Madison Apartments and Rentals

How is Madison just like Seattle? Is it the progressive thinking? The high-tech jobs? Maybe it's the excellent state universities that connect them? Nope. While all those answers are accurate, the precise connection is geographical. Both cities are built on isthmuses-they're the only two in the country that fit that bill. Rent a Madison apartment and you might be in for many other curious and pleasant surprises. This Midwestern city is bigger of heart and mind than many imagine.

Madison came into being back in 1829. At that time, judge James Doty bought over a thousand acres across this isthmus with the intention of building a city. Good work, right? He lobbied to have his land named the Wisconsin Territorial capital and threw some money around to seal the deal. In 1836, Doty's work came to fruition despite the fact that Madison was only a city in his dreams. They began building quickly. The University of Wisconsin came to town in 1849, shortly after the Territory became a state, and Madison grew into the great city that it is today.

To get a sense of the city of Madison, you'll want to explore its neighborhoods. State Street Downtown links the University with the Capitol. That's a good place to get started. Williamson-Marquette (or "Wil-Mar") won't let the '60s go in an eccentric, entertaining way. First Settlement is, naturally, the oldest part of town and it blends amazing views with urban intensity.

Being both the state capital and the location of the state's premiere university, it's no surprise that two of the biggest employers in Madison are the government and the school. You can find other work with a growing number of advertising, health, high-tech, and biotechnology firms. Companies including Spectrum Brands, American Family Insurance, and Alliant Energy base themselves in Madison.

If you're coming to Madison for school, it's probably the well-respected University of Wisconsin-Madison that you're after. Other institutes of higher education here include Edgewood College and Madison Area Technical College.

If you're looking to rent a Madison apartment, expect to pay $884 a month on average for a two-bedroom place. The cost of living here is above the national norm and some feel high housing prices keep Madison from perfecting its appeal. Your impression will likely depend on what your salary is. There's a reasonable vacancy rate in Madison-seven percent-so you should be able to find a rental to suit your budget.

Madison residents don't slow down, even in the frigid winter. When it's cold out, people here go out ice boating, ice-skating, ice fishing, skiing, and play hockey as if their lives depend on it. Madison has an active music scene, too, whether you prefer to catch a gig by a homegrown band like Garbage or see a concert performed by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. There are art museums, theater companies, UW Badger games, and the Henry Vilas Zoo here, as well.

Where else would the official city bird be the plastic pink flamingo? That's right: Madison, Wisconsin. While it stays fairly special year-round in this city, there are a few annul events you'll want to watch for. The Great Taste of the Midwest craft beer festival sells out in an hour, so get your tickets quick. The Rhythm and Booms 4th of July celebration includes a flyover by F-16s. You can prove how tough you are at the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon or enjoy less exertion at the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival. Freakfest on State Street is where to go for your Halloween howling at the moon.

If you're looking for an apartment for rent in Madison, search the listings on Rent.com®. Our listings of rental properties should jump-start your housing search.