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Overview of Sun Prairie
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Sun Prairie, Wis., was home to 29,364 people in 2010. This suburban city is located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Madison, and is home to people from all walks of life. Sun Prairie residents enjoy the city's historic downtown, numerous parks, proximity to Madison and myriad winding subdivisions, as well as its reputation as a family-friendly community.
Sun Prairie was first discovered when President Martin Van Buren commissioned a group of men to build a Wisconsin state capitol. The group of men set out from Milwaukee in search of a location, which they eventually found in the Madison area. While traveling, August Bird carved the words "Sun Prairie" into a tree that he found particularly pleasing. Two years later, he returned to the area and became Sun Prairie's first resident.
Those searching for Sun Prairie apartments for rent will likely identify with Bird's sentiment. For many, Sun Prairie is a place to settle down and stay for life.
Living in Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie residents enjoy a variety of rural and urban amenities. One such urban amenity is a renowned parks and recreation department, which services 44 dynamic neighborhood parks. These 425-plus acres of natural community space provide numerous active living opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Boating enthusiasts frequently make use of nearby lakes Mendota and Monona, as well.
Known as a suburban and family-friendly community, Sun Prairie is an excellent location for raising a family. About 66 percent of Sun Prairie households are family households, and about 36 percent of homes include children younger than 18. Well-known for its state-of-the-art public school system, Sun Prairie offers a wide array of intellectual benefits. The Madison area as a whole is known for its progressive education attitude, and Sun Prairie is no exception. In 2010, a new Sun Prairie High School opened its doors to more than 7,500 students.
Sun Prairie Work and Study
Although Sun Prairie isn't home to any major college or university, a few institutes of higher learning are located within commutable distance of the city. Madison Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin, Madison are both located within about 10 miles of Sun Prairie.
Because it primarily serves as a bedroom community, Sun Prairie sees its population decline by about 13 percent on workdays due to commuting. Many residents commute to work in nearby Madison. However, Sun Prairie is a growing city with numerous business opportunities. A few of the city's top employers include Amerhart, Wolf Paving & Excavating, Wisconsin Distributors, Inc., WPPI Energy, Wal-Mart, Badger Graphic Systems, Bank of Sun Prairie, UW Health - Sun Prairie, Dean Medical Center and Pro-Active Engineering.
Rentals in Sun Prairie, WI and Cost of Living
According to City-Data, the cost of living index in Sun Prairie is 98.1, which is almost 2 percent lower than the U.S. average. Those searching for Sun Prairie apartments will want to factor commuting costs into their monthly budgets, as the city is considered car dependent. The median gross rent in the city is $841 per month.
Sun Prairie Attractions and Special Events
Sun Prairie is the birthplace of renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Though no museums are dedicated in the artist's honor, her birthplace is noted by a historical marker, and an exhibit is located at the city's historical museum. Other fascinating Sun Prairie artifacts are located at this fun local museum.
If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Sun Prairie, Wis., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.