Nakoma Neighborhood

Welcome to Nakoma! Located on Madison's near West Side, Nakoma's tree-lined streets are dotted with prairie stone walls, decorative guard houses and 800 historic homes dating from the first half of the 20th century. Nakoma is known for its views overlooking Blackhawk golf course, Lake Wingra, and the UW Arboretum which features a spring fed duck pond and mallard ducks. The Nakoma neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Read more...

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More about Nakoma

More reminiscent of a country suburb with winding roads than a city suburb, Nakoma boasts its own water supply, a private bus service and a considerable amount of real estate dedicated to green spaces, especially considering Nakoma borders the Arboretum. Nakoma’s beautiful green spaces are dedicated to parks, tennis courts, Nakoma Country Club, and Blackhawk, a private golf course with restaurant and pool.

Nakoma History

The name Nakoma is a Native American Chippewa word meaning “I do as I promise”. The hills of Nakoma overlooking Lake Wingra are said to be used by the Native American Ho-Chunk people and their ancestors as campsites. In 1915 Nakoma was developed featuring curvilinear streets, thus respecting the natural contours of the landscape. As a result, the Nakoma neighborhood is divided into several areas with the names of Indian nations such as Manitou and Cherokee corresponding to streets in each area.

Nakoma Home Styles

Platted in 1915, Nakoma is home to some of the finest examples of architectural styles such as Greek Revival, Craftsman, Prairie, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, French Provincial, International Style, Normal Revival Style, Modern, and 1.5 story bungalows (five, to be exact). It is a neighborhood as picturesque now as it ever was. A walking tour of Nakoma’s superb historic homes was developed in 2002 for those wishing to delve deeper into Nakoma's architectural history. Nakoma's walking tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the rich history and architectural styles of a bygone era so prevalent throughout the neighborhood.

The Nakoma Lifestyle

The Nakoma neighborhood features many social events reserved exclusively for Nakoma residents including The Fall Gathering, Children’s Halloween Party, The Twelfth Night Dinner & Theatre, Spring Egg Hunt in Nakoma Park, Tulip Time Progressive Dinner in neighborhood homes, and the Fourth of July Picnic and Parade in Nakoma Park.

 "Living in Nakoma is like a feast for the eyes. Every glance you take is a reminder of the beauty & quaintness of a bygone era." -A Nakoma Resident

Looking for more? Discover more homes for sale in these popular Near West Side Madison neighborhoods.


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