Fitchburg, located south of Madison, is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Madison metro and is known for its mix of city convenience and rural charm. “Fitchburg's proximity to Madison provides residents with the advantages of both city amenities and the tranquility of rural life,” says Katherine Minski-Kirchner, the marketing & communications director with the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor & Business Bureau.
An unusual history has led to Fitchburg becoming one of the most unique municipalities in America, as it transitioned from a township to a city in the 1980s to ward off annexation by Madison. “By landmass, it’s one of the largest cities in the area,” says Stuart Meland, a real estate agent with Madcity Homes. “Ninety percent of Fitchburg is farmland, yet it’s called a city. But it doesn’t have a downtown. It doesn’t have a school district. People don’t always know what to make of it.”
While the area is growing fast, rolling Wisconsin farmland and evidence of Fitchburg’s agricultural roots are still only a few miles away.
Fitchburg consists partly of rural farmland, but also offers the conveniences of city life.
Fitchburg offers country, suburban, and city living all in one city.
1/2
Homes of all kinds across new exurbs, older neighborhoods and affluent suburbs
Fitchburg offers a range of housing styles. Split-levels, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals are common throughout the area. Older neighborhoods like Tower Hill Park lie close to newer developments like Quarry Hill. Homes in these areas might sell for between $350,000 and $550,000, while prices can climb near $1 million in the affluent Harlan Hills neighborhood.
The median price for a single-family home in Fitchburg is about $470,000, which is higher than the national median of $420,000 and the Madison median of $440,000. Homes stay on the market an average of 54 days, a little longer than the national average and significantly longer than the Madison average of 18 days.
Colorful split level homes in Fitchburg bring plenty of character to the neighborhood.
Fitchburg Colonial revival homes feature classic symmetry.
1/2
Madison, Verona and Oregon schools serve Fitchburg
Fitchburg is home to the Sub-Zero Group, a kitchen appliance company, and Promega, a biotechnology company. Other major employers in the Madison area are the University of Wisconsin and Epic Systems, a medical software firm located not far from Fitchburg in Verona.
Due to its unique municipal history, Fitchburg students can attend one of three nearby districts. The Madison Metropolitan School District is the area’s largest and earns a B-plus grade from Niche. The Oregon School District earns an A-minus, and the Verona Area School District earns an A. Eagle School is a private school serving grades kindergarten through eighth grades.
The Eagle Middle School, a private school in Fitchburg is an alternative to public schools.
Children can attend Savana Oaks Middle School in Fitchburg.
1/2
Expansive cycling infrastructure woven through the area
Fitchburg is dotted with small neighborhood parks, well used by its active and outdoorsy population. “Fitchburg is often described as a "City in Motion," not just because of the growth in recent years, it also aptly describes what an active community this is,” Minski-Kirchner says. McKee Farms Park is a large park in the Tower Hill neighborhood that hosts several summer events, including Concerts at McKee and the Festa Italia. Four Winds Farm hosts workshops and events showcasing Fitchburg’s rural character.
The city is especially known for its cycling infrastructure. “Fitchburg has positioned itself as a central hub for biking enthusiasts,” Minski-Kirchner says. “It’s recognized as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.” Paved paths stretch through Madison and into surrounding communities, even south past the Illinois border. Quarry Ridge Recreation Area is a regional mountain biking destination, while the Military Ridge Trail, Badger State Trail and Capital City Trail see frequent use for both recreation and commuting.
Quarry Hill Recreation Area features popular mountain biking trails in Fitchburg.
Dog-parents can take advantage of the many parks and trails in Fitchburg.
1/2
Getting around Dane County
For transportation beyond biking, Fitchburg residents can access Madison’s Beltline Highway via either Fish Hatchery or Verona roads. Madison bus routes serve Fitchburg. Downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin are about 7 miles north , and the Dane County Regional Airport is about 13 miles northeast.
UW Health has a clinic in Fitchburg. The closest hospital, SSM Health’s St. Mary’s Hospital, is 6 miles away via Fish Hatchery Road.
Delta Beer Labs, Hop Haus and the Great Dane pour craft beer
Fitchburg is home to three craft breweries: Hop Haus, The Great Dane and Delta Beer Labs. “All three rotate on-tap beers throughout the year, so there's always an opportunity to try something new,” Minski-Kirchner says. Quivey’s Grove serves authentic Wisconsin classics like Friday fish fry, fried cheese curds, and specials and other pub grub in its restored 19th century buildings.
A Target and several grocery stores lie along McKee Road, as do smaller shops and chain restaurants. There’s an AMC IMAX theater on McKee Road.
Choose from a selection of delicious craft beers at Hop Haus in Fitchburg.
Christy's Landing has been a lakeside favorite of Fitchburg residents for over 80 years.
1/2
Continued planning for future growth
Fitchburg is expected to continue growing rapidly, as is much of the Madison area. Fitchburg's local government has developed the “Growing Fitchburg 2030” plan, focused on principles of sustainability, equity, vibrancy, and cooperation to guide the area into the next phase of its existence.
Important to know
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Fitchburg’s violent crime rate has fluctuated repeatedly over the past five years. It is typically lower than the national average in winter and sometimes higher than in other parts of the year. Property crime rates are also highly variable, though they have typically been below the national average over the past five years.
Summers in Fitchburg are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. The Madison area averages over 50 inches of snow per year.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
