Home to one of the largest historic districts in the U.S. and spanning 133 blocks, the city of Madison attracts buyers with its charming homes and its affordable lifestyle, in Jefferson County. “Madison offers a vibrant atmosphere steeped in history and architectural beauty,” says Hannah Mahoney, communications director for the City of Madison. “It’s an ideal destination for both visitors and residents who value cultural and aesthetic appeal.” Often referred to as an "outdoor museum" because of its diverse range of 19th century architecture, many also value Madison for its prime location. Situated along the Indiana-Kentucky border, Madison is in the middle of the ‘golden triangle,’ meaning its about 100 miles from Louisville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Established as a city in 1809, Madison is named after former President James Madison and was initially utilized as a transportation hub along the Ohio River. Today, the city is home to more than 12,000 residents and top employers like the Norton King’s Daughters’ Hospital system. The community stays relevant with its vibrant Main Street filled with boutiques and eateries, and residents also look forward to long-standing traditions like the annual Madison Regatta — a high-speed boat race that takes place along the Ohio River. A combination of past and present, complete with a mix of modern amenities, Madison “Is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing amenities,” adds Mahoney.
The Madison historic district has deep roots and is beloved by the community.
Downtown Madison has lots of quaint shops you can explore.
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Victorian designs and expansive estates
Homes in Madison are frequently prioritized by buyers because “The cost of living is notably lower than in larger urban areas,” says Mahoney, adding, “The city is actively addressing housing needs through neighborhood revitalization efforts for all income levels.” With a median sales price of $230,000, homes here cost around $200,000 less than most properties in the U.S. Prices here range from as low as $60,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style fixer-upper to upwards of $700,000 for a five-bedroom newly constructed two-story Traditional with views of the Ohio River. Most homes were built in the 19th century, and as such boast Federal styles or Greek and Colonial Revival designs. The majority of the housing stock consists of established single-family homes. Those on modest lots tend to be located closer to downtown, while a few large estates with expansive acreage can be found in the northern part of this city. While much of the area consists of Victorian-era homes, new builds are also entering the market for around $700,000.
The housing options in Madison are adorable and range in a variety of price points.
Many of the historical buildings in Madison double as museums.
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City parks and the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Madison is home to several parks, sports facilities and a golf course, which combined spans a total of more than 220 acres. Residents of Madison are accustomed to humid summers and freezing winters, with warm activities lasting from June through September. Clifty Falls State Park is on the west side of the city and is popular for its community pool, picnic pavilion and campsites for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy waterfall views from their choice of 10 hiking trails. Crystal Beach Aquatic Park is on the south side along the Ohio River and is open seasonally. The park features a wading pool and slides from June through August. The public Sunrise Golf Course, on the north side, offers a 9-hole course and tee times for reservation. Nearby, the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site offers guided tours of its grounds. Known as the foundation for the Madison Historic District, the mansion is considered one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the U.S.
Clifty Falls State Park has a beautiful waterfall and lots of hiking trails available.
The Lanier Mansion is a famous historical site and museum.
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Live music and the annual Madison Regatta
In July, residents can attend the annual Madison Regatta along the Ohio River. This three-day event attracts boating enthusiasts with its collection of high-speed motorboat races. The event is held in tandem with the Roostertail Music Festival, which takes place at Bicentennial Park, and attendees can buy tickets to catch both the boat races and the live music performances. The Regatta is one of the largest hydroplane races in the U.S. and has been a highly anticipated event in Madison for over 74 years.
Grocers, boutiques and eateries on Main Street
Most residents shop on the city's north side, along State Highway 56. It connects folks to commercial hubs like River Pointe Center, which features name-brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter, Kroger and Aldi. Big-box retailers like Lowe's Home Improvement and Hobby Lobby are also available here. For fresh produce, the Madison Farmers Market is held at the Broadway Fountain on Saturdays all year long, and local shops like the Olde Tyme Marketplace, for home goods and clothing options, and McWhiggin’s Wonder Emporium, for a wide selection of children's toys, are available along Main Street. Dining options range from fast-food chains to locally owned eateries in Downtown Madison.
River Pointe Shopping center is a retail hub for many Madison residents.
The local Walmart has everything Madison residents need.
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High marks at Madison Consolidated Schools
Families in Madison are zoned for Madison Consolidated Schools, which earns a B-minus from the review site Niche. The district serves over 2,700 students and has five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Madison Consolidated High School, which also earns a B-minus rating and is known for its career readiness program, which offers trade certifications in addition to AP courses and dual enrollment classes. Private options like the Prince of Peace Schools and the Christian Academy of Madison are also available nearby. For those interested in pursuing higher education, residents look to the private Hanover College or Ivy Tech Community College. Hanover College awards degrees in more than 30 subjects and is also known as Indiana's oldest private four-year institution.
Hanover College has a sprawling campus and historic vibe.
Madison high school serves students from all over the county.
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Healthcare and daily trips on the Ohio Scenic Byway
Madison is primarily car-dependent, and residents rely on the Ohio Scenic Byway to access neighboring areas and Downtown Madison. The Byway also connects folks to U.S. Route 421 and U.S. Interstate 71 for trips into neighboring cities like Cincinnati or Louisville. Residents can schedule public rides through the Catch-A-Ride service provided by Lifetime Resources, or when traveling farther outside the city, the Louisville International Airport is 55 miles away. For healthcare, the Norton King’s Daughters’ Hospital is 5 miles from downtown.
Crime
Crime statistics specific to Madison are not readily available, but Jefferson County, which oversees Madison, saw a decline in violent and property crime in 2023, and its rates for both remain well below national figures.
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Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
