With a population of 25,260, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is a growing and diverse suburb. Located directly south of the capital city of Madison, Fitchburg is both ethnically and geographically diverse. Home to both urban complexes and thousands of acres of farms, Fitchburg is the true up-and-coming neighbor to already-established Madison.
Fitchburg is a young city, with a median age of only 32.9 years. With obvious age concentrations under 5 years and in the 25 to 35 years range, it seems that many young families are taking advantage of Fitchburg's proximity to Madison and relatively low housing costs. Fitchburg doesn't yet have the picturesque feel of nearby suburbs like Middleton or Verona, but it's certainly on its way: The population of Fitchburg increased by about 23 percent between 2000 and 2010.
Because it shares a border with southern Madison, Fitchburg's northern areas are relatively urban. This area is not the right fit for some, as it is still up-and-coming. Moving farther south, Fitchburg becomes more and more rural, with farms and rolling hills dominating the landscape. Western Fitchburg, which borders suburban Verona, primarily consists of recently-constructed suburban neighborhoods, perfect for young families who want to take advantage of Fitchburg's lower housing costs.
Many areas of Fitchburg are serviced by Madison's bus and transit services, offering gas savings for commuting residents. With Madison's famous State Street nearby, Fitchburg is a short drive from an exciting nightlife scene. During the school year, populations rise throughout the Madison area as students pour in from all parts of the world. Fitchburg is not particularly affected by the university, but University Wisconsin's presence permeates the entire Madison area.
Although the city of Fitchburg doesn't offer any colleges or universities within its city limits, University of Wisconsin - Madison is located just five miles away. UW - Madison enrolls about 37,000 full-time students each year, generating a significant burst of activity during the school months.
Many residents commute to Madison or Verona for work, but a few companies have headquarters in Fitchburg. Berbee Information Networks, Promega, Sub-Zero and the Tavern League of Wisconsin are all based in Fitchburg.
Many new residents search for Fitchburg rentals because of Fitchburg's comparatively low cost of living. Fitchburg's living cost is rated 98.6 on the cost of living index, 1.4 percent lower than the national average.
The median gross rent in Fitchburg is only $786. While gross rent costs are significantly less the U.S. average, gross rent in nearby Madison is only $842, so students and other residents can find great affordable living spaces. Residents will want to consider commuting costs in their monthly budget, as Madison's workplaces tend to be spread out throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
Because of its proximity to UW - Madison, Fitchburg's activities tend to increase during the school year. Many students live in Fitchburg and commute to Madison, favoring a cheaper and quieter lifestyle. UW football and basketball games always bring a thrill to many Fitchburg residents.
Madison's capitol building is less than 5 miles from downtown Fitchburg, offering historical and political culture. Numerous activities, such as summer concerts, farmers markets and festivals, are held in the capitol vicinity.
If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Fitchburg, Wis., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.