In addition to Broadway shows, concerts and performances at the Overture Center, performers regularly stop at other downtown venues, such as the Orpheum Theater, The Sylvee, Breese Stevens Field, the Alliant Energy Center, and Comedy on State.

At the heart of local business and nightlife in Madison is State Street, a pedestrian-only zone that connects UW-Madison with the Capitol Square. Unique local shops, popular coffee houses, bars and restaurants line the street.

Living on the isthmus also gives you immediate access to Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, where you can kayak, boat, paddleboard, and swim right in front of the Madison skyline. No need to own a boat either - rentals are available on the shore. Even though you’re in the city, you are still surrounded by parks, nature trails, and walking/biking trails that loop around the lakes, through parks, and to other parts of the city. If you want to feel the heart and soul of Madison daily, there’s no better location than downtown.

Live in the oldest neighborhoods in Madison, just blocks from the state capitol. Madison is one of only two major U.S. cities built on an isthmus, and living downtown puts you right in the center of it.

Downtown Madison is where the city’s small-town feel gives way to big city culture. Hundreds of casual to fine-dining restaurants line the downtown streets, several serving food from around the world by award-winning chefs. A night on the town could consist of an upscale farm-to-table meal across the street from the Capitol building, a classy cocktail or martini at Merchant or Lucille, followed by a Broadway show at the Overture Center for the Arts, all within a few blocks.

World-famous shows, performers, comedians, musicians and speakers cycle through the area year round. In addition to Broadway shows, concerts and performances at the Overture Center, performers regularly stop at other downtown venues, such as the Orpheum Theater, The Sylvee, Breese Stevens Field, the Alliant Energy Center, and Comedy on State.

At the heart of local business and nightlife in Madison is State Street, a pedestrian-only zone that connects UW-Madison with the Capitol Square. Unique local shops, popular coffee houses, bars and restaurants line the street.

Living on the isthmus also gives you immediate access to Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, where you can kayak, boat, paddleboard, and swim right in front of the Madison skyline. No need to own a boat either - rentals are available on the shore. Even though you’re in the city, you are still surrounded by parks, nature trails, and walking/biking trails that loop around the lakes, through parks, and to other parts of the city. If you want to feel the heart and soul of Madison daily, there’s no better location than downtown.