1. State Street
Whether you are a shopper, bar-hopper or foodie, you will find what you are looking for living on State Street. It’s the best and worst part about living along the six-block straightaway. The variety of destinations, which are too many to list, attracts a diverse population. There is never a dull moment when people-watching and living right above the bustle.
Although there is always something to do just a short walk downstairs, keep in mind that it can serve as the ultimate school/work distraction and wallet-eater. The newer buildings tend to be pricey, but some older buildings have affordable rates. And being close to campus, Capitol Square and Lake Mendota make it worth it. Guaranteed to be the best one of your college years.
2. Camp Randall
The area west of Camp Randall offers quiet, comfortable living (except football Saturdays), and is ideal for students in engineering and medical-related fields looking for a short commute. There are relatively affordable housing options scattered throughout.
It is perhaps symbolic that Breese Terrace and its offshoot streets are in the shadow of Camp Randall for part of the day, since the stadium has both a physical and cultural dominant presence in the area. If you love Badger football and all the debauchery that accompanies game days, this is your neighborhood.
Every other day of the week, and every other season, this area is quiet, comfortable and beautiful. If you travel just two blocks West of Breese Terrace, don’t be surprised to see children playing outside.
3. Greenbush
Looking for a quieter neighborhood and don’t mind being far from the bars? Then call the Greenbush neighborhood your home. Bound by Regent Street and Park Street, it is mix of students and families, making the streets quieter than its Sophomore Slum neighbors.
Although some homes can be pricey, there are still some affordable gems throughout. Just a short walk away from Indie Coffee and the infamous Greenbush Bakery, the doughnut capital of Madison, you’re also blocks away from Vilas Zoo and Park, and South Park Street restaurants. Although Greenbush is far from downtown, it’s still within walking distance of most campus buildings. And come gameday, you’ll be perfectly situated to host the best kind of pregame: one with doughnuts. Just don’t let your rager go past your next-door neighbor’s kid’s bedtime.
4. Sophomore Slums
The townhouses surrounding Spring Street, Fahrenbrook Court and College Court are in the middle of everything. Not a far distance from most classes, the SERF, McDonald’s (who wants to walk more than a block with a hangover and a craving for a greasy sausage McMuffin?) and Regent Liquor, the neighborhood is the ideal location for the well-rounded UW-Madison student.
And, despite its reputation, not only sophomores live here and it’s by far not the crappiest place to live on campus (it’s a big step up from Sellery and Witte). The party scene here is legit, with you, your neighbors and a keg congregating in your respective courtyards in warmer months, especially on gamedays. But the townhouse complexes are not set up like high rises, so you can get a good night’s sleep for your exam Friday morning while all your friends rage on Thursday.
5. University/Gorham high rises
Steps from State Street and campus, the high rises along West Gorham are contemporary compared to many other areas in Madison, and taller than most anything around them. At night, the buildings are fueled by the revelry of floors full of $5-a-cup shindigs and the boisterous yells of partygoers.
This is an average weekend night in the high rises christened in the name of celestial phenomena (Equinox), agricultural holidays (420 W. Gorham), internationalism (Aberdeen, Embassy) or fictitious Spanish/French surnames (La Ciel, La Ville). No two nights in Madison may be the same.
At the end of the day, you’re paying big bucks for location; the liquor stores down the street and the pizza joints in the lobbies an added bonus for the weekend warriors.
6. Bassett District
The Bassett District, between Bedford Street and Broom Street consists of residential homes and offers a plethora of affordable options from Dayton to Wilson.Most homes are almost a century old, and if you’re looking for the typical college house experience look here. Many flats are spacious and you will probably have your own porch.
And during one day in May, Mifflin Street, which isn’t notably different from those it borders, transforms into the Mifflin Street Block Party, an event (whether you love it or hate it) that represents the free-spirited tone that often comes with living in the Bassett District. You’re close to Electric Earth Café and Maharani, and you’ll have a short bike ride to Bascom Hill. If you want a lot of space to do your thing at an affordable rate, these are your streets.
7. Mansion Hill
If you’re tired of the vomit-stained sidewalks of the Sophomore Slums and Langdon Street neighborhoods, it’s time to take a look beyond traditional student housing locations. The Mansion Hill neighborhood, with cheaper rental rates and proximity to Capitol Square, is an ideal place to find housing off the beaten path.
A mere 10-minute bike ride from campus and with regular bus routes connecting to areas all over Madison, Mansion Hill is perfectly situated between the shops and restaurants that surround the Square, State Street and serene James Madison Park.
But don’t be fooled by the quieter, homey demeanor—there is still a dominating student presence in Mansion Hill, accented by hole-in-the-wall gems like Pinkus McBride Market and Sophia’s Bakery & Café.
8. Langdon
Nestled between State Street and Lake Mendota, the Langdon neighborhood is a prime location if you want to be closer to Bascom Hill. Known as ‘Frat Row,’ Langdon is a mix of charming apartment buildings and greek houses. Many apartment buildings are older mansions, but there’s a mix of options to choose from.
Once you see the view of Lake Mendota you’ll look no further. Langdon is conveniently located near State Street, making it easy to head out for a bite to eat or a shopping date For those looking to blow off some steam with some a-grindin’, Langdon is the frat party capital, and there is no such thing as a quiet Friday night or gameday on Langdon. Just be ready for the hordes of freshmen heading out to TKE come welcome week.
