$205,676Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A neighborhood rising up from disaster
Just west of downtown Fargo, Madison-Unicorn has a unique history. Combining industrial, commercial, and a mix of residential properties, it’s a neighborhood that likes to tout a “yes-in-my-back-yard” attitude, as some residents were quoted in the City of Fargo's recent survey of the neighborhood. One of Fargo's original core neighborhoods, it was decimated by the Fargo F5 tornado in 1957. While the storm swept across the entire region - where tornadoes aren't uncommon, with North Dakota ranked 19th in the country for number of tornadoes per year - the majority of damage and all of the fatalities occurred in the Madison-Unicorn neighborhood. However, residents persevered and rebuilt, providing Madison-Unicorn with a small-town vibe despite its vicinity to the center of town. Today, Madison-Unicorn is home to small businesses, local start-ups and adaptive reuse projects that take advantage of the community's convenient location along Interstate 29.
Convenience to downtown, jobs and more
With Interstate 29 running along the western edge of the neighborhood and Main Avenue creating the southern border, Madison-Unicorn is easy to get around. While driving is the most common means of transportation, there are some public transit options, with MATBUS stops sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. The southeastern area near Unicorn Park is walkable, and it's also possible to bike to downtown, less than a mile away. However, potential residents should note that the area around Madison Elementary is separated from downtown by industrial parks, with only the occasional sidewalk and no bike lanes. Hector International Airport is only 3 miles north, usually a 10-minute drive or less. The nearest 24-hour emergency room, Essentia Health, is less than 5 miles south and is a drive of 15 minutes or less.
There are fantastic retail shops just a short drive form the Madison-Unicorn neighborhood.
Sit back and relax in the lush Unicorn Park.
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Small homes and small lots on tree-lined streets
A mix of styles from across the eras is present in Madison-Unicorn, but homes dating back to pre-1957 are scarce due to the damage from that year's F5 tornado. Instead, the majority of properties here consist of ramblers built during the late 50s and early 60s. Homes are cozy, with many featuring footprints under 1,000 square feet. Low-slung bungalows with deep eaves are also popular, and generally sit on less than a fifth of an acre, with detached garages featuring space for a car and the necessary winter snow removal equipment. Tall elms and maples shade backyards, many of which are also fenced for privacy and keeping pets in. Most homes are located near the elementary school, meaning many neighborhood children walk to school together in the mornings. Twins and single-family detached homes can sell for between $100,000 and $275,000, although distressed properties can be found for as low as $70,000. The combination of small homes and lower prices in Madison-Unicorn means the average home value is about $100,000 below the Fargo average – making it a prime neighborhood for first-time buyers seeking a starter home.
Madison-Unicorn has a variety of homes with lush green grass.
You will see cozy homes like these in the Madison-Unicorn neighborhood.
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Top-rated Fargo schools
At the heart of the neighborhood and within walking distance for most students, Madison Elementary School receives a C-plus grade from Niche. Ben Franklin Middle School also gets a B-plus grade, while Fargo North High School earns an A-minus, thanks to high academic ratings. Niche also names it the second-best public high school in all of North Dakota and the best for STEM education in the state. The St John Paul II Catholic Schools offer a private education, with the nearest elementary school being Holy Spirit Elementary – students can then continue their Catholic education at Sacred Heart Middle School and Shanley High School on the southern end, which gets a B-plus grade. Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School sits to the south, while the North Campus, which houses sixth through twelfth grades, is near the river north of downtown. Oak Grove and St John Paul combine with Park Christian and Grace Lutheran to form the Fargo Angels Hockey Club, with the Angel’s Arena located in Madison-Unicorn.
Madison Elementary School has amazing teachers and staff.
Ben Franklin Middle School has amazing teachers and staff.
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In the halls of Brewhalla
In the neighborhood's southeastern corner, Drekker Brewing has quickly become one of the hottest spots in the city. They’re more than just beer, says Jenny Buhr, Realtor with Trilogy Real Estate and President of Doorsteps Midwest. “Drekker has this huge place, Brewhalla, they have local entrepreneurs selling things, artists, local stores and food there, events there all the time.” This includes a location for Thunder Coffee, Yeebo Sweet Shop, Luna Market Fargo and more – a one-stop shop for foodies. “Unglued is another standout with great stickers, local artist prints, home décor, and Minnesota/North Dakota clothing,” says Danni Melquist, Director of Marketing at Visit Fargo-Moorhead. “It’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir while in the area.” For groceries, Asian & American Market is the biggest international grocery store in the region, with goods from across the globe; Lotus Blossom and F-M International are two other spots to find international flavors a block west. West Acres Mall and the surrounding free-standing stores are roughly 3 miles away, home to national retailers, big box stores and franchise restaurants.
Drekker Brewing is a popular brewing company in the Madison-Unicorn area.
Come in and grab a bite of food from Unicorn Park Foodery for some tasty dishes.
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Bringing the birds and bees back
Unicorn Park provides a mix of play areas and nature. A basketball court and a playground bring out neighborhood kids in the warm weather. At the same time, those looking for a relaxing stroll can walk the recreational trails through the restored prairie habitat. It’s part of Audubon Dakota’s Urban Woods & Prairie Initiative, which revitalizes lands to bring native flora and fauna back into the cities.
Madison-Unicorn is a great neighborhood with walkability to many attractions.
Madison-Unicorn is close proximity to downtown Fargo.
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A local church focuses on bringing the community together
The Neighborhood Church, formerly Golden Ridge Lutheran Church, hosts neighborhood activities, including picnics, a Trunk-or-Treat event in late October and Christmas events. Residents also head downtown for the Red River Market, bringing local vendors together on Saturdays from July through October for over a decade. The Red River Valley Fair brings national recording artists to town over ten days in the summer, with food, rides and games. The Downtown Fargo Street Fair closes the heart of downtown to allow residents to stroll around and browse the wares of local vendors and artisans, with local musicians providing the soundtrack.
Visit the annual North Dakota Renaissance Fair for an amazing time every August.
Pride in the Park is an annual event close with a variety of activities.
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Notorious Fargo weather gets a break
Melquist acknowledges that people have a vision of Fargo and the notorious winters fit in with that vision. The city has made an effort to help people break the winter blues. She says, “Frostival brings the community together with outdoor and indoor activities over a 10-day span.” Events from cardboard sled races to snow volleyball and sculpture competitions help Fargoans keep their community spirit alive even in the darker months of late January and early February.
Written By
Andrew Tyson
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
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Katie Johansen
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties
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On average, homes in Madison-Unicorn, Fargo sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Madison-Unicorn, Fargo over the last 12 months is $232,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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