I was asked recently what area of town I’m asked the most about and without hesitation, I answered “Middleton, WI.” It seems as if most of the clients I work with want to live there and, really, it’s not surprising. From the responsive city leadership to the acclaimed school system, there’s a whole lot to like about Middleton. If you attended the annual Good Neighbor Festival last month you, too, probably have Middleton on your mind.
There’s no doubt about it, Middleton has led a charmed life. Many cities across the country owe their birth to the railroad and, yes, Middleton is among them. But, as fortune would have it, the city was also a major wheat producer at its founding nearly 170 years ago. Good fortune piled on good fortune over the ensuing century and a half, forging Middleton as one of the Madison-area’s most popular cities.
Middleton’s location, just 10 minutes from downtown Madison, and on the western shores of Lake Mendota, no doubt has a lot to do with its popularity as well.
If you’re new to the Madison area, or just curious to know what it’s like to live in some of our communities, do read on. I have worked extensively in Middleton and I promise, it is worth getting to know.
Middleton’s Schools
Boundaries for Middleton schools have become a bit muddled over the past few years. Some of the schools on the north side are now administered by the Waunakee Community School District. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that (Waunakee schools are excellent), but if you’re set on having your kids attend Middleton Schools you should do a little research if you settle on a neighborhood such as Bishops Bay.
The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District administers six elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school and an alternative high school. The highest ranked schools in the district include Sunset Ridge Elementary, ranked 6 of 1,073 public elementary schools in Wisconsin, Glacier Creek Middle School, which sits at 13 of 606 middle schools in the state and Middleton High School which ranks 45 of the 466 public high schools in Wisconsin.
Things to do in Middleton
The jewel in Middleton’s athletic crown has got to be Keva Sports Center. With both adult leagues and youth programs there’s always something happening here and it’s ideal for those winter days when your kids have more energy than there is snow on the ground.
When the weather is nice, you’ll be happy to know that Middleton offers a public swimming pool (Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center) and an award-winning community trail system. In fact, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy trail was named among Wisconsin Travel Best Bets’ “Four Unforgettable Bike Rides.”
There’s plenty of shopping here so you really won’t need to travel to feed that need. Shop downtown or head to one of the area’s shopping centers, such as the 51-acre Greenway Station.
Shopping for homes in Middleton, Wi
There are nearly 120 single-family homes for sale in Middleton right now, ranging in price from an amazing $189,900 to $1,599,000. The median home price right now is about $500,000. The median home price for those new to real estate is the mid-point – half of the homes cost more and half cost less.
Some of the more popular neighborhoods for homebuyers include Middleton Hills, with a combination of single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments and live-work properties; Arbor Hills, where residents hold annual events, such as a garage sale and 4th of July celebration and Bishops Bay if you prefer a larger home, particularly near a golf course.
We’re happy to help you get to know Middleton as you search for your new home in the Madison, WI area. Feel free to contact us.
Photo: By James Steakley - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
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