Madison, a city known for its unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty, is a haven for renters who prefer to navigate their neighborhoods on foot. From the lively streets of Downtown to the serene paths of Bay Creek, Madison offers a variety of pedestrian-friendly areas. Rentals are fairly expensive, though, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing $1,580.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the most walkable neighborhoods in Madison. So, get ready to discover the charm of the Wisconsin capital’s walkable neighborhoods, where every step brings a new experience.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Downtown
Walk Score: 92
Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Madison, with a Walk Score of 92. Known for its bustling city life, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
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2. State-Langdon
Walk Score: 91
State-Langdon has a Walk Score of 91, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Madison. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its historic architecture to its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Memorial Union Terrace.
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3. Marquette
Walk Score: 85
Marquette is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Marquette, like the Yahara River Parkway and the Williamson Street shopping district. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
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4. Vilas
Walk Score: 83
Vilas has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Henry Vilas Zoo to the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is Vilas Park, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. Greenbush
Walk Score: 83
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Greenbush is known for its rich history. Consider exploring Brittingham Park or getting a bite to eat at the Greenbush Bakery with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this charming community as well, like Edward Klief Park and the Italian Workmen’s Club.
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6. Tenney-Lapham
Walk Score: 81
Tenney-Lapham has a Walk Score of 81, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Madison. Known for its beautiful parks, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as Tenney Park and James Madison park. While you’re out, check out Picnic Point.
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7. Regent
Walk Score: 78
Regent is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Madison. This historic community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Camp Randall Stadium and the Monroe Street shopping district. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at the Allen Centennial Garden.
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8. Emerson East
Walk Score: 77
Emerson East has a Walk Score of 77, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Ogden’s North Street Diner, to taking a walk at Demetral Field. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Warner Park is popular among locals.
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9. Eken Park
Walk Score: 74
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Madison is Eken Park. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like the Tip Top Tavern, MOKA, and the North Street Cabaret. It’s also easy to walk over to the Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Sports Complex for a great day out.
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10. Bay Creek
Walk Score: 71
Bay Creek is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include Goodman Park and the Wingra Creek Bike Path, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
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Check out more walkable cities in Wisconsin.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.